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). 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. What satellite-delivered channels are going away?
ANSWER: The AFN Movie, Family, Pulse and Spectrum channels will end.
6. What about the content on Movie, Family, Pulse 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.
7. 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.