2001 Press Releases

07/16/01 : WildBlue Secures Low Cost, Fixed Price Contracts For Customer Premisis Equipment (CPE):

Transceiver From KoSPACE is Final Major Component of CPE For WildBlue's Affordable 2-Way Satellite Broadband Service

DENVER, July 16, 2001 - Wildblue Communications, Inc. (www.WildBlue.com) has now established low-cost, fixed price contracts for all major elements of its customer premises equipment (CPE). The low cost is a fraction of the price of comparable satellite broadband CPE available today, which should help WildBlue provide attractive customer pricing for WildBlue's 2-way wireless satellite broadband service. The final major element of the CPE is now in place with the signing of a contract with KoSPACE, formerly a division of Hyundai Electronics Industries (HEI), the multi-billion dollar global technology company, to supply transceivers. The transceiver contains the sophisticated electronics in WildBlue's small 24 by 26-inch satellite mini-dish antenna, which will wirelessly transmit and receive data from WildBlue's satellite.

"The signing of this contract is a key step in securing the low-cost customer premises equipment essential to the successful launch of our affordable broadband service. With our satellite, launch and gateway earth station contracts also in place, WildBlue is well on the way to being the first to launch the next generation, Ka-band spot beam satellite system," said Erwin Hudson, President of WildBlue. "KoSPACE is a world leader in RF and microwave technology and we are proud to have them join our stellar group of technology partners."

WildBlue plans to roll out affordable two-way broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States in mid 2002 and subsequently expand service to Canada and Latin America. WildBlue plans to be the first to launch the next generation Ka-band spot beam satellite technology that is designed to lower the cost of providing high speed Internet access via satellite. This service is expected to be especially appealing to the millions of homes that will not have access to DSL or cable modem service. WildBlue customers will use a small 24 by 26-inch satellite mini-dish antenna to wirelessly transmit and receive data from WildBlue's satellite, which then retransmits the signal to a gateway earth station connected to the Internet backbone.

WildBlue's customer premises equipment is made up of a modem and a satellite mini- dish antenna with a transceiver. WildBlue has previously announced contracts with ViaSat to build its satellite modem and Channel Master, the world's leading manufacturer of satellite antennas, to manufacture its antennas and integrate the transceivers. WildBlue's first satellite, WildBlue 1, is being built by Space Systems/Loral and will be launched into geosynchronous orbit by Arianespace. The gateway earth stations, including gateway electronics, the earth station antennas, backup power systems, site development and buildings, will be provided by Andrew Corporation.

"KoSPACE is excited to work with WildBlue, the leader in the development of next generation affordable satellite broadband," said Dr. Kyung-Bae Chough, president & CEO of KoSPACE. "We anticipate a very large worldwide market for low cost, superior quality Ka- Band transceivers. We believe WildBlue will be standard bearer for this high growth sector with their early market entry and low cost technology platform."

07/16/01: U.S. Monolithics Delivers Consumer Ka-Band Equipment To WildBlue:

DENVER, CO AND CHANDLER, AZ, July 16, 2001 - U.S. Monolithics ("USM") has successfully designed and delivered Ka-band transceiver equipment to WildBlue Communications, as part of an ongoing development partnership between the two companies. The transceiver, which is capable of transmitting and receiving a signal from a satellite, delivers three watts of 30 GHz transmit power, with a 1.5 dB noise figure on the 20 GHz receiver. USM's transceiver is a key component of WildBlue's customer premise equipment.

USM believes this product to be the most highly integrated Ka-band transceiver product in its class available on the market today. The transceiver utilizes a proprietary GaAs MMIC chipset developed by U.S. Monolithics, which includes an industry-leading four-watt Ka-band power amplifier MMIC. The transceiver also uses proprietary technologies to minimize parts, reduce size, and improve reliability, all of which should lead to significant cost reductions in the future.

