Broadband Stimulus Still Overlooks 40M Households

So, by reading this report, are they saying there are 40M homes NOT passed by terrestrial broadband? After speaking with many service providers, P.U.C.s and other organizations in the CONUS, nobody really seems to know. What we all do know is, there are a lot of folks stuck on dial-up who need help here. Please call us to see how easy it is to add Broadband in a Box to your current high speed Internet offerings and never have to tell a prospect "NO, we do not serve your area", ever again.

Happy Holidays...

Regards,

Thomas William
Vice President of Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
(800) 761.9149 : office
(502) 426.2067 : local
(502) 263.9879 : my mobile
(502) 515.3710 : fax

email: tomw@bbinabox.com
web: www.bbinabox.com
skype: bbinabox
chat: broadbandinabox@gmail.com
icq: 562727303
blog: http://broadbandinabox.blogspot.com
network: http://linkedin.com/in/broadbandinabox
# # # #

New Study Finds $7.2B Not Nearly Enough

Kelly M. Teal
12/15/2009

The $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds isn’t nearly enough to bring high-speed Internet access to 49 percent of households in the United States.

That’s the word from a new report published by Insight Research Corp., which found that, in spite of increased adoption fueled by the broadband stimulus program, 40 million households still won’t have broadband options by the end of 2014.

Robert Rosenberg, president of Insight Research, said the Obama Administration understands the direct relationship between broadband access and America’s economic health. But, he added, “the current allocation of funds is just not going to get the job done.”

Spending $6.4 billion amounts to an investment of $164 per household to get broadband access to households that need it, Insight Research found. That small number “casts serious doubt that any significant expansion of broadband access will result from this government action,” Insight Research said in a press release. “This position is further bolstered by the argument that, at the current estimate of $1,500 per household, at least $60 billion would be needed to deploy universal broadband access.”

Part of the problem is a lot of people don’t have computers.

“Our analysis found that a substantial portion of the 49 percent without broadband had no computers in their homes,” Rosenberg said. “There is a chicken and egg problem here that needs to be considered by our policy makers.”

To that point, there may be some hope. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., last week introduced a bill that would reform the Universal Service Fund to help pay for low-income users’ monthly broadband access and even help those subscribers buy the necessary computer equipment.

In the meantime, the question of the broadband stimulus efficacy remains. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) have yet to name recipients of the first round of grants and loans. All of the money must be distributed by Sept. 30, 2010.

Related Articles:
• Broadband Stimulus: Just One More Funding Round Slated

source

NOW AVAILABLE: SkyFinder AZ/EL Tool

For figuring out the Azimuth/Elevation (Az/El) for your customers, please go to:

http://skyfinder.swmodem.com

You will need to choose "AMC-15" from the drop-down menu and enter the Zip Code for the property that the dish is being installed.

If there is an obstacle in the path, it also has a handy "Height Tool" to help out.

Regards,

Thomas William
Vice President of Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
(800) 761.9149 : office
(502) 426.2067 : local
(502) 263.9879 : my mobile
(502) 515.3710 : fax

email: tomw@bbinabox.com
web: www.bbinabox.com
skype: bbinabox
chat: broadbandinabox@gmail.com
icq: 562727303
blog: http://broadbandinabox.blogspot.com
network: http://linkedin.com/in/broadbandinabox

Telephony Online article on our Solution (Sept. 2009)

We received a write-up from our good friend, Ed Gubbins at Telephony Magazine regarding our 1st CLEC deployment in West Virginia.

This time on their fantastic web site, check it out: Broadband in a Box wins first CLEC

For those readers who are link-challenged, I've created a photo of it which you can click on and read it up above^.

Thanks for Everything you all!

Regards,

Thomas William
Vice President of Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
(800) 761.9149 : office
(502) 426.2067 : local
(502) 263.9879 : my mobile
(502) 515.3710 : fax

:email:::::::::::::::::::::::: tomw@bbinabox.com
:web::::::::::::::::::::::::::: www.bbinabox.com
:skype::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: bbinabox
:chat::::::::::::::::: broadbandinabox@gmail.com
:icq:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 562727303
:blog::::::: http://broadbandinabox.blogspot.com
:network: http://linkedin.com/in/broadbandinabox

Speaking of that fine Telephony Online article, Broadband in a Box wins first CLEC:

It was just chosen as the Smart Brief Editors Pick of the Day!

