Under the agreement, following the launch of iSKY�s service, currently anticipated during late 2001, EchoStar would also distribute the iSKY satellite Internet service along with DISH Network satellite TV service through its more than 23,000 retailers nationwide.

With this investment, EchoStar will own 12 percent of iSKY and receive warrants which, based on reaching iSKY customer targets, could increase its stake up to 20.8 percent on an outstanding basis.

iSKY expects to deliver its always-on broadband solution to the home and small office/home office markets at speeds of 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) or more � 30 times faster than current dial-up speeds of 56k. iSKY expects to be the first two-way, Ka-band, satellite broadband Internet access service when it launches in 2001.

Under the non-exclusive agreement, EchoStar will provide sales and installation for consumers through its nationwide DISH Network Service Corporation, which will install a single iSKY/DISH Network dish that can simultaneously "see" EchoStar�s and iSKY�s satellites.

The 26-inch dish will be capable of both receiving and sending Internet data, while at the same time receiving hundreds of DISH Network satellite television channels, including the same popular sports and entertainment services enjoyed today by DISH Network�s customers nationwide, including local channels, interactive television services, international programming and more.

EchoStar and iSKY expect to be the first to offer residential consumers and small businesses a completely bundled hardware and services solution for Ka-band broadband Internet access combined with satellite TV programming.

EchoStar will streamline the consumer experience by providing complete installation of the single set-top box and single dish at the consumer�s home. Under the agreement, EchoStar will also receive a substantial revenue-sharing payment. iSKY and EchoStar have mutual, long-term bundling rights to sell each other�s service.

"We are excited about taking advantage of new Ka-band satellite technology to offer consumers a 21st century entertainment and communications service," said Charlie Ergen, CEO and chairman of EchoStar.

iSKY�s initial Ka-band satellite, which is expected to be launched in third-quarter 2001 to its 109.2 degrees West Longitude orbital location, is currently under construction by Space Systems/Loral and would allow iSKY to serve North America. iSKY is expected to provide service in Latin America with the launch of its second satellite in mid-2002.

"Our partnership with EchoStar is key to our strategy of aggressively targeting the consumer market," said Thomas Moore, president and CEO of iSKY.

"This will be the first easy and affordable way for consumers to access Ka-band satellite broadband and satellite TV through one sales process, one installation and one set of equipment.

"We forecast that 25 to 30 million U.S. homes will not have access to any other broadband solution when our service hits the market next year. Of those, we expect a significant number will choose iSKY," said Moore.

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Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005
The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India.