Dish Network effort to compete with DirecTV in high-definition expansion failed last week as AMC-14, new satellite failed to reach the orbit. Dish Network was leasing The AMC-14 satellite to use it for the expansion of its high-definition offerings. This failure will have a huge impact on its 100 national high-definition channels by the end year 2008 expansion plan.
International Launch Services (IIS) has reported that “anomaly during today’s Proton mission with the AMC-14satellite” on its website. The satellite lifted off on its scheduled local time 5:18 A M from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and completed the first stage and the second burn failed and the satellite did not reach its orbit.
Dish Network, which had plans to compete with DirecTV by delivering 100 channels by the year end, had taken a huge blow after this failure. Dish Network CEO Charlie has stated during 4th quarter conference call that they are planning to launch three satellites this year.
With DirecTV launching its DIRECTV 11 along with DIRECTV 10, already in the orbit is expected to deliver 150 national and 1500 local high-definition channels. If DIRECTV 11 goes well and started delivering HD channels Dish Network with its satellite failure will really be knocked out of competition.
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