EchoStar launches first high-speed two-way Internet service

<%=company1%> (Littleton, CO) has entered the competitive market of two-way broadband service with the launch of Starband, the nation's first consumer-focused high-speed, always-on, two way Internet service via satellite.

With today's launch, DBS providers in the US have tackled one more hurdle in competing with digital cable providers – the ability to provide high speed broadband service to consumers. Until now, satellite broadcasters, such as EchoStar's rival DirecTV have provided high speed Internet access, but return path speed was limited to 56K. That service – DirecPC is scheduled to be upgraded as well to two-way high-speed access soon (see DirecTV to Market Two-Way Broadband Internet Access).

An additional advantage for satellite broadcasters over cable is their ability to deliver the service to a wider range of consumers – in order for cable operators to offer the same services via cable modems, they first must install fiber-optic lines.

Starband is a joint venture of Gilat Satellite Networks, Microsoft, EchoStar and ING Furman Selz Investments. Pricing details have not been unveiled yet, but consumers will have the choice of purchasing a StarBand-ready Compaq personal computer from RadioShack or a StarBand Model 180satellite modem, available through the DISH Network retailers and ready to connect to an existing personal computer through a USB port. A special satellite dish capable of receiving Internet data will be required, and is expected to sell for around $400.

Starband will be marketed through EchoStar and Microsoft's MSN Internet service.

Edited by Tom Butts