Guide Note:

Satellite television has become a reasonably priced alternative to consumers that wish see a variety of television channels. Users pay a one-time for hardware and a receiver, and once installed, pay a flat monthly fee for subscription service. The two main service providers in the United States are DirecTV and DISH Network.

Fast Facts:

1. 1962: 1st satellite to transmit TV signal: Europe's Telstar
2. DirecTV and DISH Network are two major U.S. providers
3. Satellite Television accounts for 40% of US viewing audience
4. Most subscription packages run $39-99 per month

Beam us up, Scotty

The growth of the satellite television industry has come about within the last two decades for several reasons. The most cited reason is a growing frustration by consumers with both terrestrial and cable television providers. Reasons cited include: a lack of quality customer service, specialized National Football League programming, clarity of picture, and customization of packages.

History of the Technology

In 1962, Europe's Telstar was the first satellite to transmit TV signal. One year later was the first geosynchronous communication satellite, launched by NASA and known as Syncom 2. Then in 1965, the Early Bird was the first commercial communication satellite. The first national satellite television network was Orbita in the Soviet Union in 1967. The first actual domestic North American satellite to carry TV was Canada's Anik 1 in 1972.