EchoStar Enters the Broadband Business

Last week, EchoStar Communications - parent company to satellite TV provider DISH Network - announced its partnership with Wildblue Communications. The goal: to bring EchoStar’s 12.46 million plus satellite television customers a new High Speed Internet option.

Dubbed DISH Network High-Speed Internet powered by Wildblue, this High Speed Internet service will provide a broadband alternative via satellite to rural areas. Up until now, many rural Internet subscribers have been forced to rely on a much slower dial-up connection.

In a statement issued last Thursday by EchoStar, Executive Vice President Jim DeFranco stated, “Our customers living in rural communities have endured the slower speed of dial-up simply because they haven’t had any choices when it comes to high-speed Internet service providers. They now have access to affordable broadband Internet via satellite with speeds comparable to DSL or cable modem.”

EchoStar’s DISH Network High-Speed Internet Details

DISH Network High-Speed Internet service offers customers an "always on" instant broadband connection, with speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps downstream and 256 Kbps downstream S/B upstream. The service also offers e-mail addresses, virus protection, Web hosting space, and 24/7 technical support.

Packages start as low as $49.95 per month and require an 18 month contract. Subscribers will need to rent an additional satellite dish; however, they will not need to invest in a second phone line.

EchoStar and Wildblue Together - What’s to be gained?

Until now, Englewood CO-based EchoStar has not offered High Speed Internet service. The company has instead pointed customers interested in High Speed Internet service toward DSL providers in their area. Now, thanks to this budding relationship with Wildblue, DISH Network customers will easily be able to add High Speed satellite Internet service. Subscribers will also be able to bundle their satellite cable TV service with their satellite Internet service.