This is exactly what our partners need to provide triple play to 100% of their customers and beyond!
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
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EchoStar Pitches Telco TV Package
NOVEMBER 13, 2008
Discuss >
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- TelcoTV -- Well, folks, it looks like satellite TV figurehead Charlie Ergen, chairman and CEO of Dish Network Corp. , has his hungry eyes on a slice of the IPTV systems market too.
EchoStar Technologies LLC, the set-top and technology unit that split off from Dish Network early this year, is branching further into the telco world with a strategy centered on an all-MPEG-4 video satellite-fed distribution system and an integrated "turn-key" play that bundles in EchoStar's own IPTV set-tops, middleware, and conditional access (CA) system. (See EchoStar Ready to Split.)
EchoStar is pitching the concept to Tier 2 and Tier 3 telcos, though it could also be suitable for cable operators that migrate to IPTV platforms.
The video transport part of the package, introduced in 2007 under the VIP-TV banner, will compete head on with Avail Media Inc. and SES Americom 's IP Prime service. (See EchoStar Unveils ViP-TV.)
VIP-TV's present "proposed" programming transport channel lineup comprises 300 video and music channels. More than 40 are in high definition. Here's what VIP-TV GM Dan Daines told LRTV about it in July:
EchoStar is combining that offering with a more extensive IPTV platform that uses the NagraStar conditional access system (from the Dish-Nagravision SA joint venture), and EchoStar's own middleware and interactive program guide. EchoStar is also in discussions regarding the integration of conditional access systems from other IPTV players, including Latens Systems Ltd. , Verimatrix Inc. , and Widevine Technologies Inc. , according to EchoStar VP of sales and marketing Michael Hawkey.
EchoStar has also developed two IPTV set-tops: an HD-DVR box that can tune to two televisions or provide picture-in-picture in one TV; and a lower-end high-definition box, though this can be converted into a DVR by linking it to an external storage device with USB 2.0 connections.
Although the VIP-TV transport service is ready to roll now, the other turn-key elements should start to enter lab trials early next year, Hawkey says.
But how does EchoStar expect to stand out in a crowded field? Hawkey thinks telcos will give EchoStar more than a look because it's basing everything on an integrated system that's been "tried and tested" to millions of customers: That's a reference to the technology base used by Dish Network.
Beyond that, EchoStar is also looking to add more advanced features, including multi-room DVR functionality and some place-shifting applications from its Sling Media Inc. division.
If all that strategy sounds familiar, it should. EchoStar is also trying to win business in the cable industry with set-tops that use the tru2way platform. The company has acknowledged that winning cable's trust will be a significant challenge, but remains confident MSOs will give EchoStar a shot if the tech firm can offer competitive pricing and advanced product feature sets. (See EchoStar Blazing Way to Tru2way .)
— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Cable Digital News
Showing posts with label satellite broadband. Show all posts
Showing posts with label satellite broadband. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
While conducting a search with the key words "losing dial up subscribers to satellite" this morning I found a listing from our partner in Kansas, Valnet.Net listed at #7 in the natural rankings! Way to go Don B. and crew! You can't BUY exposure like that! Seriously, you can't and the smart folks at Valnet.Net know that and are working night and day to take the best care of their last mile subscribers.
# # # # # #
Thomas William
VP Partner Solutions
Broadband in a Box
1302 Clear Springs Trace
Louisville Kentucky 40223
Direct: (502) 426.2067
Toll Free: (800) 761.9149
Fax: (502) 515.3710
Email: tomw@bbinabox.com# # # # # #
| Satellite |  |  |
Valnet is pleased to now offer satellite Internet access!
Completing our portfolio of broadband access solutions, satellite service offers a broadband access platform to provide services in areas where DSL or Wireless access are not available. Valnet satellite broadband is available at any location with a good view of the southern sky. Our satellite is located just west of DISH Networks' satellite, so if you can get DISH TV, you can get Valnet satellite broadband Internet access.
How does it work?
