Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced
today it received a contract by DIRECTV to build three Boeing 702 model
satellites. These spacecraft will provide DIRECTV with unprecedented national
and local broadcast coverage in High Definition Television (HDTV).

Three 702 satellites, dubbed DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11, an on-ground spare
and six KA band uplink sites will enable DIRECTV to significantly expand
broadcasting to their customers across the continental United States, Hawaii,
and Alaska. In addition to expanded national HDTV broadcasting, standard
definition television broadcasting, and interactive television, DIRECTV 10 and
DIRECTV 11 will provide the capability for DIRECTV to broadcast local HDTV to
90 percent of their customers.

“This contract is a testament to our relationship with DIRECTV, and to the
value, service and robust technology we continually provide,” said Dave Ryan,
vice president and general manager, Boeing Satellite Systems. “It is a
validation of Boeing’s world leadership in the development of satellites with
unsurpassed capacity, performance and cost-efficiency — the 702.”

This year, Boeing Satellite Systems received recommendation by an
independent auditor for IS0 9001 certification. Coupled with achieving CMMI
Level 5 and through implementing aggressive quality and cost saving
initiatives, the company continues to provide customers with reliable
satellite systems.

“Over the course of our decade-long relationship with Boeing, we have
continually been impressed with the caliber and value of satellites they
build,” said Chase Carey, president and CEO of The DIRECTV Group. “These
powerful satellites will enable us to expand our broadcast of comprehensive
programming throughout the United States.”

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of
the world’s largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis,
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It provides
network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and
commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance; the world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer; the
world’s largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based
communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and
Department of Homeland Security; NASA’s largest contractor; and a global
leader in launch services.