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New Data Service to Start on DirecTv DirecTv will take a step closer to offering data services Sept. 1, when DTN Spectrum launches a service using leased space on one of DirecTv's satellites. DTN currently offers weather information, news, agricultural data, and other specialized services to dish owners via Telstar 5 to a 3-foot fixed dish. The service has 190,000 subscribers, according to Dan Dyack, president of Satellite Technology, which distributes the reception systems and sells DTN's data service. It will start offering the same services from the 101-degree orbital slot in September to subscribers using the Space Scanner 14-inch square, flat antenna from FutureTrak International, Dyack said. The antenna is equipped with an electric device that automatically tracks satellites while the antenna is moving, making it a good fit for use on boats, recreational vehicles, and other mobile units, Dyack said. Subscribers will also need a DirecTv/USSB receiver and a special adapter card to enable a personal computer to display the data. The hardware retails for about $1,800, but with a wholesale price of about $1,500, Dyack noted it offers retailers significant profit potential. The company will allow retailers to buy a showroom unit on a 6-month payment plan, paying $250 per month, he said. In addition to the upfront commissions authorized DirecTv dealers earn for activating the customer, provided the customer also subscribes to some DirecTv programming, Satellite Technology plans to pay residual commissions on the DTN data service subscriptions, Dyack said. To those who are not authorized DirecTv dealers, Satellite Technology will pay 50 percent of the upfront authorization commissions Satellite Technology earns as an authorized DirecTv retailer, he said. (click on the ad below to visit advertiser's web site) PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE   July 23 daily   July 24 daily         Please direct questions about this site to general.mail@satbiznews.com q 1999 Satellite Business News Inc. All rights reserved.