Bye-bye birdie: Telstar 401 loss leaves lasting impression. (AT&T satellite equipment failure)(Domestic Satellites) From: Broadcasting & Cable | Date: January 27, 1997| Author: Dickson, Glen | COPYRIGHT 1997 Reed Business Information. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

The loss of AT&T's Telstar 401 satellite has created a shortage of transponder space for television broadcasters. AT&T lost contact with the satellite on January 11, 1997. Platinum service customers were moved to a different satellite, pushing out other customers. Prices for Ku-band space have increased 40 to 50% and C-band prices also jumped. Capacity is not expected to improve until new satellites are launched, beginning with GE-3 in late 1997.

Telstar 401 loss leaves a lasting im...