EchoStar in comments last week told the FCC that it won’t have enough capacity by Feb ’09 to simultaneously carry broadcasters’ HD and standard-def digital signals. The agency could soon enact such dual carriage mandates. “It is critical to understand that EchoStar will not physically be able to transition all broadcasters from analog to digital at midnight on February 17, 2009,” wrote the satcaster, adding that “even conducting the transition over a matter of many months would be a substantial hurdle.” While noting an approx $5K/customer equipment cost for each broadcast transition, EchoStar is asking the FCC to mandate broadcaster signal provision starting now and to stage broadcaster/MVPD summits to address related issues.

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CFX Review: The Five Industry Stories that Defined 2025

Sometimes, to look forward, you’ve got to look back. As we head into 2026, the CFX editors reflect on the year that was, recapping what they believe were the five biggest stories of the past 12 months.

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