shaw direct is a direct broadcast satellite television distributor in canada and a subsidiary of the telecommunications company shaw communications. as of 2010, shaw direct had over 900,000 subscribers. it broadcasts on k band from three communications satellites, anik f1r and anik g1 at 107.3°w, and anik f2 at 111.1°w; these satellites are owned by telesat canada and otherwise are used primarily to distribute programming to various canadian cable tv companies. the company was formerly known as star choice until april 15, 2009.