Dish Network will get more HD channels next year thanks to a successful launch of the Ciel II satellite. The satellite was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, and achieved orbit yesterday.
This was a huge success for Echostar/Dish Nework, who suffered a failed launch back in March this year from the same location in Kazakhstan. The Ciel II will provide additional high definition broadcasts for the North American market, including the expansion of local HD channels.
Brian Neill, chairman of the Ciel Satellite Group, said, “Last evening’s launch of Ciel II is a keystone event in the foundation of Ciel, Canada’s newest satellite operating company. Now that the spacecraft has delivered an initial signal, Ciel’s investors and our customer, DISH Network, can look forward to Ciel II’s operation early next year.”
