|
 |
||
|
Communications Daily Thursday, June 14, 2001 By: Jeff Grossman With limited range of land-based broadband providers such as DSL and cable modems, satellite-based Internet servers want to attack markets in previously untapped rural and isolated regions of U.S., speakers said at satellite-over-Internet conference Wed. in Arlington, Va. Number of global broadband users is expected to triple by 2003, and satellite Internet providers will have to utilize current telecom networks to keep up with rapid growth, SkyBridge Satellite Senior VP David Finkelstein said. Although full standardization may not be right for satellite Internet industry, Finkelstein said, it may be helpful to adapt some telecom methods. "Standardization was key to driving the telecom industry," he said, and satellite Internet companies should "develop solutions based upon telecom standards." WildBlue Program Management VP David Bukovinsky said 20-30% of U.S. households currently had no access to cable modem or DSL servers. WildBlue plans first commercial Ka-band spot beam satellite, which will be able to provide 2-way broadband Internet to entire U.S. in first quarter of 2002, he said. It will adapt "off-the-shelf" technology to achieve cost that "will offer consumers a price that's competitive with the rising DSL and cable modem prices," Bukovinsky said. He estimated consumer package would cost $199 for equipment, $99 for installation, $29.95-$69.95 per month for service. "Businesses here are not trying to push the envelope," SatWest Pres. Brian Barnett said. Agencies with heavy funding, such as NASA, can afford to develop new technology, he said, but private firms need to adapt proved technologies from other industries to succeed. Broadband market still will be wide open when satellite-based Internet industry develops in few years, Finkelstein said. Industry "needs to integrate so it doesn't become marginalized as a niche player," he said. |
||
