Dish Network affiliate EchoStar announced that it had successfully launched its EchoStar XVI Ku Band satellite which was constructed by Space Systems/Loral or SS/L. The launch took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Tuesday. The bird was brought to its geostationary orbit at at 61.5 degrees west longitude by the International Launch Service.
According to Echostar, the XVI - the 22nd satellite of their fleet - will be fully leased to Dish Network for DTH services and broadcasting solutions to DISH customers. The bird will also expand the high-definition programming of the company.
Recently, Dish Network was in the news for a rumored partnership with Google in the development of a robust wireless network. Also last month, the company launched its internet from satellite service aimed at delivering high-speed broadband access to rural clients.
