AFN announces decoder settings fix

  • Published
  • By George A. Smith
  • Armed Forces Network Europe
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The American Forces Network Europe is eliminating one of its two satellite transponders in order to reduce redundant capability and decrease overall operating cost. This requires decoder owners to make minor changes June 4 to 24 to ensure they continue receiving AFN service.

"This change is necessary to align budget-constrained operations and continue to provide quality AFN service," said Lt. Col. Sherri Reed, AFN Europe commander. "But we're doing all we can to help. Starting June 4, use our app to view easy-to-understand instructions at www.afneurope.net, as well as all of the channel changes. You can also get help by calling our network operation center 27/7 at DSN (314) 634-8228 or +39-0444718228."

All AFN Europe decoder owners, including U.S. Consulates and Embassies, must change decoder frequency and net ID settings June 4 to 24 or they will not receive AFN satellite radio and TV channels.

Viewers who get their AFN TV service via on-base cable from a provider such as Germany's TKS do not have to do anything. Contractors are making the necessary changes in Europe while AFN technicians are making the necessary changes in Afghanistan.

The changes cause a realignment of some satellite radio and TV channels. Additionally, decoder owners will notice more changes than viewers who get their AFN from on-base cable. Twelve redundant AFN|prime Atlantic channels and AFN|prime Freedom will no longer be available as these decoder channels offered the same TV shows with local community messages targeted to specific military installations. AFN|prime Freedom time-shifted AFN|prime Atlantic shows and targeted TV messages exclusively to personnel serving in Afghanistan.

The AFN Europe audience will continue to receive local community messages on radio, www.afneurope.net, social media sites and AFN 360: Internet Radio. AFN Europe will air the TV spots for the U.S. military serving in Afghanistan on AFN|sports.

In preparation of the AFN migration to an upgraded digital signal later on this year, viewers should not purchase or lease any decoder that isn't the newest model, CISCO D9865. When the switch to this digital signal occurs, all AFN decoders -- other than the D9865 -- will no longer function.

AFN Europe anticipates continued changes this year as it develops plan to provide the American military with quality entertainment and command information, while simultaneously being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.