EchoStar and DirecTV to Launch Satellite Broadband Services

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EchoStar and DirecTV to Launch Satellite Broadband Services

6:30 am on June 13, 2006 | Category: Wireless Technology, Telecom Services, Internet, Television

WildBlue Communications has recently won contracts with both of America’s top satellite television providers to offer two separate satellite-based broadband internet solutions.

The services will be rolled out over the next few months by EchoStar Communications and News Corp’s DirecTV Group, under the DISH Network and DirecTV brand names, respectively.

The new satellite broadband offerings will be about 30 times faster than dialup, offering a fast and reliable alternative for customers in remote and rural areas.

Billing for the services will be managed by EchoStar and DirecTV, but customers will need to purchase a special WildBlue satellite dish in order to receive a signal.

The fact that satellite providers are showing interest in expansion beyond just television suggests that they are interested in capitalizing on the popular trend of bundling services, and enticing customers to sign up for more than one service, in exchange for a loyalty discount.