Valnet satellite Internet access is a unidirectional satellite system, which uses a regular 56K modem uplink. There are many misconceptions about satellite internet access, and one of those misconceptions is that bidirectional satellite systems are superior to unidirectional systems - in fact, quite the opposite is true! By utilizing a PSTN uplink for outbound requests (which require very little bandwidth) the time it takes for your request to reach its' destination is significantly lower - this translates into less time delay between when you click on a link, and the page is displayed in your web browser. This is called "latency" and our system is about twice as fast as a typical bidirectional satellite system in this regard. The second major advantage of our unidirectional system comes from its' capabilities to continue to provide you with basic dialup level Iinternet access in the event that you lose satellite signal, with absolutely no configuration changes on your part. The SW-20 PSTN satellite modem automatically fails over to using the built-in dialup connection in the event that severe weather blocks the satellite signal to your location. You get the best of both worlds with Valnet satellite Internet access: time-sensitive outbound requests go over the best available option (Dialup), while bandwidth sensitive downloads come over the high speed satellite link.
Performance
Satellite internet services is about downstream performance - the majority of home users use predominantly downstream access - downloading email, watching YouTube videos, downloading software updates, and other such activities.
Downstream connectivity with Valnet satellite services are available in several speed tiers: 512kbps, 768kbps, and 1500kbps. Most users find themselves most satisfied with 768kbps service.
Uplink speed on all tiers of satellite service are limited by your dialup connection. Maximum connection speed is 53kbps, but typical connections are generally between 24kbps and 28.8kbps - dependent on your phone line.
As with ALL satellite services Valnet satellite broadband access has download thresholds as defined by the Reasonable Use Policy (RUP), which have been implemented to provide fair access to all subscribers. These thresholds provide a graceful degradation of available bandwidth based on actual usage and do NOT interrupt your service at any point. Should your usage exeed that in the RUP, performance is limited based on actual usage, to a minimum level outlined in the table below.
Each service tier has its' own threshold assigned that limits the amount of data that may be downloaded during a normal day. Special network management software tracks the daily utilization of each subscriber. We maintain your download threshold using a 30 day rolling average so that one day of large usage usually has no immediate affect on service. The RUP prevents the network from being overloaded by a small number of bandwidth-intensive subscribers.
The download threshold still allows subscribers using large amounts of bandwidth to complete the download of their data. However, "power-users" will experience download speed reductions until such time that their usage conforms to average usage patterns as defined by the limits of the RUP. For subscribers wishing to avoid reduced download speeds, we suggest taking steps to ensure that your heaviest traffic takes advantage of the "Midnight Madness" policy: From 12am-6am daily, we suspend counting subscriber data against the RUP counters. Hence, large files can be downloaded during this time with no adverse effects or worry of reduced download speeds.
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Pricing
Monthly charges vary based on the service level purchased. All service levels require a $300 satellite equipment package. The satellite equipment package includes: Satellite dish, Satellite dish mounting arm, SW-20 satellite modem, RG58 coax, outdoor RG58 grounding block, and Ethernet cable.
| 512kbps | $49.95 |
| 768kbps | $69.95 |
| 1500kbps | $79.95 |
| Equipment | $300.00 |
As with our Wireless internet service, installation is free with equipment purchase, and we also offer our zero-APR lease-purchase allowing you the convenience of paying for your equipment package at $25 per month for the first twelve months of service.
Most importantly, as with all of Valnets' great services, all taxes and fees are included, and NO CONTRACT is require.
What else is included?
Valnet satellite Internet access accounts enjoy all of the same benefits as other Valnet access accounts, including:
- 10 E-Mail Accounts
- FREE E-Mail Virus & Spam blocking
- FREE Technical support
- 100MB Personal web space
- NO CONTRACT REQUIRED
Is there anything else I should know?
It's important to remember that, while satellite access is high speed access, it is still a satellite based service. Because of the inherent limitations in satellite based services there are some applications that simply will not work at all over a satellite internet access link, and others that may work at a degrated level. Some examples are:
- Voice over IP (VoIP)
- IP Television (IPTV)
- Delay sensitive online gaming (i.e. Unreal Tournament, Quake, World of Warcraft)
Another limitation of satellite technology is weather interferance. Unlike our wireless service, satellite service will be interrupted by rainstorms. This is a simple fact of physics - the radio signal to the satellite is blocked by the clouds. In these situations, your SW-20 satellite modem will continue to provide internet access through the dialup channel with no interaction on your part.
