WHAT IS STARBAND?

Starband^SM service is the first two-way satellite Internet service for the consumer market that allows an always-on connection. A specially designed 24 x 36-inch satellite dish antenna equipped with both a transmitter and receiver for two- way satellite connectivity allows StarBand to provide its antenna services to customers along with the ability to receive satellite television service from DISH Network ^TM.

WHY SHOULD CONSUMERS BE EXCITED ABOUT STARBAND SERVICE?

The StarBand service offers consumers a faster alternative to their slow ISPs and allows many consumers who are unable to get broadband through cable modem or DSL because of geographical restrictions to experience the excitement of high-speed Internet service.

SINCE THIS IS A NEW SERVICE, HOW DO I KNOW IT WILL WORK?

While new to the consumer market, StarBand's satellite technology has been the platform of choice for major businesses throughout the world for many years. The technology behind the StarBand service is based on well-proven VSAT technology, currently used in over 200,00 business locations throughout the world.

HOW DOES STARBAND COMPARE WITH STANDARD DIAL-UP INTERNET ACCESS?

The StarBand Internet experience is up to 10X faster than what you get with the fastest dial-up service. Unlike other Internet satellite services, StarBand users receive content (download) at speeds up to 500 Kbps, and send content (upload) at speeds up to 100 Kbps - and your reception speed can burst even higher.

HOW DOES STARBAND COMPARE TO OTHER SATELLITE-DELIVERED INTERNET SYSTEMS?

StarBand is a true always-on Internet service that both receives and transmits Internet content via satellite. Unlike its satellite Internet competitors, StarBand does not require its users to tie up their phone lines or retain a separate land-based Internet Service Provider.

HOW DOES STARBAND COMPARE TO DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER LINE (DSL) AND CABLE MODEMS?

Like DSL and cable modems, the StarBand service provides an always-on, high-speed connection to the Internet. Since it works with satellite technology, it is much more widely available than DSL or cable. It's virtually everywhere, whereas DSL and cable line are only available in 8%* of the country.

DOES STARBAND SERVICE REQUIRE AN ACCOUNT WITH AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER?

No. Because it doesn't use a dial-up telephone connection, StarBand service does not require and account with a land based ISP. 

HOW WILL STARBAND USERS ACCESS THE INTERNET AND RECEIVE E-MAIL?

StarBand users will access Internet and e-mail content using the same PC-based browser and e-mail applications that they currently use. WHAT KIND OF PC WORKS WITH THE STARBAND SYSTEM?

While there is no specific PC or laptop brand recommended, the StarBand system requires the following minimum specifications for it to run properly:

Any Pentium-class CPU or equivalent
32MB RAM
Minimum install - 30 MB
Full install - 85 MB
CD-ROM drive
USB port
Operating systems: Microsoft® Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows 98SE or Windows 98

WHO IS STARBANDS INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER?

StarBand will provide all web access services. StarBand users will access the Internet using PC-based browser application.

DOES THE STARBAND SERVICE WORK WITH SMALL-DISH SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES?

Yes. With a DISH Network^TM upgrade. StarBand's 24 x 36-inch satellite dish antenna is capable of simultaneously receiving DISH Network's digital programming for reception on your TV, as well as always-on Internet service for your PC. The StarBand satellite dish antenna will be available in a configuration that has two DISH Network receivers on the dish antenna for satellite television reception, along with a third receiver for Internet content and a StarBand satellite transmitter for the Internet. The StarBand system is not compatible with satellite television systems other than DISH network.

IF A CONSUMER ALREADY HAS A DISH NETWORK SYSTEM INSTALLED, HOW DO THEY UPGRADE TO STARBAND SERVICE?

If an existing DISH Network customer receives DISH 500 programming, upgrading to the StarBand service is as simple as swapping out the standard DISH Network satellite antenna and mount, and running two additional coaxial cables from the dish antenna to the StarBand Model 180. No additional modifications are required to the existing DISH Network receivers or wiring.

WHAT IS REQUIRED IN A STARBAND INSTALLATION?

The process is nearly identical to the standard small-dish satellite television installation process, except that it involves a slightly larger dish antenna and two additional coaxial cables running from the dish antenna to the stand-alone satellite modem. Because the StarBand service sends and receives content via satellite, the dish antenna pointing process may require slightly greater precision. Therefore, a professional installation by a StarBand certified installer is required.

WHAT ARE THE LINE-OF-SIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STARBAND DISH ANTENNA?

The dish antenna must have an unobstructed view of the satellite in order for the service to function, meaning that no buildings, trees, etc. can block the path between your antenna and the satellite located in the southern sky. Depending on where StarBand users live, the dish antenna will be pointed somewhere between the southeast and the southwest horizon at an elevation between 20 and 50 degrees.