A hearty congrats goes out to Ed Gubbins and the fine folks at FiberNet for making things happen and taking names in this 'depressed economy!

Regards,

Thomas-
800-761-9149 office
502-263-9879 mobile
tomw@bbinabox.com
www.bbinabox.com

I have supported 15 year olds and 75 year olds installing our system!

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

If you can't already tell, I love my job and this is the favorite part of it. I have worked with 1,000's of people in your exact position today. From 15 years old high school drama students, to 68 year old grandmothers, to 75 year old ex-marines named Carl who's 37 year old ex-marine neighbor trained as a radio technician gave up after 9 minutes and I convinced him to climb on his roof to tune in the signal himself.

Thank you again for your interest in our rural broadband solution. We look forward to hearing your test results and ultimately supporting your successful launch of services to your rural subscribers.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Oh, by the way, Carl found the signal himself in less than 10-minutes!!!

Tom-

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Telephony Magazine article on our Solution (June 2009)

RE: Telephony Magazine article on our Solution (June 2009)

I am proud to say that we had an article published in this month's Telephony Magazine, (page 20). I have attached a photo I made from a fax a good friend sent to me yesterday.

I believe now is the best time to get involved. We are working with Telco's in 27 states on field tests prior to their signing our agreement. We are available to do the same with your rural customers. One email to your employees and/or rural customers can literally tell if there is demand or not.

Will you have time this week to discuss next steps?If so, call us at 1-800-761-9149

With Telephony Magazine actively watching and reporting on our rural efforts, USDA still considering our solution for RUS loans and our alternative financing almost ready to go, we have the solution which will help maintain and grow your rural exchange high speed Internet business and beyond.

Have a great day.

Regards,

Thomas William
Vice President of Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
(800) 761.9149 : office
(502) 426.2067 : local
(502) 263.9879 : my mobile
(502) 515.3710 : fax

:email:::::::::::::::::::::::: tomw@bbinabox.com
:web::::::::::::::::::::::::::: www.bbinabox.com
:skype::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: bbinabox
:chat::::::::::::::::: broadbandinabox@gmail.com
:icq:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 562727303
:blog::::::: http://broadbandinabox.blogspot.com
:network: http://linkedin.com/in/broadbandinabox

The Failure of 3G Hurts Apple and Its Competition

By 24/7 Wall St. Monday, May. 11, 2009

A poster touting applications available for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch hangs from a metal support at the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco. Apple says it has 25,000 apps in its app store and there's one for "just about anything."

Paul Sakuma / AP

The inadequacy of 3G networks to carry data and video for large numbers of handsets simultaneously is hurting the performance of the Apple (AAPL) iPhone. The problem only starts there. The weakness of 3G networks has also likely undermined the consumer's opinion of new products from RIM (RIMM), the Samsung Instinct, and a host of new products from market leader Nokia (NOK).

Related

Scooters and the Stimulus Package

Antitrust Action Against Intel Could Tie it Up in Legal Problems for Years

George Soros Says the Economy is Improving. Do Billionaires Know Best?

More Related

• Cell Phones and Connections Faster than Lightning
• The iPhone: Second Time’s a Charm
• The Cheaper, Faster iPhone

None of the consumer electronics companies banking on 3G to drive handset sales to pre-recession levels are going to be able to count on their carrier partners for services that will show off the best features of phones that can download and manipulate files, access the internet, and play video. (See pictures of the iPhone.)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the iPhone is so feature rich that "the resulting growth in downloading and Web browsing will strain AT&T's network." AT&T is not alone. Sprint (S) and Verizon Wireless (VZ)(VOD) are up against the same problems.

The promise of 4G wireless networks, which should operate at speeds five to ten times faster than 3G, may be years away. Sprint is testing WiMax ultra-fast broadband in several cities, but there is no guarantee that the technology will work in nationwide rollout. AT&T and Verizon are preparing technologies which are supposed to offer similar results. (See the top ten gadgets of 2008.)

The handset and cell industries face a particularly vexing problem. The current 3G networks are not powerful enough to allow consumers with advanced handsets to take advantage of all of their features, especially networks strained by huge transfers of data to and from handsets. It is a problem that cannot be solved soon enough to keep customers from being disappointed because the phones they have purchased will not work well on the services they have subscribed to.