"This hardware delivery represents a major milestone in our transceiver production roll-out plan. USM's transceiver product line was designed from its inception with volume production in mind. It employs highly integrated MMIC functions, a low parts count, simplified packaging methods, mature MMIC and assembly processes, and a robust design that minimizes test and eliminates RF alignment. With these attributes, we are well on our way to producing these units using existing manufacturing infrastructure," said Richard Torkington, Vice President of Product Development at U.S. Monolithics.

07/09/01 : WildBlue's Affordable Satellite Broadband Service to Offer Blazingly Fast Performance, Optimized by Mentat Technology :

Mentat, A World Leader In Satellite Networking Solutions, To Enhance Speed, Performance And User Experience of WildBlue Broadband Service

DENVER, CO AND LOS ANGELES, CA, July 9, 2001 - WildBlue Communications, Inc. (www.WildBlue.com) plans to offer affordable 2-way wireless broadband Internet service via satellite with blazingly fast download speeds of up to 3.0 Mbps - up to 50 times faster than standard dial up modems. WildBlue's ability to deliver exceptional speed and performance will be enhanced by the integration of SkyX Gateway technology from Mentat Inc. (www.Mentat.com) into WildBlue's broadband Internet service. Mentat's technology utilizes highly efficient, satellite-optimized protocols to overcome the limitations of the Internet protocols when used over satellite networks. By integrating the Mentat technology into WildBlue's satellite modem, the system will require no end-user configuration or PC-based software to achieve peak performance.

"High performance, satellite-optimized Internet access protocols that enhance the end user experience represent a critical component of WildBlue's next-generation affordable satellite broadband infrastructure," said WildBlue Chief Executive Officer Thomas Moore. "Mentat is a leader in this technology and we are applying best of breed technology throughout our network."

Mentat, the leading supplier of TCP/IP to the computer industry, has developed its SkyX Gateway products to overcome the limitations of the Internet protocols when used over satellite networks. By transparently replacing TCP with a highly efficient protocol especially designed for the long latency, asymmetric bandwidth, and high loss conditions typical of satellite networks, the SkyX Gateway makes possible high-performance connectivity over satellite links.

"Mentat is excited to work with WildBlue, the leader in the development of next-generation affordable satellite broadband," said Kay Guyer, Mentat president. "Once WildBlue makes affordably priced broadband service available to millions of U.S. consumers that don't have access to cable modem or DSL service, we are confident that their users will benefit from the improved performance the SkyX Gateway technology offers."

WildBlue plans to roll out affordable two-way broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States in 2002 and subsequently expand service to Canada and Latin America. WildBlue plans to be the first to launch the next-generation Ka-band spot beam satellite technology that is designed to lower the cost of providing high speed Internet access via satellite. This service is expected to be especially appealing to the millions of homes that do not have access to DSL or cable modem service.

06/27/01 : WildBlue Selects ViaSat To Build Satelite Modem Termination Systems (SMTS) :

DENVER, CO AND CARLSBAD, CA, June 27, 2001 - WildBlue Communications, Inc. (www.WildBlue.com), the leader in developing the next generation Ka-band spot beam satellite broadband system for high speed Internet service, announced today that it has selected ViaSat, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSAT) to build the company's satellite modem termination systems (SMTS). This contract is valued at approximately $17 million and covers development and production of satellite modem termination systems to support all six gateway earth stations for WildBlue's launch of service.

WildBlue's satellite modem termination systems (SMTS) will serve the same purpose as a cable modem termination system (CMTS) or DSLAM (DSL Access Multiplexer or modem termination system). Located at each WildBlue gateway location, the SMTS will provide the interface between the terrestrial Internet backbone and the WildBlue subscribers. The SMTS will manage the traffic for each subscriber satellite terminal, including allocating bandwidth to each subscriber, directing traffic flow based on multiple classes of service, as well as managing the power and modulation formats to optimize transmission of data over the satellite link. The agreement with ViaSat allows WildBlue to leverage the significant capabilities of existing DOCSIS CMTS products and achieve effective link and network performance over the Ka-band satellite link. Combined with WildBlue's previous selection of ViaSat as the initial modem provider, integration of the modems and the gateway equipment should be seamless.

