Hughes' EchoStar XIX Now in Orbit, With Gen5 Service Starting in Weeks

Hughes started system testing its high-capacity EchoStar XIX satellite now that it's in its permanent orbital slot at 97.1 degrees west, the company said in a media release Tuesday. The satellite will be the backbone of its forthcoming HughesNet Gen5 satellite internet service and provide coverage for much of North and Central America. EchoStar XIX launched Dec. 18 and is expected to begin operation by the end of Q1, Hughes said.