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The Frequency of CMT Channel on All Satellites

CMT (Country Music Television) is a prominent American cable and satellite network owned by Paramount Media Networks (a division of Paramount Global). 

 

Launched in 1983, CMT specializes in country music videos, live performances, reality series, concerts, and lifestyle programming centered on country music culture. 

While primarily distributed through cable, IPTV, and streaming services like Paramount+, CMT maintains satellite feeds—mostly encrypted—for distribution to cable headends, direct-to-home (DTH) providers (e.g., DISH Network channel 166), and professional uplinks.

Satellite frequencies for CMT feeds are subject to frequent changes due to transponder shifts, satellite repositioning, or provider migrations. 

The details below are based on the latest available data as of early February 2026. For real-time accuracy, consult trusted sources such as LyngSat, FlySat, or perform a blind scan on your satellite receiver, as parameters can update quickly.

Main Active Frequencies for CMT Feeds (United States)

  1. CMT East
    • Satellite: SES 1 at 101.0°W (primary North America C-band position)
    • Frequency: 4100 MHz (C-band)
    • Polarization: Horizontal (H)
    • Symbol Rate (SR): 30000 kS/s
    • FEC: 5/6
    • System/Modulation: DVB-S2 8PSK, MPEG-4
    • Encryption: PowerVu (subscription required, often for cable/satellite providers)
    • Notes: This is a key feed for eastern time zone viewers and distribution. It shares the transponder with other Paramount channels like MTV East, Nickelodeon West, and VH1 West.
  2. CMT West
    • Satellite: EchoStar 105 / SES 11 at 105.0°W
    • Frequency: Varies (often in the 3991 V or similar C-band mux; check recent plex listings)
    • Polarization: Vertical (V) or as per mux
    • Symbol Rate (SR): 30000 kS/s (typical for Paramount plex)
    • FEC: 5/6
    • System/Modulation: DVB-S2 8PSK, MPEG-4/HD capable
    • Encryption: PowerVu
    • Notes: Western time zone feed, part of Paramount Domestic Media Networks HD Plex. Previously appeared on other positions like Galaxy satellites but migrated.
  3. CMT Music (24/7 music video channel, formerly known as CMT Pure Country)
    • Satellite: SES 1 at 101.0°W
    • Frequency: Associated with 4100 H or nearby C-band (PowerVu mux)
    • Polarization: Horizontal (H)
    • Symbol Rate (SR): 30000 kS/s
    • FEC: 5/6
    • System/Modulation: DVB-S2 8PSK, MPEG-4/SD
    • Encryption: PowerVu
    • Notes: Focuses exclusively on country music videos. Recent activity shows movement away from SES 21 (131.0°W) transponders like 4040 V or 4060 H.

Other Regional Feeds and Notes

  • CMT Canada — Operated separately by Corus Entertainment (with minority Paramount stake), this feed has limited satellite presence and is mostly cable/IPTV-based in Canada. It appears on Anik G1 at 107.3°W (extended Ku band), but no consistent open frequencies are widely reported.
  • International / Global Availability — CMT has no significant free-to-air (FTA) or direct satellite presence on major international positions popular in the Middle East, North Africa, or Europe, including:
    • Nilesat / Eutelsat 7.0°W
    • Hot Bird 13.0°E
    • Astra 19.2°E
    • Arabsat (various positions)
    • Eutelsat 16A or others
      Country music content in these regions is typically available via local channels, streaming (e.g., Paramount+ where offered), or YouTube rather than dedicated satellite feeds.

Important Notes

  • Virtually all official CMT satellite feeds are encrypted (primarily PowerVu or Nagravision in some packages) and require a legitimate subscription from providers like DISH, cable operators, or professional distribution services.
  • Free-to-air reception of genuine CMT channels is extremely rare worldwide.
  • Reception requires appropriate equipment: C-band dish (larger size recommended for stable signal), correct LNB (C-band), and a receiver capable of DVB-S2 and PowerVu decryption (for authorized users).
  • Satellite parameters change often—recent examples include departures from SES 21 and Galaxy positions. Always verify with current databases.
  • In areas with limited internet, these satellite links remain valuable for accessing country music programming.

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