— Douglas A. McIntyre

source

Concept of the geostationary communications satellite

Have you ever wondered how satellite communications got its start? Thanks to Wikipedia, we have the story. Also, please download the companion piece written by Arthur C. Clarke, the father of satellite Technology - HERE. (Special thanks to the Clarke Foundation)

From Wikipedia

Geostationary orbit

Main article: Geostationary orbit

Clarke's most important scientific contribution may be his idea that geostationary satellites would be ideal telecommunications relays. He described this concept in a paper titled Extra-Terrestrial Relays — Can Rocket Stations Give Worldwide Radio Coverage?, published in Wireless World in October 1945.^[68] The geostationary orbit is now sometimes known as the Clarke Orbit or the Clarke Belt in his honour.

However, it is not clear that this article was actually the inspiration for the modern telecommunications satellite. John R. Pierce, of Bell Labs, arrived at the idea independently in 1954 and he was actually involved in the Echo satellite and Telstar projects. Moreover, Pierce stated that the idea was "in the air" at the time and certain to be developed regardless of Clarke's publication. In an interview given shortly before his death, Clarke was asked whether he thought communications satellites would become important; he replied

"I'm often asked why I didn't try to patent the idea of communications satellites. My answer is always, ‘A patent is really a license to be sued.' "^[69]

Though different from Clarke's idea of telecom relay, the idea of communicating with satellites in geostationary orbit itself had been described earlier. For example, the concept of geostationary satellites was described in Hermann Oberth's 1923 book Die Rakete zu den Planetenräumen^[70] (The Rocket into Interplanetary Space) and then the idea of radio communication with those satellites in Herman Potočnik's (written under the pseudonym Hermann Noordung) 1928 book Das Problem der Befahrung des Weltraums — der Raketen-Motor (The Problem of Space Travel — The Rocket Motor) sections: Providing for Long Distance Communications and Safety^[71] and (possibly referring to the idea of relaying messages via satellite, but not that 3 would be optimal) Observing and Researching the Earth's Surface^[72] published in Berlin. Clarke acknowledged the earlier concept in his book Profiles of the Future.^[73]

A resurgence in dial-up connectivity

USTelecom dailyLead | 02/18/2009

Dial-up Internet access may be experiencing a resurgence among those looking to tighten their belts. EarthLink recently began offering dial-up service for less than $8 per month, $2 less than most of its broadband-selling rivals. Washington Post, The (02/17)

1,000's of Satisfied Customers (Testimonials)

