StarBand
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StarBand is a two-way satellite broadband Internet service available in the U.S.. StarBand Communications Inc. was initially a joint venture between Gilat Satellite Networks, EchoStar and Microsoft, and the StarBand service was launched in 2000. StarBand Communications filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002 and emerged from bankruptcy in 2003. In March 2005, StarBand Communications was acquired by Spacenet, a division of Gilat, which continues to operate the service. As of mid-2005, StarBand had approximately 32,000 subscribers.
[edit] Technology
All of Starband's products have been true two-way satellite internet. StarBand offered the first residential two-way satellite internet service on the market. In 2000, Starband sold Gilat's second generation product using the Gilat Skyblaster PCI card VSAT. The only way to purchase the Skyblaster PCI cards was to purchase a PC with the send and receive PCI cards pre-installed as well as hosting software. In 2001, StarBand began offering service using standalone VSAT units: Gilat's First Generation Model 180 (based on the Gilat Skystar Advantage/180 VSAT) connected via USB only. The 180 modem required windows drivers for the USB interface. Then Starband switched to Gilat's third generation Model 360 VSAT (based on the Gilat Skyblaster 360 VSAT) connected via USB or ethernet and required hosting software to communicate. In 2003, StarBand introduced the Model 480 modem (based on the Gilat Skystar 360E VSAT), which connects via Ethernet only, supports multiple computers and requires no additional software. In late 2005, StarBand began selling only Model 480-based services. The service supports Microsoft Windows PC, Macintosh, Unix and Linux computers. In October 2006 Starband introduced the 5th generation modem, the Nova. This model is based on Gilat's SkyEdge. The SkyEdge modems are capable of higher speeds, optimized for voip, VPN, and work on a more efficient hub. The SkyEdge modems have one ethernet port and do not require hosting software.
The StarBand satellite Internet system uses Ku band satellites for transmission of data from the StarBand network operations center to its customers' personal computers. Two-way bandwidth for residential users is up to 1000 kbit/s download speed and 256 kbit/s upload speed, with unlimited usage and online hours. A 24 by 36 in (600 by 900 mm) satellite dish is needed. Previously, Starband supplied a .74 square meter convergence antenna. This antenna picked up two dish network signals and the satellite internet signal. Starband is now supplying a third generation .78 sq. meter antenna. You need a separate antenna to receive satellite television signals. The antenna is sufficiently small that Home Owner Associations cannot prohibit its installation.