"WildBlue's mission is to provide affordable broadband Internet access virtually anywhere," said WildBlue Vice President David Bukovinsky. "To meet these objectives, we are basing our architecture on established standards from the cable and DBS industries, utilizing off the shelf components wherever feasible. We are especially pleased to further our strong relationship with ViaSat, a recognized industry leader in the emerging broadband satellite market. We are confident that working with ViaSat on both the satellite modem and the gateway technologies will result in a low cost, world-class end-to-end solution."

"ViaSat is excited to expand our role with WildBlue, a leader in the development of next generation satellite broadband," said Steve Cable, ViaSat's Vice-President for Broadband Systems. "With a consolidated effort for both the SM and the SMTS, we can apply our satellite network experience to optimize system performance and support timely availability of the key ground segments for WildBlue's service launch. Building upon a well understood technology base to provide both ends of the WildBlue satellite connection helps fulfill ViaSat's commitment to be a leader in the ground segment and user terminal technology in the growing satellite broadband industry."

WildBlue plans to roll out affordable two-way broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States in mid 2002 and subsequently expand service to Canada and Latin America. WildBlue expects to be the first to launch the next generation Ka-band spot beam satellite technology that is designed to lower the cost of providing high speed Internet access via satellite. This service is expected to be especially appealing to the millions of homes that will not have access to DSL or cable modem service.

06/25/01 : Telesat Increases Equity Stake In WildBlue:

Wildblue Has Raised More Than $440 Million For Affordable New Broadband Service

DENVER, CO and OTTAWA, ON, June 25, 2001 - Telesat Canada (www.Telesat.ca), a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc. and a world leader in satellite communications, space systems services and international consulting, is increasing its investment in WildBlue Communications, Inc. (www.WildBlue.com) to approximately 20%. WildBlue is the leader in developing the next generation Ka-band spot beam satellite broadband system for high speed Internet service. Telesat CEO Larry Boisvert was also named to the WildBlue board of directors.

Today's announcement builds on a longstanding collaboration between the two companies. Telesat will provide telemetry tracking and control services for WildBlue's first satellite, WildBlue 1, to be launched in 2002, and WildBlue will use the U.S. portion of the Ka-band capacity on Telesat's Anik F2 satellite, slated for launch in early 2003.

WildBlue plans to roll out affordable two-way broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States in 2002. The company will then expand service to Canada and Latin America. WildBlue plans to be the first to launch the Ka-band spot beam satellite technology designed to lower the cost of providing high-speed Internet access via satellite. This service should be especially appealing to the millions of homes that lack access to DSL or cable modem service.

"ViaSat is excited to expand our role with WildBlue, a leader in the development of next generation satellite broadband," said Steve Cable, ViaSat's Vice-President for Broadband Systems. "With a consolidated effort for both the SM and the SMTS, we can apply our satellite network experience to optimize system performance and support timely availability of the key ground segments for WildBlue's service launch. Building upon a well understood technology base to provide both ends of the WildBlue satellite connection helps fulfill ViaSat's commitment to be a leader in the ground segment and user terminal technology in the growing satellite broadband industry."

05/07/01 : WildBlue Selects Channel Master To Manufacture Consumer Satellite Antennas :

World's Leading Satellite Broadband Antenna Manufacturer to Build "one dish solution" for both Satellite TV and High-speed Internet Service

DENVER, CO AND SMITHFIELD, N.C., May 7, 2001 - WildBlue Communications, Inc. (www.WildBlue.com) has selected Channel Master LLC, (www.ChannelMaster.com) to build the satellite mini-dish antennas that consumers will use to access WildBlue's affordable 2-way wireless broadband service. These mini-dishes can also receive the DBS signals for digital satellite TV.

Under the terms of the agreement, Channel Master will develop and manufacture the small 24 by 26-inch transmit-receive Ka-Band antenna systems, along with DBS Upgrade kits for the program. In addition, Channel Master will provide a number of value-added services including product integration.

