Program: Tempo

DBS satellite program operated by Tempo Satellite Inc. Aimed at direct TV broadcasting to Conus, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The 2 satellites costed $487 million

Since TCI ( Tsat) couldn't get its own GEO slot, they tried to operate a DBS service from a Canadian slot, but the FCC refused. In Jan 1999 it was announced that Hughes Electronics wants to acquire Tempo and other satellite TV business stuff. Cost: $1.82 billion, $500 for Tempo alone DirecTV will operate the medium-power PrimeStar business for a period of approximately two years, during which time it will try to move subscribers to to the high-power DirecTV service. FCC has approved the merger in mid-Feb 1999.

Hughes completed the acquisition in Jun 1999. They now own the 2 satellites and the broadcast licence at 119°W. The satellites will be used in the DBS program.

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