|
I don't think Loral would be interested in DISH. Mr. Schwartz , if I remember correctly, said something about not getting into the highly competitive US DTH business. With the SatMex acquisition, Loral will be broadcasting into Mexico, but I don't know if they are starting any DTH service there--highly unlikely with two DTH systems already fighting over a very small, and poor, pie. They have 3 birds there, plus Morelos III will launch in 98 and cover North and South America. There is also a law/treaty that gives SatMex exclusive rights to transmission for the next year. I have looked at DISH--I didn't like the debt and the $400 upfront loss that each new subscriber brings, plus the big gun competition. On the other hand, they will have 4 birds up soon, 6 total slots, and a CEO that appears to be tough. I wonder what they will do with the excess capacity on Echostar III & IV. Loral Skynet handles their TT&C, so perhaps there will be some kind of deal with extra Echostar transponders, but I am just speculating. Loral really needs more coverage outside the US, like in Asia and Europe. I think that's where you will see the next acquisition. As far as an acquisition hurting the manufacturing business, that is not a problem. You have little choice--go to Hughes and you get DirectTV owners. There is no capacity now, so companies take whoever they can get. By the way ,as fate would have it, I just activated my DISH Network this morning! Definitely is the best value out there. |