1,000's of Satisfied Customers

Customer Testimonials Your's Can Be Next! "I want to thank you for directing me to SkyWay USA High Speed Internet service for our lake house. The technical and support staff did a great job of walking me through the setup and went above and beyond to help me install a wireless router. I have been using SkyWay USA for about a month now and have had no incidence with service, it works! P.S. The best part is using Remote Access to log on to my work computer so no one knows if I am in the office or at the lake. I will leverage that hidden bonus!" -- Ron T "I'm very pleased with our Skyway USA connection. The download speed has been consistent. Thanks for the great service!" -- Martin K "After speaking with customer service on Sunday, October 21st, I would like to request an upgrade to the Silver Plus Plan. I am currently enrolled in the Bronze. The sooner this can be implemented, the happier I will be...Thank you for your quick action in advance. BTW, I love my Skyway! Has rained, and/or stormed almost every day since I installed, and it hasn't affected by surfing speed at all. My neighbor [who uses a different satellite internet provider] has hardly been up for the last three weeks, tee hee! My sister's [satellite internet provider] at her workplace has been down for the last seven weeks; evidently they can't figure it out. She was going to sign up with them; she'll be going with SkyWay USA instead." -- Michael H "I was amazed by your speedy delivery and efficient set-up, and was astounded by your tech support after the sale. We love the high speed and reliable access that we now have with SkyWay USA." -- Mike C "I would like to tell you that I am very pleased with this service so far. The speed is unreal to me, a long time dial-up sufferer, everything loads so quick. And the customer support in setting up the last few tweaks was so helpful. Anyway thanks for making fast Internet available without the loss of any limbs, like an arm or leg, in the process." -- Bobby P "I've had your service for 8 months now and I just wanted to tell you that you are a great Internet provider, especially with your new satellite. We installed it ourselves and our speed and customer service has been very good." -- Otto N "If you are tired of dial-up, or slow connection, let me tell you about SkyWay USA. I've tried just about every dial-up available. There's no DSL or high speed internet available where I live. So the only choice I had was to go with Satellite Internet. After deciding to go with Satellite Internet, I started checking out all my options. I talked with a few other companies but wasn't happy with the answers I was getting. I saw the Ad for SkyWay USA in our local paper and decided to call. I'm so happy that I did. When I called, I talked to a representative name Scott. I told him what I was looking for and asked question after question. He patiently answered every question I had. After talking with Scott I was still undecided. We talked several times over the next week; I had so many questions and was a little apprehensive about making such a big change. He never tried to push me into anything. He told me that he was sure I would be happy with the change. After deciding to try SkyWay USA, I have only one thing to say, Scott was right, I'm amazed at how fast it really is! I never want to go back to dial-up again. I'm very happy with SkyWay USA. You can tell that they really care about their customers. Scott went above and beyond the call of duty. I want to thank everyone at SkyWay USA for making my life a little easier and a lot faster. If there's any one out there who is as apprehensive as I was, I urge you all to try SkyWay USA." --Helen T (800) 761-9149 info@bbinabox.com There is now no reason your rural subscribers should go without broadband. About Us Broadband in a Box Our open standard technology, wholesale pricing and successful business model are engineered to give Telcos, ISPs and WISPs an opportunity to compete with a white label, affordable, stable and fast last mile broadband solution and multimedia content to their subscribers. (800) 761 9149 info@bbinabox.com Read our New Blog Partner of the Month

You are invited to see our service. Risk Free Demo Offer Our systems come with everything you need to install it yourself! See the subscriber experience of fast, affordable and consistent satellite broadband. CLICK HERE to download our Demo Order Agreement PDF! CLICK HERE to download our Wholesale White Paper!

VuNow

We have been testing the VuNow box since late last year. All I can tell you is this in one incredible little set-top box/broadband video provider. No computer is needed!

I am happy to say, my testimonial is now on their site. I feel very honored to be among the first to test out this little gang buster. See my testimonial here.

VuNow™ Features

Verismo's VuNow is the only solution that provides everything a consumer wants. Access to the broadest online content, simple to use, ease of installation, and a compact size — all at an affordable price.

Watch millions of free online videos directly on your TV instead of your PC.

• A Standard Definition and a High Definition model of the VuNow PoD that can connect to any TV
• Compact size and easy to install
• Support for wired or wireless connectivity
• Navigation using a TV-friendly and intuitive User Interface
• Watch YouTube™ videos on TV by categories
• Search for videos with the powerful built-in Video Search Engine
• Choose from a large selection of movies and download from CinemaNow™ - Coming Soon!
• Download videos using BitTorrent™ protocol
• Watch videos directly from popular websites by categories
• Watch Live TV Channels from around the world
• Access to Personal Media such as video, music, and photos from the home network – stored on a PC, Networked Attached Storage device, or even on a connected USB storage device
• No subscription fees

For more infomation: www.verismonetworks.com/

News For Today

I added our solution to an old blog post from 2006 at VSatUS.blogspot.com. The author nails a lot of the hurdles customers have to overcome to get reliable broadband.


Regards,
Thomas William
Vice President of Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
Direct: (502) 426.2067
Toll Free: (800) 761.9149
Cell: (502) 263.9879
Fax: (502) 515.3710
Email: tomw@bbinabox.com
Download: www.bbinabox.com
Blog: broadbandinabox.blogspot.com
Chat: broadbandinabox@gmail.com
Network: linkedin.com/in/broadbandinabox

Technology Clothing Store into Booming Online Success

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Thomas William Vice President of Partner Solutions Broadband in a Box 1302 Clear Springs Trace Louisville Kentucky 40223 Direct: (502) 426.2067 Toll Free: (800) 761.9149 Cell: (502) 263.9879 Fax: (502) 515.3710 Email: tomw@bbinabox.com Download: www.bbinabox.com/docs Blog: broadbandinabox.blogspot.com Chat: broadbandinabox@gmail.com Network: linkedin.com/in/broadbandinabox

# # # # # # # #

…While Allowing it to Maintain its “Mom and Pop” Sentiment



Dresden, TN - When E.T. Reavis first started his small clothing store on the Dresden town square back in 1890, the words “World Wide Web” didn’t quite have the same significance that they do today.

