The satcaster launched the new satellite, DIRECTV 11, in March. Once operational, it will enable DIRECTV to offer up to 150 national HD channels. (It now offers about 95.)
DIRECTV also plans to use the satellite to expand its delivery of local HD channels to more than 100 markets, representing 84 percent of U.S. TV households.
The company said the DIRECTV 11 should be operational in September. Until then, it's unlikely that DIRECTV will have sufficient capacity to add a significant number of new high-def channels.
In recently filed documents, the FCC said DIRECTV has 30 days to test the satellite, beginning May 25.
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