EchoStar Rolls Out
High-Speed Internet Service
(19 October 2006) EchoStar
Communications Corporation today launched "DISH Network High-Speed Internet
powered by WildBlue," a satellite-delivered broadband Internet
service.
Now, consumers can bundle the lowest-priced,
all-digital TV service in the nation with the convenience and speed of
broadband Internet access.
DISH Network High-Speed Internet powered by
WildBlue is a two-way satellite service that provides an always-on, high-speed
data connection. Available packages are up to 30 times faster than dial-up, so
there are no similar delays accessing the Internet and no worries about busy
signals or being disconnected.
"Our customers living in rural
communities have endured the slower speeds of dial-up simply because they
haven't had choices when it comes to high-speed Internet service providers,"
said Jim DeFranco, executive vice president at EchoStar. "With DISH Network
High-Speed Internet powered by WildBlue, they now have access to affordable
broadband Internet via satellite with speeds comparable to DSL or cable modem -
without the need for an additional phone line."
"There is a large demand
for an affordable satellite broadband solution from homes and small businesses
that haven't been able to enjoy high-speed benefits in the past," said Dave
Leonard, CEO of WildBlue. "We're excited to work with a powerful distributor
like EchoStar to make high-speed Internet services powered by WildBlue
available to their customers across the country."
Consumers can sign up
for service through authorised DISH Network retailers. Packages start at US$
49.95 per month and include multiple email addresses, web hosting space, and
24/7 DISH Network technical support. A separate satellite dish is required to
receive the high-speed Internet service; however an additional phone line is
not necessary.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation
serves more than 12.46 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network,
the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in
the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels,
Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with
professional installation and 24-hour customer service.
(source:
EchoStar Communications)