Service
* Analysts predict that up to 30 million U.S. homes won't have DSL or cable modem access in 2004.
* WildBlue expects to provide an always on, broadband Internet service that is comparable to DSL or cable modems and is up to 25 times faster than a dial-up modem.
* WildBlue will use a mini-dish equipped with both a satellite transmitter and receiver for two-way satellite connectivity to the Internet. No phone lines or cable are needed. The dish can also be configured to receive satellite television.
* The monthly fee for unlimited broadband Internet access is expected to be comparable to DSL and cable modems.
* The WildBlue service will target customers living in small towns and rural America.
Technology
* The DOCSIS® cable modem and the digital broadcast satellite standards form the technical basis of WildBlue's satellite modem and should result in low customer equipment cost.
* WildBlue will use Ka-band "spot beam satellites" to allow multiple re-use of the same frequency, providing high capacity at low cost.
* WildBlue will launch its service aboard the U.S. capacity of Telesat's Anik F2 satellite, being built by Hughes, and scheduled to launch in the first half of 2004
* WildBlue-1 is being built by Space Systems / Loral and will launch after Anik F2.
