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.
About Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition
Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC) is an industry-owned digital distribution network providing secure delivery of theatrical content to exhibitors across the United States. Through its satellite and electronic delivery infrastructure, DCDC connects content providers and theaters with a reliable, efficient platform designed specifically for the needs of the theatrical exhibition industry.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: ECHO), is charting the course for the next era of space data connectivity and communications. Driven by a passion for innovation, Hughes is designing and deploying the future’s most advanced multi-orbit, multi-transport broadband connectivity equipment and services, empowering businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide to thrive in the digital world. The Hughes portfolio of managed services includes cutting-edge, AI-powered wireless networking and communications solutions. Hughes is committed to leading the way with smart, adaptive, and secure solutions that anticipate and address future connectivity needs, leveraging technologies such as 5G, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Private Wireless, and next-generation Cybersecurity. Our advanced JUPITER™ System gateways and terminals are enabling satellite operators, mobile network operators, and military customers to power tomorrow’s global internet backbone. Hughes continues to drive the evolution of in-flight connectivity, bringing seamless video and broadband experiences to thousands of aircraft and millions of passengers worldwide. Hughes leverages secure, onshore hi-tech facilities to deliver high-mix, low-volume manufacturing services for the aviation, defense and enterprise sectors, ensuring agility and resilience as technology needs evolve.