FCC approves D* satellite move
FCC Approves DirecTV Satellite Switch
The International Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission granted a request from DirecTV to temporarily relocate its DirecTV 1 satellite from its current position at 101 degrees to the 72.5-degree orbital location.
The order also came with blanket authority allowing the satellite to communicate with 1 million consumer dishes, which will help support DirecTV's local TV service from the 72.5-degree location. The orbital slot is a Canadian-controlled location licensed to Telesat Canada which DirecTV is using through an agreement between the companies.
Customer traffic will be handed off from DirecTV 5 to DirecTV 1 while the satellites are briefly co-located at 72.5 degrees. Once the hand-off is completed, DirecTV has proposed using DirecTV 5 to replace a failing satellite, DirecTV 6, which resides at the 110-degree orbital location.
The International Bureau said in its order that DirecTV 6 has experienced repeated solar array failures, including issues that occurred as recently as March.
FCC Approves DirecTV Satellite Switch
The International Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission granted a request from DirecTV to temporarily relocate its DirecTV 1 satellite from its current position at 101 degrees to the 72.5-degree orbital location.
The order also came with blanket authority allowing the satellite to communicate with 1 million consumer dishes, which will help support DirecTV's local TV service from the 72.5-degree location. The orbital slot is a Canadian-controlled location licensed to Telesat Canada which DirecTV is using through an agreement between the companies.
Customer traffic will be handed off from DirecTV 5 to DirecTV 1 while the satellites are briefly co-located at 72.5 degrees. Once the hand-off is completed, DirecTV has proposed using DirecTV 5 to replace a failing satellite, DirecTV 6, which resides at the 110-degree orbital location.
The International Bureau said in its order that DirecTV 6 has experienced repeated solar array failures, including issues that occurred as recently as March.