Cablevision Plans To Compete Head-to-head with Satellite TV Providers

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.–New York-based cable TV operator, Cablevision Systems [NYSE: CVC], plans to use its Rainbow 1 satellite scheduled for launch this evening to compete head-to-head with existing satellite TV providers, DirecTV and EchoStar Communications [Nasdaq: DISH], said Wilt Hildenbrand, executive vice president of engineering and technology for Cablevision.

The satellite also could be used to supplement Cablevision’s existing cable TV services, Hildenbrand said during a press briefing this afternoon.

He disputed assertions that the satellite, which will be located at 61.5 degrees W, would not be able to cover the entire continental United States. However, some technical adjustments might have to be made to dishes for subscribers on the West Coast, he added.

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