BT Launch Wholesale BB Satellite
Posted: 02nd Jun, 2004 By: MarkJ
BT Broadcast Services (BTBS) has today announced the commercial launch of its two-way wholesale broadband satellite service, which is designed to help cover those out of ADSL's reach. Typically the price may be too high for most:
New Satellite broadband service to boost rural businesses
The service will help make 100 per cent UK broadband coverage a reality by offering businesses high-speed internet services in areas that cannot get Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) services.
The service will be offered to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Other Licensed Operators (OLOs), providing 500kbps broadband to SMEs and home offices, and teleworkers in rural and remote areas outside of existing ADSL reach.
BTBS will provide a fully managed service to ISP's and OLO's on behalf of their customers, including installation and ongoing support via a dedicated customer support network. The first ISP to offer the service will be BT's Retail division.
Two packages will be offered on a wholesale basis; Satellite Broadband 500 Lite at £46.99 a month per user and Satellite Broadband 500 Plus, which starts at £85.99 a month per user. Equipment prices start at £699, with standard installation at £250.
Satellite Broadband 500 Lite is aimed at single users with a predominant need for high-speed web and email access to support their business requirements. Satellite Broadband 500 Plus is aimed at users with a need for a LAN environment and heavier file download capacity.
Jonathan Wing, Head of Satellite Broadband at BTBS, said, "Satellite broadband enables businesses and ISPs to be effective and competitive wherever their offices are located. Our dedication to providing a complete and flexible service for users will ensure a first-class broadband experience is available anywhere in the UK."
The service utilises a managed satellite network provided by Intelsat, on the IS-907 satellite, using a focused Ku-band spot beam. Based on the success of satellite broadband in the UK, BTBS has the option to extend its service with Intelsat into Western Europe.
John Stanton, president of Intelsat's Data Carrier and Internet unit added: "Having a high-quality provider such as BT choose Intelsat to provide its broadband solution further validates our managed service strategy of leaving the network details to us to give customers the freedom to focus on pursuing new business opportunities."
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