StarBand Introduces Small Office Service


Satellite broadband provider StarBand is launching a business-grade service for small business owners. The StarBand Small Office features two services that bundle network-sharing software, allowing up to three or five office users to share Internet access simultaneously.


The product also features support services to help small businesses run more efficiently, download speeds up to 20 times faster than dial-up, virtual private network (VPN) capability, static internet protocols (IP), free business web pages, free e-mail accounts and commercial grade equipment installation.


StarBand Small Office customers also have access to services from StarBand partners Register.com’s Global Partner Network (GPN) and Ositis Software. Register.com’s GPN provides customizable solutions that fit the needs of Internet service providers, application service providers, web hosting companies, domain name resellers, web design firms and other e-businesses. Ositis Software develops, markets and supports security, management and Internet access technologies.


StarBand customers will have access to Ositis’ full line of software services including WinProxy for StarBand Small Office, an Internet sharing solution, secure firewall proxy services, Internet access products and virus control devices that provide small businesses with the ability to connect, manage and secure their networks.


The StarBand monthly service at $129.99 for the three-seat service and $169.99 for the five-seat service. Equipment MSRP for both services starts at $799 and will be available through StarBand retailers, US Online and National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative member DigiVision, beginning March 18, 2002.


The McLean, Va.-based StarBand delivers its two-way satellite Internet service through small antennas on roofs or walls of customer homes or on poles. The StarBand Model 360 high-speed modem is connected to a customer’s computer. When a customer accesses StarBand Internet service, the signal travels over inside wiring to the rooftop antenna. The antenna then relays the data signals to a satellite. The satellite sends the signal to the StarBand network operations center where it gathers, aggregates and routes the signals to deliver data from the Internet to the customer. The StarBand antenna accommodates both StarBand high-speed Internet service and EchoStar’s DISH Network satellite TV programming.


Founded in early 2000, StarBand’s investors and strategic partners include EchoStar, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., Microsoft Corp. and FS Investments. StarBand has exclusive rights to offer Gilat’s two-way, high-speed consumer Internet technology in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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