The Beginnings of Dish Network
Not all internationally known companies have inspiring stories to tell, but Echostar Communications Corp., which is better known for its trade name Dish Network, certainly has a motivating success story to share.
A Humble Start
Back in 1980, married couple Charles “Charlie” Ergen and his spouse Cantey, together with their friend James DeFranco, decided to set up a small C-band satellite TV retailing business from a small town in Colorado. It was the year 1980 and seven years down the road, EchoStar saw and took a golden opportunity that would allow the business to expand into a state of the art producer of satellite receiving equipment.
This opportunity lied in the country’s need for home satellite service. Echostar was one of the first companies to spot this need and consequently applied to the FCC for a license for direct broadcasting. Five years later, the FCC finally granted its approval. Echostar was now the proud owner of a much-desired 119° orbital location, which could be used for their satellite in the near future.
Fundraising Effort
Launching a satellite is definitely an expensive venture and for two years, Echostar worked hard to raise enough capital to have their dreams come into reality. Finally, in 1994, Echostar managed to accumulate enough funds to launch a pair of DBS satellites – Lockheed Martin 7000 series, to be specific. Not only that, but they also had enough funding to build a satellite uplink center in Cheyenne, Wyoming on November 14, 1994.
A New Beginning
The launching of Echostar I was a huge success. This momentous occasion took place at Xichang China on December 28, 1995. No other satellite could rival what Echostar I was able to offer with each of its sixteen DBS band Ku transponders providing an output of 130 watts. With such powerful capabilities, subscribers would able to enjoy satellite TV with a small 18 inch satellite dish.
Important Firsts for Echostar
Original Echostar 3000 32 bit system was introduced to the market in 1996. Vis a vis other RCA DSS 8 bit systems, what Echostar offered was superior by far. Its system was affordably priced at $199. Its famous subscription package, America’s Top 40, was equally affordable at $19.95 and offered over forty digital video channels as well as thirty digital audio channels.
Dish Network customers enjoyed the company’s first public broadcast on Marc h 16, 1996. By the end of 1997, the company celebrated having its one millionth customer.
For Dish Network with local programming call 1-866-580-0687 or order online today!
For DIRECTV including local programming call 1-866-768-1216 or order online today!
DIRECTV transmits digital satellite signals to households across the United States as well as Latin America. For subscribers in Alabama & Hawaii, these subscribers must maintain a different type of satellite dish.
Dish Network offers its subscribers a large package base to choose from. With local programming only an additional $5 a month and no additional equipment required to view this programming, subscribers are happy to maintain their neighborhood broadcasts.
As a television viewer, we recognize the importance of having local channel programming. With a new satellite TV subscription, the importance and ease of finding a provider who offers local channel programming is atop a priority list for new subscribers.
