When
Charlie Ergan set out to start DISH Network in 1996, he sought to bring
the public a better direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) than the
one DirecTV was offering. As the Chairman and CEO of Echostar Communications,
Charlie Ergan and technicians employed a high frequency satellite signal
capable of transmitting higher power signals, allowing them to supply
a satellite dish as small as 18 inches for reception, paving the way for
what would grow into one of the premiere satellite television providers.
It was only four months after DISH Network became available that they had attained the subscriptions of 100,000 eager customers. Now with over ten million happy customers, their success shows no signs of slowing. In fact, DISH Network was the first satellite
TV provider to offer local channels to all fifty states, and they are consistently ranked number one in customer satisfaction in a J.D. Power and Associates survey of Cable/Satellite TV subscribers.
It was only four months after DISH Network became available that they had attained the subscriptions of 100,000 eager customers. Now with over ten million happy customers, their success shows no signs of slowing. In fact, DISH Network was the first satellite
TV provider to offer local channels to all fifty states, and they are consistently ranked number one in customer satisfaction in a J.D. Power and Associates survey of Cable/Satellite TV subscribers.
In
1995 they launched their first satellite, Echostar I, from Xichang, China.
Today, DISH Network boasts a total of nine satellites to service the entirety
of the United States. DISH Network remains committed to creating the future
of satellite television, and they seem to be achieving just that. DISH
Network has more bandwidth than DirecTV, and was the first company to
offer a DVR, or digital video recorder, built into its satellite TV receiver.
Most recently they have branched out to form strategic partnerships with
other companies looking towards the future. In 2004, Sirius Satellite
Radio and DISH Network came together to create DISH’s audio-only
channel section, bringing digital radio stations directly to your television.
In-flight TV became available to all passengers on board Song airlines
when the two companies banded together. Also quite exciting is DISH Network’s
latest pursuit of high-definition (HD) television. Seizing an great opportunity,
DISH Network purchased the exclusive programming of defunct Cablevision
satellite TV provider Voom, offering the first 10 of its 21 HD, or high-definition,
channels. Soon, DISH Network hopes to offer all 21 Voom channels, blazing
the way into HD programming.
Setting the standard for quality in performance and rogramming,
DISH Network’s innovative approach to the satellite television industry is sure to make them the dominating presence in the market.
Setting the standard for quality in performance and rogramming,
DISH Network’s innovative approach to the satellite television industry is sure to make them the dominating presence in the market.
