The Satellite companies have to pay dearly to re-broadcast the Network programming!  It ain't hardly free.  Look for the recent discussion about Dish not being able to broadcast CBS due to a licensing agreement dispute.  It happens all the time with all the Networks as well as the major cable channels.  They want more and more money from the satellite providers and eventually they will come upon an agreement and our fees will go up AGAIN.  It's a never ending battle.
There are only a few markets in the US where the Networks are not broadcast in HD but you must have the proper equipment to receive it.  Most of the markets are still being broadcast in both SD and HD.  It sounds as though the only reason you are not receiving the HD is because you do not have the required equipment.