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STARBANDSM - Satellite Internet Service
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The Need
The Internet has become one of the most important communication systems in the present. However people across the continental United States have not been able to get broadband Internet service. StarBand service, with no special phone lines or cable modems required is a feasible solution. StarBand is America’s first consumer two-way, always-on, high-speed satellite Internet service. StarBand means high-speed Internet without the constraints and congestions of land-based cable or telephone networks. It is therefore helpful for construction sites.
The Technology
The StarBand system consists of a 24x36-inch satellite dish mounted on a roof. The dish must have a clear unobstructed view of the southern sky. Two standard coaxial cables connect the satellite dish antenna to a PC or a StarBand "satellite modem."
The antenna both sends requests to the Internet and receives Internet content via the satellite, which is in orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. The satellite, in turn, communicates with StarBand's hub facility, which has a direct connection to the Internet. The StarBand system can also be configured to receive satellite television service from EchoStar's DISH Network using a single dish antenna.
Inside, the StarBand system consists of either a "satellite modem" that attaches to the home PC through the USB port, or a pre-configured desktop PC outfitted with a satellite receiver card and a satellite transmitter card. In both cases, no telephone connection, dial-up account or other Internet service providers are needed
The Benefits
StarBand is a true always-on Internet service that both receives and transmits Internet content over satellite at high speeds.
- One antenna, two way
- A single satellite dish antenna is needed for receiving and sending information. No phone line or separate Internet provider is required.
- Always-on Access
- It is an always-on Internet access, with no wait to reconnect every time. During the time the computer is on, the consumer stays connected to the internet.
- High-Speed
- Download speeds are up to 10 times faster than the fastest dial-up service. Speeds will often reach 500 kbps with targeted peak-time speeds in excess of 150 kbps. Current upload speeds range between 40 and 60 kbps.
- Nationwide Availability
- StarBand service is available virtually everywhere in the continental United States, even in remote areas.
- A Future of Multicast Capability
- As a StarBand subscriber the user will have the opportunity to be part of a unique satellite multicast network. This means that in the future, the user will be able to direct the PC to receive channels of high-quality content from StarBand's top entertainment and information partners, including MP3 files, software downloads, subscription content and more.
Status
StarBand is available virtually everywhere in the continental US, but only in the 48 contiguous United States. There are plans for expanding the service into Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
The actual download speed obtained with StarBand is 500 kbps with targeted peak time speeds in excess of 150 kbps. The upload speeds range between 40 and 60 kbps. Peek time is weekday evenings
Barriers
A professional installation by a StarBand certified installer is required. $49.99/Month $399.99/Equipment Installation. The installation may be a bit precise. This could be a problem on construction sites where the trailer with the satellite dish has to be moved from time to time
Points of Contact
- StarBand Corporate Headquarters, 1760 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102. Phone: (877) 827-4290
Refrences
- StarBand Homepage http://www.starband.com
Disclaimer Statement
Neither the Construction Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this technology or represents that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation.