| According to one encyclopedia definition, DISH | | | | Though the DISH Network satellite service is now |
| Network "is a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service | | | | wildly successful, the project had difficulties in the |
| that provides satellite television and audio programming | | | | beginning. Several attempts to launch a satellite failed |
| to households and businesses in the United States." | | | | before EchoStar I was successfully orbiting in 1995. In |
| Have access to more than 3,500 TV channels Click | | | | the past 12 years, the number of households |
| here This service is provided by EchoStar | | | | subscribing to DISH Network has risen from about |
| Communications Corporation. | | | | 20,000 to more than 11 million. |
| Started more than 10 years ago (1996) the network is | | | | According to figures from the company, EchoStar |
| a direct competitor to cable television companies in the | | | | Communications Corporation serves more than 11.3 |
| U.S. In 1987, EchoStar applied for a DBS license with | | | | million satellite TV customers through DISH |
| the Federal Communications Commission and was | | | | Network®, and is a leading U.S. provider of |
| granted access to geostationary orbital slot 119° | | | | advanced digital television services. New figures for |
| West longitude in 1992, according to the company's | | | | 2007 indicate that the company has more than 13 |
| Web site. | | | | million customers. As with cable service, satellite |
| Telstar was the first satellite to send a television signal. | | | | broadcast service includes such options as "regular" |
| The transmission was relayed from Europe to the | | | | video/audio programs, pay-per-view, high definition |
| satellite over North America in 1962. Canada launched | | | | programming and more. |
| a satellite in 1972 to carry TV signals. History records | | | | DISH Network is available throughout the U.S. including |
| that the first commercial satellite was the Early Bird | | | | Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. A larger receiving dish |
| (1965). The former Soviet Union developed the first | | | | is usually needed to get a good signal outside the |
| nationwide network for satellite service in 1967. | | | | continental U.S. Areas outside the continental United |
| If you are and you also hate to pay expensive cable | | | | States will usually need a larger dish to receive an |
| television bills Click here | | | | adequate signal. |