EchoStar has temporarily stopped Starband shipments to retailers ...
EchoStar has temporarily stopped Starband shipments to retailers in effort to correct problems during installation of satellite Internet service. EchoStar informed retailers of decision in letter last week. Company said improper installation of 2-way Starband satellite dish could cause…
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interference with other satellites. To date, no other companies have lodged interference complaints, FCC spokesman said. EchoStar spokesman said company planned to hold more training sessions on installation with Starband retailers in effort to correct problem. “As soon as we improve the installation process, then we plan to continue shipments.” EchoStar spokesman said Starband problems weren’t unusual or serious: “This is not unique for a 2-way satellite service that’s being done for the first time on a consumer level.” Current Starband customers won’t be affected, but there could be as many as 300 subscribers to service who need corrections to current installation, EchoStar said. Starband indicated concern about impact of EchoStar’s decision on business that still is trying to gain traction in difficult market. “We were disappointed that EchoStar placed a temporary hold on shipping new units based on any potential cross-polarization issues with units previously shipped and installed,” company said: “In our view, no basis exists for linking the cross-polarization issue with a halt in new shipments since the cross-polarization issue affects only certain units that were previously installed, albeit incorrectly, by a limited number of installers. The issue has been resolved.”