Dish Network has successfully deployed its 700 MHz spectrum as part of Sinclair, Nexstar and Univision’s ATSC 3.0 single frequency network (SFN) trial in Dallas.
Dish used its 700 MHz E Block spectrum (formerly broadcast channel 56) to test transmission and reception of the ATSC 3.0 next-generation TV broadcast standard. Dish said its E Block licenses cover about 95% of the country and could be used for dedicated reverse link channel for broadcast data applications.
“We’re seeking innovative ways of bringing next generation technologies and services, like ATSC 3.0, to American consumers,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president of corporate development at Dish, in a statement. “This trial helps us not only pursue opportunities with ‘Next Gen’ TV technology, but also identify synergies with our IoT and future 5G plans, for example broadcasting data to connected cars.”
“We are thrilled that one of the most innovative companies in telecom and media has joined Nexstar, Sinclair, Univision and American Tower in our Dallas SFN project. Dish’s involvement underscores that ATSC 3.0 is much more than the most transformational upgrade of broadcast television technology in history. It’s the foundation of a robust new ecosystem of advanced services. The wireless economy is quickly outgrowing one-size-fits-all solutions. We look forward to working with Dish, broadcasters and others to bring exciting new capabilities online,” said Spectrum Co. President John Hane in a statement.
RELATED: Dish allocates up to $1B for wireless network buildout through 2020
Earlier this year, Dish announced that it would be spending between $500 million and $1 billion to build out the first phase of its wireless network.
“Since 2008, we have directly invested over $11 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets and made over $10 billion in non-controlling investments in certain entities, for a total of over $21 billion,” Dish wrote in its recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. “In March 2017, we notified the FCC that we plan to deploy a next-generation 5G-capable network, focused on supporting narrowband Internet of Things ('IoT'). The first phase of our network deployment will be completed by March 2020, with subsequent phases to be completed thereafter. We may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize our wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers.”
Dish’s involvement in the Dallas SFN trials come after American Tower jumped in on the project earlier this year.
The SFN will allow for the testing, validation and deployment of next-generation broadcast services including improved over-the-air reception, immersive audio, deeper indoor reception, mobile reception, zoned programming/advertising, automotive services and advanced emergency alerting.