"WildBlue is pleased to have the world's leading manufacturer of satellite broadband antennas contribute their expertise to the development of our low-cost, high-performance Ka-Band satellite mini-dish antenna," said WildBlue president and CEO Thomas Moore. "We view the signing of this contract as another key milestone in the development of our affordable satellite broadband service."

WildBlue plans to roll out affordable two-way broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States in 2002 and subsequently expand service to Canada and Latin America. WildBlue plans to be the first to launch the next generation Ka-band spot beam satellite technology that is designed to lower the cost of providing high speed Internet access via satellite. This service is expected to be especially appealing to the millions of homes that will not have access to DSL or cable modem service.

"Channel Master is excited to work with WildBlue, the leader in the development of next generation affordable satellite broadband," said George Jusaites, Director of Channel Master Satellite Broadband Products. "We anticipate a significant worldwide market for low cost, superior quality Ka-Band satellite antennas. WildBlue will be the catalyst for this growth by bringing affordably priced broadband service to millions of U.S. consumers that can't get cable modem or DSL service."

WildBlue's small 24 by 26-inch satellite mini-dish antenna will both wirelessly transmit and receive data from WildBlue's next generation Ka-Band satellite, which then retransmits the signal to a gateway earth station connected to the Internet backbone. This antenna will provide a "one dish solution" for both satellite TV and high-speed Internet service. It is designed to be low cost while maintaining exceptional performance, consistent with WildBlue's goal to enable affordable consumer prices.

03/07/01 : WildBlue Selects Viasat To Build Satellite Modems :

Modems Utilizing High Volume, Standard Components are a Key Element of WildBlue's Affordable Satellite Broadband Service

DENVER, CO AND CARLSBAD, CA, March 7, 2001 - WildBlue Communications, Inc. (www.WildBlue.com) announced today that it has selected ViaSat, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSAT) to build the company's satellite modems. The initial portion of this contract is valued at approximately $16 million and covers development and production of satellite modems to support initial service launch.

WildBlue plans to roll out affordable two-way broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States in 2002 and subsequently expand service to Canada and Latin America. WildBlue plans to be the first to launch the next generation Ka-band spot beam satellite technology that is designed to lower the cost of providing high speed Internet access via satellite. This service is expected to be especially appealing to the millions of homes that will not have access to DSL or cable modem service.

WildBlue's strategic investors include:
EchoStar - www.EchoStar.com
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers - www.KPCB.com
Space Systems/Loral - www.SSLoral.com
TeleSat - www.Telesat.ca
Liberty Media - www.LibertyMedia.com
Gemstar / TV Guide - www.TVGuide.com
Arianespace - www.Arianespace.com
TRW - www.TRW.com

ViaSat is at the forefront of the broadband Ka-band satellite ground systems market, including providing enterprise terminals and gateway systems for next generation, processed payload Ka-band networks. As a supplier of technology for broadband IP networking over satellite, ViaSat VSAT networks are operating on every continent except Antarctica.

WildBlue's satellite modem is expected to serve the same purpose as a dial-up modem, DSL modem or a cable modem. It will convert the analog data transmissions into Internet Protocol (IP) data packets, which can be read by the users' PC or any digital Internet appliance. The agreement with ViaSat allows WildBlue to leverage standard components from the cable modem and satellite TV industries to lower the cost of satellite modems while being designed to provide excellent performance over the Ka-band satellite link. This cost-savings is intended to enable lower pricing to the consumer.

"WildBlue's mission is to provide affordable broadband Internet access virtually anywhere," said WildBlue President and CEO Thomas Moore. "We have a laser focus on minimizing cost, from the cost- effective design of our satellite modems to the high capacity and low cost of our next generation Ka-band spot beam satellite. We are especially pleased to be working with ViaSat, a recognized industry leader in IP networking over satellite and the technologies for efficient use of satellite capacity."