Fast forward nearly 120 years, and those three words have helped his quaint family-owned business reach beyond the 2,800 people that live in Dresden to the more than 300 million people that live across the United States.

These days, the store is run by E.T.’s great-grandchildren, Tom, Martha and Carol. Tom admits taking the family business online originally started as just a sideline to the store itself, but when they saw how their hard-to-find and specialty items caught the attention of Internet shoppers, an entirely new business was born. “People’s shopping habits have changed dramatically over the last five years,” says Tom. “A few clicks and two or three minutes and a person can have just about anything they want.”

One particularly popular item E.T. Reavis and Son has to offer is, in grand Southern tradition, overalls. The store features unique styles and sizes (sizes range from 6 months to a 74 waist) that the larger, well-known department stores don’t carry anymore. “I get calls all the time from people saying ‘Wal-Mart used to carry these, but they changed to another brand,’” says Tom.

The store’s distinctive items have caught the attention of everyone from the History Channel to the Minnesota Timberwolves. And with 90% of their revenue now coming from online sales, the company shows no signs of slowing down. Transitioning with the times by moving his business to the Internet literally changed the course of Tom’s entire business. “The Internet has relieved me of competition locally,” he says. “Instead of having to rely on the local economy for sales, I rely on the whole United States.”

And the United States delivers. “We have customers from Maine to California, Alaska to Hawaii,” says Tom.

Their popularity comes as no surprise. Just one visit to the E.T. Reavis and Son website and their number one motto is clear:

“If you are ever in the Dresden area of Northwest Tennessee, please come by and visit. We would love to meet you.”

LINK

Economic stimulus package: $6 billion for broadband

January 16, 2009 — 12:27am ET | By Doug Mohney

Related Stories

• Blair Levin illuminates Obama broadband policy, TIGR
• More predictions for Obama broadband, telecommunications policies
• Obama commits to broadband investment
• Telecom awaits President Obama

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The $825 billion economic stimulus proposal includes $6 billion for improving U.S. broadband infrastructure - but no tax breaks.

A summary of the proposed spending released by House Democrats calls for the money to be used for "broadband and wireless grants in under-served areas to strengthen the economy and provide business and job opportunities in every section of America, with benefits to e-commerce, education, and health care. For every dollar invested in broadband, the economy sees a ten-fold return on that investment."

Phone and cable companies were hoping and lobbying for tax breaks, but the wireless industry considers the proposal a win since they wanted to be included in any broadband stimulus program.

Earlier in the week, Obama transition team member Blair Levin said that any monies which came from the economic stimulus package would likely use "existing structures" and programs to get money pumped into the economy in a timely fashion. The Wall Street Journal has tallied up a list of existing programs and departments that might be handing out the cash, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Broadband Loan and Guarantee Program, the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and possible a one-time shot into the FCC's Universal Service Fund mechanism.

Public interest groups were hoping upwards of $44 billion to be spent, but $6 billion is a good start for Free Press - so long as tax dollars aren't used to fund "closed, proprietary networks that shut out content providers, control consumer behavior and encourage anticompetitive activity." Well! Free Press wants strings, including "mandatory requirements" to insure non-discrimination (i.e. Net Neutrality).

There's also likely to be a brewing dog fight over the definition of what broadband should be, with some companies and public interest groups calling for 100 Mbps download speeds, while others might be content to see a modest 10-50 Mbps download speed. Lower download speeds might allow Clearwire and other wireless broadband buildouts to fit in.

For more:
- Wall Street Journal reports on the $6 billion stalking horse. Blog.
- DSL Reports provides a little more detail here.
- And RCR Wireless has its stimulus package spin here.

Related articles
Blair Levin illuminates Obama broadband policy, TIGR
More predictions for Obama broadband, telecommunications policies

Email In: Another Future Satisfied Partner

I just recieved this email from an ISP in Florida/Georgia who evaluated our services. What a great way to start the New Year!!! Call us today to order your RISK-FREE, No obligation Evaluation unit and see for yourself.

Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Thomas William
Vice President of Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
Direct: (502) 426.2067
Toll Free: (800) 761.9149
Cell: (502) 263.9879
Fax: (502) 515.3710
Email: tomw@bbinabox.com
Download: www.bbinabox.com/docs
Blog: broadbandinabox.blogspot.com
Chat: broadbandinabox@gmail.com
Network: linkedin.com/in/broadbandinabox

Tom... BBinaBox ROCKS... Installation was smooth, even the little compass works well... dish is extremely well made, kit is all-inclusive. I had my doubts about the little beeper -- it too, worked like a dream. I had nightmares about old [OMITTED] tweeking, twisting, pounding, praying and the like, and calling a support line that just rings and rings... your product is like a Cadillac -- not one single glitch.

Now that your head is swollen, and your ego larger than life -- this report is only going to get better. Your signal is (like you said it would be) is HUGE in this area. And at 47 degrees, it's above the trees -- and we have lots of those. 'Worked flawlessly with IKANO dialup, even on a crappy phone line. 'Ran it wireless on a Cisco elcheepo router -- once again -- flawless. 'Tried it with UBUNTU Linux latest version -- it just smoked... and that's a real plus -- most of the Linux versions out there don't support modems very well... if at all.

I'm sold. Let me gather my thoughts on our pricing in our neck of the woods -- and what the little weekly newspapers are going to charge for ads. And let me munch on this for a day or two -- OH, and by the way, I showed it to my daughter Jane on her laptop -- and she thought is was DSL -- how 'bout them apples.

Talk to you soon...

Internet Providers Move to Shape Broadband Push

By AMOL SHARMA

President-elect Barack Obama's call to improve the nation's broadband infrastructure has cable and phone company lobbyists maneuvering to get a leg up.

Lawmakers in Congress want a plan that will create jobs over the next two to three years while also tackling the longer-term goal of improving the availability and quality of high-speed Web access in the U.S. The U.S. has slipped to 15th from fourth place since 2001 in broadband penetration, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Advocates say broadband deployment is critical to the competitiveness of the U.S. economy.

Among the issues are what speed Congress should define as broadband and whether government money should be funneled only to areas that have no broadband access, or if it should also subsidize upgrades to existing networks.

Policies under serious consideration are corporate tax credits to build new wireless or landline infrastructure, government-backed broadband "bonds" and grants to companies or local governments, legislative aides and lobbyists close to the process say. There also is strong agreement that low-income consumers need to be encouraged to sign up for broadband -- for example, through vouchers to purchase computers or discounts on monthly service.

Senate Finance Committee and Commerce Committee members are drawing up a few options, as are House members such as California Rep. Anna Eshoo and Massachusetts Rep. Ed Markey, chairman of the telecommunications subcommittee. The Obama transition team's point person has been former Federal Communications Commission chief of staff Blair Levin.

"There aren't any quarrels about the need for more broadband," says Ms. Eshoo, who outlined a series of broadband stimulus options in a memo to the House leadership in October. "It's a matter of how we're going to do it and the actual language."

The Obama transition team declined to comment.

Large cable operators are seeking to increase the FCC's definition of broadband download speed to about five megabits per second, about 6½ times as fast as the current definition, according to people familiar with the situation. Internet-service providers building out "unserved" regions, where service of that speed isn't available, would be given the full benefit of tax incentives or grants.

The big cable providers also want to target "underserved" areas, where there is only one broadband provider or the service isn't widely available. In those markets, companies would get incentives to build out next-generation services. The download speed that would qualify as next-generation would likely be in the range of 40 to 50 megabits per second, people involved in the discussions say.

The cable plan would disadvantage phone companies, especially smaller ones whose digital-subscriber-line services are slower than cable modems. The Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance, which represents midsize phone companies, is pushing for a slower broadband standard, in the range of 1.5 to three megabits per second. Curt Stamp, the group's president, says the federal largesse should be used to subsidize carrier investments in rural areas rather than to finance upgrades to their existing networks.

Wireless services will likely be able to qualify as broadband at a slower download speed than landline services. But if the mark is set above two megabits per second it could be a boost for Clearwire Corp., a start-up operator that is rolling out a WiMax network capable of download speeds of two to four megabits per second. Other carriers weren't planning major wireless upgrades until at least 2010.

