AFN's eight-channel satellite service ends March 22nd
Users who receive AFN directly from a satellite dish and decoder should switch to the AFN Now streaming app (available on multiple platforms, registration required). Alternatively, users can switch to a four-channel global satellite service using the AFN7500HD decoder (available at shopmyexchange.com) and a minimum 1.8 meter C-band satellite dish (see AFN Signal Acquisition Guide for size requirements). Legacy Cisco decoders will no longer work. Cable subscribers and existing AFN Now users are unaffected. For technical help related to acquiring four-channel C-band service, email the Help Desk at: dma.march.afn-bcst-ctr-tv.list.affrel@mail.mil.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why must I get a larger C-band satellite dish to get the four-channel standard definition AFN satellite service?
ANSWER: The signal frequency range and strength requires a larger satellite dish to acquire the signal. This is a transmission technical limitation that cannot be solved using a Ku-band satellite dish.
2. When can I or when should I transition to a C-band satellite dish to acquire the four-channel service?
ANSWER: The four-channel service is available to use right now so you can transition whenever you desire before the March 22, 2026 eight-channel service termination.
3. Who is impacted by this change?
ANSWER: All AFN customers in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Europe, Central and Southwest Asia are directly impacted by the change to a degree. Customers connected to an on-base cable TV provider are least impacted. Those who receive AFN directly at their residence via satellite will be most impacted.
4. What do I need to do if I’m already an AFN Now app user?
ANSWER: You don’t need to do anything. Continue enjoying AFN Now; this change will not impact you.
5. Who can I contact to ask technical questions related to acquiring four-channel C-band service?
ANSWER: Contact the Help Desk via email at dma.march.afn-bcst-ctr-tv.list.affrel@mail.mil. Helpdesk personnel can provide technical advice and assistance to help you acquire the service.
6. The helpdesk was unable to help me, what can I do now to get the four-channel satellite service?
ANSWER: You may need to hire a local television technician who is knowledgeable in aligning satellite dishes. We do not have a list of people who are trained or qualified to perform this work.
7. I want to acquire the four-channel C-band service from the satellite covering my area but there’s a terrain obstruction preventing me from acquiring the signal. What can I do?
ANSWER: You’ll have to transition to IP delivery on the AFN Now app or establish an account with an on-base cable TV provider that services your area.
8. Why is AFN terminating the eight-channel satellite-delivered programming service?
ANSWER: A combination of resource reductions in the future years defense program and a desire to leverage technology advances to improve efficiency and end-user experience are the driving factors in the decision to terminate the service.
9. Will the programming I currently enjoy change when the eight-channel service ends?
ANSWER: The programming may change over time as we work with our partners to best package the programming for the digital platforms instead of the linear satellite delivery.
10. What satellite-delivered channels are going away?
ANSWER: The AFN Movie, Family, and Spectrum channels will end.
11. What about the content on Movie, Family, and Spectrum? Is that gone too?
ANSWER: AFN is working with last-mile distributors, who own and operate cable TV distribution systems on U.S. military bases overseas, to stream the content to them using a commercial-grade system. They will, in turn, distribute that content to the people on their systems.
12. Will the streamed content still be high definition?
ANSWER: Yes. AFN strives to deliver the best programming at the best resolution as technology and resources allow.