While the target market is rural and remote customers, AT&T’s new service is available to all businesses and residences in 13 states, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Kansas, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Satellite-based broadband subscribers will have three service packag es to choose from, with prices ranging from $49.95 to $79.95 monthly, and broadband speed options ranging up to 1.5 Mbps downstream and up to 256 Kbps upstream. Subscribers also must purchase a proprietary satellite dish for $299, which includes installation.
AT&T’s new service will be delivered through an operating agreement with the satellite high-speed Internet provider WildBlue. AT&T is branding the product as AT&T High Speed Internet Access, powered by WildBlue.
“Satellite technology provides a viable broadband option for areas that cannot be effectively served by DSL or cable, enabling AT&T to offer services in areas that have had few or no options previously,” AT&T spokesman Jim Callaway said. “Our efforts to expand the reach of broadband will enable many of our rural customers to take full advantage of online business, educational, and communications tools for the very first time.”