Boeing announced on Monday that the DIRECTV 11 satellite successfully took orbit and will start transmitting additional HD channels this Fall. The satellite was originally launched on March 19 by Sea Launch from the Pacific Ocean.
The DIRECTV 11 satellite is expected to expand DirecTV’s high-definition offerings up to 150 national channels, and increase local HD channels in over 100 markets. DirecTV currently offers approximately 100 HD channels in their service areas. The increase in high-definition channels will keep DirecTV ahead in the highly competitive market, at least for the meantime.
Said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems based in El Segundo, CA, “The spacecraft was handed over eight days ahead of schedule, and we are pleased to have a role in assisting DIRECTV with the expansion of their service to customers.”