Equipment makers such as Cisco Systems Inc. and Motorola Inc. stand to benefit if carriers undertake massive upgrades. Carl Russo, CEO of Calix, which supplies equipment to phone and cable providers, says Congress should define broadband as 10 megabits per second so the networks it builds now will be able to support bandwidth-hogging applications of the future, such as high-definition video.

"Remember, you only get to do this once, so you want to build the widest highway possible," Mr. Russo says. The Telecommunications Industry Association, which represents equipment makers, is pushing for a $25 billion grant program for Internet service providers. Under another proposal that is being discussed, grants could go to state and municipal authorities, which would build high-speed networks and then open them up to competing service providers. That would likely meet with considerable resistance from large carriers like Verizon Communications Inc., which have challenged attempts by local governments to build and operate their own wireless or high-speed fiber networks.

Steve Davis, senior vice president of policy for Qwest Communications International Inc., says the big phone company wouldn't object to public broadband projects in areas that currently have no high-speed Internet service, provided private operators have a right of first refusal in building the networks. "The first place the government should look is to the industry," Mr. Davis says.

Meanwhile, outside groups are offering various proposals to Congress. Consumer advocacy group Free Press released a 31-page broadband-stimulus proposal that calls for a $44 billion investment in Internet services over three years, much of which would be funneled through the FCC's existing Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes telephone services in rural areas and for low-income people.

Public-interest groups are clamoring for conditions to be imposed on carriers that receive tax credits, such as pledges not to degrade any Internet traffic, a principle referred to as "net neutrality."

—Vishesh Kumar and Amy Schatz contributed to this article.

USDA/RUS Traditional Telecom Loan Program Approval

Broadband in a Box's access equipment is now USDA approved through the RUS Traditional Telecom Loan Program. These funds can now be used to deploy our hybrid PSTN/Rural broadband access equipment in rural communities with populations under 5,000 people.

We are working with incumbents throughout the CON-USto help deliver broadband to those rural communities that fall outside of your DSL, FTTH and even wireless!

Please send me an email requesting our Overview and Pricing which includes a Case Study and our business references

Happy holidays.

Sincerely,

Thomas William
Vice President of Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
Direct: (502) 426.2067
Toll Free: (800) 761.9149
Cell: (502) 263.9879
Fax: (502) 515.3710
Email: tomw@ bbinabox.com
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Here it is. We went with your suggestion.

EchoStar Provides Transponder Service for SkyWay Broadband

This is big news. Huge news. Incredible news! Credibility in the industry. A multi-year, multi-transponder lease! More bandwidth than we know what to do with. OK we KNOW what to do with it but after so many years developing and engineering the most stable (and affordable) rural broadband solution, its nice to have the support and relationship with a company such as EchoStar, who already have 13 million mostly rural relationships on the Dish Network side. Get ready rural America (and beyond) our retail partner shored up the right satellite capacity now its time get yourselves connected!Regards,

Thomas
800 761 9149
tomw@bbinabox.com
www.bbinabox.com

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Will Provide Ku-Band Satellite Bandwidth for High Speed Internet Service

By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 9/29/2008 1:39:00 PM MT

EchoStar has done a deal to provide transponder service to support SkyWay USA’s satellite broadband Internet service, officials said Monday.

Through the agreement, EchoStar will provide SkyWay USA with domestic Ku-band satellite bandwidth.

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with SkyWay USA to provide them with critical bandwidth to support their rural satellite internet solution,” Dean Olmstead, president of EchoStar Satellite Services, said in a prepared statement. “With EchoStar’s U.S. fleet of powerful Ku and Ka-band satellites, we were able to provide an immediate solution to help SkyWay USA expand its customer base.”

EchoStar’s capacity will be used by SkyWay USA to provide high-speed satellite Internet services to rural America. EchoStar represents a significant source of Ku-band and Ka-band satellite capacity together with satellite-related products and uplink support services.

“We are very excited about our multi-transponder, long-term agreement with EchoStar,” SkyWay USA CEO Dwayne Hay said in a prepared statement. “Our agreement with this strategic partner gives SkyWay the green light to rapidly deploy our hybrid satellite internet platform while not being concerned about satellite capacity for the next several years.”

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