"ViaSat is excited for this opportunity to work with a leader in the development of next generation satellite broadband," said Steve Cable, Vice President, ViaSat Broadband Systems. "We are also working with WildBlue to define the gateway terminal equipment that is designed to ensure a seamless user experience. Once WildBlue brings affordably priced broadband to areas without cable modem or DSL service, we anticipate strong demand for our satellite modems, which helps fulfill ViaSat's commitment to be a leader in the ground segment and user terminal technology in the growing satellite broadband industry."

01/03/01 : WildBlue Selects IBM, TRW And ANDREW To Develop Network Operations Center (NOC) And Gateway Earth Stations :

NOC And Gateways Form The Core Of Ground Segment Infrastructure For WildBlue's Affordable Satellite Broadband Service

DENVER, January 3, 2001 - WildBlue (www.WildBlue.com) (formerly iSKY) announced today that it has selected IBM and TRW to jointly define systems requirements for the company's network operations center (NOC), which will serve as the nerve center of its satellite-based broadband access network. The company also selected Andrew Corporation to build the gateway earth stations, which receive and transmit data to the satellites and convert them into the IP data packets carried by the Internet backbone. Andrew will build the earth station antennas, gateway electronics, and buildings and provide site development. Together, the network operations center and gateways form the core of WildBlue's ground segment infrastructure. WildBlue plans to roll out affordable broadband services via satellite direct to homes and small offices throughout the contiguous United States and subsequently expand service to Canada and Latin America.
Both IBM and TRW bring leading experience to the NOC planning process. IBM Global Services is recognized worldwide as a leader in providing data center and service provider network operating centers. TRW is also recognized as a leader in developing satellite systems technology and operating NOCs that control satellite systems.
WildBlue's network operations center will serve as the monitoring and management center where all components of its gateways, backbone, and each modem are remotely monitored for performance and service problems. The company plans to enable the NOC to quickly and accurately detect the failure of any network component, and to remotely diagnose the problem and, in some cases, to correct it before affecting customer's access to the service.
Andrew Corporation will provide gateway electronics, the earth station antennas, backup power systems, site development and buildings. The gateways will house content caching, e-mail and web hosting services and the intelligent processing that manages the sharing of bandwidth across multiple customers. A gateway earth station comprises one building containing all the electronics and equipment, connected to two large dish antennas.
The initial WildBlue network is designed to incorporate six geographically separated gateway earth stations in the continental United States (in San Diego, CA; Cheyenne, WY; Laredo, TX; Syracuse, NY; Duluth, MN and Seattle, WA). WildBlue's satellites are being designed to re-use the same frequency in transmissions beamed to each gateway, dramatically increasing the capacity of the system.
"WildBlue is pleased to have industry leading companies like IBM, TRW and Andrew Corporation contribute their expertise to the development of our ground segment infrastructure," said WildBlue president and CEO Thomas Moore. "We view the signing of these contracts as key milestones in the development of our affordable satellite broadband service."
"TRW looks forward to working closely with WildBlue and IBM in developing the systems requirements for a network operating center that controls WildBlue's satellite broadband Internet infrastructure," said Martin Melnick, vice president and general manager, TRW Telecommunication Programs Division. "We are proud to be working on a project that is expected to launch the first Ka-band satellite system to offer affordable high-speed Internet access to virtually any home or business in the continental U.S." TRW is also a minority shareholder in WildBlue.
"WildBlue recognizes that exceptional customer service is of the utmost importance," said Jim Corgel, general manager, IBM Global Net Generation Business. "We are confident that our experience and resources, combined with that of TRW's, will help WildBlue to define the operating parameters for a state-of-the art network operations center that will set the standard for system reliability."
"Andrew Corporation is excited to be a part of WildBlue's effort to bring the next generation Ka- band satellite communication systems into commercial operation," said Paul Cox, vice president, Communication Products, Andrew Corporation. "We will apply the expertise garnered from our 33 years of experience in satellite earth station technology to building world-class facilities for WildBlue."