DirecTV Eyeing Q1 for T16 Satellite Launch to Expand HD

AT&T's DirecTV hopes to launch its T16 multiband satellite in Q1, it said in an FCC International Bureau filing Thursday as it asked for authorization for its launch and operation. DirecTV said T16 will operate initially at 103 degrees west as a replacement to or supplement for the T15, T10 and T12 satellites. It said T16 -- which will operate in the Ka-band, 17/24 GHz band and 12/17 GHz band -- will let it expand HD offerings.