The amazing Luisa Handem, from RuMBA, had me back on her "Rural America Radio" show this afternoon. I invited our technology and retail partner, SkyWay USA's CSO, Don Smith to join us and we had a wonderful conversation though it went by much too fast for me.

I seriously could have discussed this topic, especially the second round of ARRA funding and the difficulties in connecting this county's exceptionally rural communities, for at least 2 more hours. I really hope that we can come back soon.

I applaud Luisa for her dedication and passion for discussing this topic on her weekly online radio show.

Here's her web site with both a download (6.7 Mb) and a stream of today's show, see link below. Its the third tab on the left down. The one with today's date.

For more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/luisahandem

EchoStar Offers Satellite Communications for Haiti Relief Agencies

January 19, 2010

EchoStar News Advisory
Jan. 19, 2010

EchoStar Offers Satellite Communications for Haiti Relief Agencies

EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) and provider of satellite-related backhaul, aggregation and distribution of video, audio and data domestically and internationally, is donating satellite communications services to Haiti relief agencies following the disastrous earthquake. As part of its outreach, EchoStar notified the FCC about its intentions on Jan. 14.

EchoStar is offering Ku-band satellite bandwidth capacity onboard its EchoStar IX satellite located at 121 degrees W.L. Relief agencies seeking to establish an emergency channel or conduct satellite backhaul or uplink services should contact EchoStar’s Traffic Desk at 888-778-3728. EchoStar IX’s satellite beam covers the United States, including Haiti due to its close proximity.