Cable TV
DirecTV launches two satellites to increase HD & 4K capacity
MUMBAI: DirecTV is expanding its satellite fleet in both the US and Latin America with the dual launch of two new spacecraft that will significantly increase HD capacity, further secure the future of 4K Ultra HD and backup DirecTV ’s existing satellite fleet.
DirecTV -15 (D-15), a versatile all CONUS (Continental United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico) beam satellite, and Sky Mexico-1 (SKYM-1), Sky Mexico’s first owned-and-operated satellite has been successfully launched on a single ARIANE 5 launch vehicle operated by Arianespace from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
D-15, a more than six ton spacecraft designed and built by Airbus Defence and Space, will be the first DirecTV satellite with the capability to operate in all five DirecTV US orbital slots and in all frequency bands (Ku, Ka and Reverse Band). This is the first all CONUS beam DirecTV satellite to launch in 10 years, and it will expand national capacity for both HD and 4K Ultra HD channels, as well as provide critical backup for existing CONUS transponders.
Controllers made contact with both satellites confirming that all systems are functioning properly.
“We congratulate the launch team and our partners, Arianespace, Airbus Defence and Space, and Orbital ATK on a spectacular and historic launch. D-15, the most versatile spacecraft in the fleet and the robust SKYM-1, secure DirecTV ’s ability to continue delivering the best video experience with the most advanced technology,” said DirecTV senior vice president, space and communications Phil Goswitz.
SKYM-1, weighing in at more than three tons, was built by Orbital ATK on its flight-proven GEOStar-2 platform. The new satellite will double HD capacity for Sky Mexico and provide direct-to-home broadcast services to Mexico, Central America, Cuba and the Caribbean.
D-15, the seventeenth satellite launched for DirecTV and the twelfth owned and currently operated satellite in the DirecTV fleet, will be positioned at 103 degrees West longitude and is designed to provide service for more than 15 years.
SKYM-1 will be positioned at the 79 degrees West longitude orbital slot adding to the IS-21 satellite capabilities at 58 degrees West longitude, and will have a life span of more than 18 years.
In December of 2014 DirecTV successfully launched D-14, which became operational in Q2 of this year.
MUMBAI: When margins wobble, liquidity talks and in Q3 FY25-26, cash did most of the talking. Den Networks Limited closed the December quarter with consolidated revenue of Rs.251 crore, marginally higher than the previous quarter but down 4 per cent year-on-year, even as profitability stayed resilient on the back of strong cash reserves and disciplined cost control.
Subscription income softened to Rs.98 crore, slipping 3 per cent sequentially and 14 per cent from last year, while placement and marketing income offered some cheer, rising 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs.148 crore. Total costs climbed faster than revenue, up 7 per cent QoQ to Rs.238 crore, driven largely by higher content costs and operating expenses. As a result, EBITDA dropped sharply to Rs.13 crore from Rs.19 crore in Q2 and Rs.28 crore a year ago, pulling margins down to 5 per cent.
Yet, the bottom line refused to blink. Profit after tax stood at Rs.40 crore, up 15 per cent sequentially and only marginally lower than last year’s Rs.42 crore. A healthy Rs.57 crore in other income helped cushion operating pressure, keeping profit before tax at Rs.48 crore, broadly stable quarter-on-quarter despite the tougher cost environment.
The real headline-grabber, however, sits on the balance sheet. The company remains debt-free, with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs.3,279 crore as of December 31, 2025. Net worth rose to Rs.3,748 crore, while online collections accounted for 97 per cent of total receipts, underscoring strong cash discipline across operations, including subsidiaries.
In short, while Q3 showed signs of operating strain, the financial backbone remains solid. With zero gross debt, steady profits and a formidable cash war chest, the company enters the next quarter with flexibility firmly on its side proving that in uncertain markets, balance sheet strength can be the best growth strategy.
