The EchoStar-10 satellite will be among tools EchoStar needs to c...

technology is coupled with EchoStar’s move several years ago to deploying 8-phase-shift keying (PSK) technology, a digital modulation scheme that conveys data by changing the reference signal phase. EchoStar-10, launched in Feb., is expected to go into service the 2nd quarter at 110 degrees W. It has 49 spot beams using 42 140 w traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) and will enable the satellite service to expand delivery of local HD programming, the company said. EchoStar delivers local programming in 164 markets in the U.S., but only 13 in HD, it said. EchoStar aims to cover more than 50% of U.S. households with local HD programming by year-end, the company said. EchoStar-10 will replace transponder space EchoStar leases on SES Americom’s AMC-15 bird at 105 degrees W. for delivery of local channels, the company said. In seeking to expand its service, EchoStar expects a Space Systems/Loral satellite to be built by 2007. It got FCC approval earlier this month of a critical review design milestone for its Ka-band license for operating a satellite at 117 degrees W., the company said. It has licenses for 97 degrees W. and 113 degrees W. that require construction and launch of satellites by Dec. 2008 and Oct. 2009, respectively. EchoStar leases transponders on SES’s AMC-16 bird at 85 degrees W. for local channels and possible Internet services. SES has asked the FCC to relocate the satellite to 118.7 degrees W. Among EchoStar’s fleet of 11 in-orbit satellites, the craft it acquired in Nov. from Cablevision at 61.5 degrees W. is being used in a 13- transponder, 270 w per channel configuration for delivery of local channels and other programming, the company said. It can be used with 22 spot beams. Meanwhile, AT&T deemphasized sales of the EchoStar service the 2nd half of 2005, but made a deal to modify and extend the pact in Q4, EchoStar said. AT&T predecessor SBC Communication began selling the EchoStar service in May 2004. Under the new pact, EchoStar assumes gear and installation costs of acquiring new subscribers via AT&T, EchoStar said. EchoStar has revealed little of plans for a satellite-based Internet access service, but has set up EchoStar Data Network Corp. (EDNC) in Atlanta. EDNC sells gear for distributing Internet and other content via satellite. Samina-SCI remains EchoStar’s top receiver supplier with JVC and Celetronix also providing models, EchoStar said. Meanwhile, EchoStar settled a 1999 suit claiming the firm violated warranties when it described the satellite service with expressions “crystal clear digital video,” “CD-quality audio” and “on-screen program guide.” No terms disclosed. The suit was filed in Cal. Superior Court by David Pritkin and nonprofit Consumer Advocates. A judge last year rejected a motion to grant class action status to the suit (CED March 17/05 p3).