DCDC and Hughes Complete Major Satellite Network Upgrade, Expanding Capacity Across More Than 1,600 Locations

Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition completes 10-month infrastructure modernization in partnership with Hughes Network Systems, increasing satellite capacity and positioning its network for continued growth.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Oct. 8, 2026 — Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC), the industry-owned digital distribution network serving theaters across the United States, and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes), an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: ECHO), today announced the successful completion of a major upgrade to the DCDC satellite distribution infrastructure.

Over a 10-month period from September 2025 through June 2026, DCDC upgraded satellite equipment at more than 1,600 locations across its nationwide network. The transition culminated on June 30, 2026, when DCDC successfully decommissioned the legacy transponder equipment that had supported its satellite distribution network for more than a decade.

“This upgrade represents an important investment in the infrastructure behind our network and ensures that DCDC can continue providing our studio and exhibition partners with the reliable, scalable distribution capabilities they need as the industry evolves,” said Howard Kiedaisch, CEO of DCDC.

Since its founding, DCDC has provided a secure and efficient digital distribution platform connecting content providers with theatrical exhibitors nationwide. As an industry-owned entity, DCDC was built to serve the shared needs of studios and exhibitors, with satellite delivery now being complemented by a terrestrial broadband network.

“For more than a decade, Hughes and DCDC have worked together to support the reliable delivery of content to cinemas across the country, and we greatly value our long-standing relationship,” said Randy Anders, Vice President of North American Sales at Hughes. “This latest network modernization reflects our shared commitment to innovation and reliability, delivering greater capacity and flexibility while positioning its satellite infrastructure to support the industry’s evolving needs.”

The latest upgrade builds upon that foundation by modernizing the satellite infrastructure supporting more than 1,600 locations. New equipment deployed across the network, combined with expanded transponder utilization, provides DCDC with increased capacity and greater flexibility to accommodate growing delivery volumes.

Working with Hughes, DCDC completed the extensive equipment deployment and network transition within 10 months while maintaining continuity for its customers throughout the migration.

The completed satellite upgrade is part of DCDC’s broader commitment to continually evolving its distribution infrastructure to meet the changing needs of the theatrical industry. With increased satellite capacity alongside DCDC’s expanding electronic delivery capabilities, the company is positioned to support higher content volumes while maintaining the reliability and reach its studio and exhibition partners depend on.