The result is two-way satellite Internet service that provides high-speed, always-on access on par with other broadband technologies, such as cable modems and DSL. Best of all, no telephone connection is needed, no terrestrial Internet account is required, and the service is available in any location that enjoys a clear view of the satellite.

The STARBAND satellite dish is also capable of receiving EchoStar's DISH Network™ 500-channel satellite television programming. By taking advantage of this capability, a single antenna can provide two-way satellite Internet service, as well as receive DISH Network satellite television programming from two EchoStar satellites. Additional information about this combined offering will be provided in the near future on this Web page.

What is STARBAND ?
STARBAND is the first two-way, always-on satellite-delivered Internet service for the consumer market. STARBAND uses a specially designed 24x36-inch satellite dish equipped with both a satellite transmitter and receiver for two-way satellite connectivity. The STARBAND system can also be configured to receive satellite television service from DISH Network – as well as two-way satellite Internet service from STARBAND – using a single dish. Inside the home, the STARBAND system currently consists of a pre-configured desktop PC that includes a satellite receiver card and a satellite transmitter card plugged into two PCI slots. In the near future, STARBAND will also offer an external "satellite modem" option that packages the PCI cards in a stand-alone box and connects to a PC through the USB port. In both cases, no telephone connection, no dial-up account and no terrestrial Internet service provider are needed.

How fast is the STARBAND Internet connection?
STARBAND provides an always-on broadband Internet service on par with other broadband offerings such as ADSL and cable delivered service. With STARBAND, the typical Web surfing experience will be about 10 times faster than standard dial-up modems when receiving content, and about twice as fast as standard dial-up service when sending information.

How much will the STARBAND system and service cost?
The StarBand system is available of $ 399.95 U.S., residential monthly subscription fee is $69.95 per month for unlimited access.

When and where will STARBAND service be available?
STARBAND expects to begin marketing its service in the fourth quarter of 2000 through a number of channels. StarBand is available from Sky Web by calling 1-888-759-9321 or click here to be connect to our contact page, fill out the form and submit and a sales representative will contact you.

How can I learn more about STARBAND product availability and opportunities to participate in STARBAND pilot testing?
Check this site for regular service offering updates. Click here to put your name on the list to receive more information about product availability.

If this is a new service, how can you say that STARBAND uses "field-proven" technology?
While new to the consumer market, STARBAND's industry-leading satellite technology has been the wide-area networking platform of choice for major businesses throughout the world for many years. The technology behind the STARBAND system is based on STARBAND's corporate VSAT technology, which is used in over 200,000 business locations to support a wide variety of mission-critical applications.

How does STARBAND compare with other satellite-delivered Internet systems?
STARBAND is a true always-on Internet service that both receives and transmits Internet content over satellite at broadband speeds. Unlike its satellite Internet competitors, STARBAND does not require consumers to tie up their phone line or retain a separate terrestrial Internet service provider. The STARBAND product responds to what today's Internet enthusiasts say they want – high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet that doesn't require a telephone connection. Instead of having to deal with multiple service providers, multiple bills, busy telephone lines and slow transmission speeds, STARBAND offers a one-stop complete Internet service package.

How does STARBAND service compare to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable modems?
STARBAND, like DSL and cable modems, provides an always-on, broadband connection to the Internet. However, unlike DSL and cable modem service, which are extremely limited in availability, STARBAND is available throughout the country – even in remote areas – over satellite. As long as you have line-of-sight to the satellite, the service is available to you.

How does STARBAND compare with standard dial-up Internet access?
STARBAND provides always-on Internet service that is many times faster than standard 56 kbps service. STARBAND does not require users to dial-in for access and it does not tie up telephone lines like dial-up connections do.

What is required in a STARBAND installation?
The STARBAND installation process is nearly identical to the standard small-dish satellite television installation process, except that it involves a slightly larger antenna and two additional coaxial cables running from the dish to the pre-configured consumer PC or stand-alone "satellite modem." In addition, because the STARBAND service both sends and receives content via satellite, the dish pointing process may require slightly greater precision, as compared to receive-only satellite television offerings.

Does STARBAND require a telephone connection?
No. Because it uses STARBAND's industry-leading satellite return-path technology, the STARBAND system is completely independent of terrestrial wires and does not require a telephone connection. All Internet content is received and transmitted over satellite.

Does STARBAND require an account with a terrestrial Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
No. Because it doesn't use a dial-up telephone connection, the STARBAND service does not require an account with a terrestrial ISP.

What satellite does the STARBAND service use?
Through its relationships with GE Americom and other leading owners and operator of communications satellites, STARBAND purchases capacity on a number of different satellites for both its business and consumer satellite products and services.

From whom will STARBAND users receive service?
STARBAND and MSN will be the primary ISPs for STARBAND subscribers, providing all Web access and e-mail services.

How will STARBAND users surf the Internet and receive e-mail?
STARBAND users will access Internet and e-mail content using standard PC-based browser and e-mail applications.

Is STARBAND available outside of the continental U.S.?
STARBAND service will launch in the continental U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2000. STARBAND Satellite Networks recently announced the creation of STARBAND Latin America, which will enter that market in early 2001. STARBAND Satellite Networks will issue press releases regarding the Latin venture partners and company plans for other international market plans as appropriate.

Does STARBAND work with small-dish satellite television services?
Yes. With a DISH upgrade, STARBAND's 24x36-inch satellite antenna is capable of simultaneously receiving DISH Network's 500-channel digital television programming for reception on your TV, as well as always-on Internet service on your PC from the STARBAND satellite. The STARBAND satellite antenna will be available in a configuration that has two DISH Network satellite receivers on the antenna for satellite television reception – this in addition to a third satellite receiver for receiving Internet content and a STARBAND satellite transmitter for transmitting to the Internet. The STARBAND system is not compatible with satellite television systems other than EchoStar's DISH Network.

If a consumer already has a DISH Network system installed, how do they upgrade to STARBAND?
If an existing DISH service subscriber receives programming from EchoStar satellites at 110° and 119°, upgrading to the STARBAND service is as simple as swapping out the standard DISH Network satellite antenna for a STARBAND satellite antenna and mount and running two additional coaxial cables from the antenna to the consumer's PC. No modifications are required to the existing DISH Network receivers or wiring.