The SW-20 satellite modem included in the satellite service equipment package is designed to be attached to one PC, however any user may attach a broadband router suitable for use with any broadband service to the SW-20 satellite modem to attach any number of PC's to your satellite service. There is no additional charge for doing so.
How do I get service?
To get Valnet satellite service, fill out a Wireless Service Request. Because wireless service is superior to satellite service in terms of performance and cost, we offer Satellite service only where Wireless service is not available. If you feel that you would prefer satellite even though Wireless service is available, simply make a note of it on the service request.
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008
BoxBlast Vers. 1.5 October 22, 2008
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Solutions for your Last Mile Internet Subscribers
emails.
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Monday, August 25, 2008
Subscriber Values: Q2 2008
Business customers remain more valuable than residential, as competition in residential service decreases.
ISP-Planet Managing Editor [August 25, 2008] |  |
Subscriber numbers are from ISP-Planet's list of Top U.S. ISPs and from company reports (and are as of June 30, 2008). Market capitalization data is as of market close, August 12, 2008, as reported on Yahoo Finance.
Our ISP rankings now contain only one pure, public ISP. United Online no longer considers itself an ISP. Time Warner is downplaying the importance of AOL.
| ISP Subscriber Value: $297 | ||||
Stock Symbol | ISP | Value per subscriber | Market Cap | Number of subscribers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[ELNK] | EarthLink | $297 | $979 | 3,299,000 |
EarthLink, unfortunately, shows a higher subscriber value because its market cap is steady as subscriber numbers fall.
CLECs
Our CLEC listings require close examination. We are comparing a wide variety of companies, and we welcome your comments
CLEC Subscriber Value: $2,008 | ||||
Stock Symbol | CLEC | Value per subscriber | Market Cap | Number of subscribers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[PAET] | PAETEC | $5,396 | $851 | 162,940 |
[ALSK] | The ACS Group | $1,322 | $526 | 397,846 |
[GNCMA] | General Communications | $811 | $433 | 534,384 |
[SURW] | SureWest | $502 | $107 | 213,141 |
Notes on CLECs
Fairport, N.Y.-based PAETEC reported serving 162,940 T-1 lines. Since it also delivers VoIP and also delivers high margin T-1 lines, its average revenue per customer (ARPU) is higher than many other CLECs on this list, justifying the price difference. The company reported over 47,000 business customers.
Anchorage, Alaska-based General Communications (CGI) competes as a CLEC with the ACS Group (below), which operates more like an ILEC. Nevertheless, GCI has found markets it can own in cellular and cable, as well as interesting niche markets in schools and rural health. Its consumer segment appears to be stronger than the business segment. The company reported the following subscribers:
Segment | Cable | Cable Broadband | Long Distance | Access Lines | Wireless |
| Consumer | 130,700 | 91,000 | 89,800 | 78,100 | 77,000 |
| Resell | 2,000 | ||||
| Business | not disclosed | 9,000 | 10,400 | 45,400 | 7,100 |
| Other | + 51 schools (representing 171) + 39 Rural Health clinics = 90 | ||||
| Total | = 540,190 subscribers | ||||
Anchorage, Alaska-based Alaska Communications Systems Group(The ACS Group). It served 180,541 access lines. It had 148,679 cellular customers (361 resale), 65,011 long distance customers, and 55,873 internet customers (47,939 DSL plus 7,934 dialup). The company is more like a rural ILEC than a CLEC, but its reported subscribers are declining in most segments.
Anchorage, Alaska-based SureWest is a small town ILEC that operates as a CLEC outside its home area. The company's success demonstrates the power of the ILEC advantage. It operates VoIP, cellular, and broadband (mostly DSL). It reported 105,600 broadband subscribers of which 100,200 subscribed to broadband internet, 56,600 to VoIP, and 57,100 to video. Since its VoIP business was only launched in March, 2008, the take rate is extremely impressive.
ISP sale
Q4 2007 saw one publicly announced purchase of an ISP that we know of. Multichannel news reports that SureWest acquired Everest Broadband for $173 million. The deal closed on Dec. 6, 2007. It covered 37,500 customers and was therefore worth $4,613 per customer. Key to the deal's high valuation were 1,600 commercial customers.
Nevertheless, the article notes:
The price also represents a healthy cash flow multiple–at 9.1 times Everest’s estimated third quarter 2007 annualized cash flow, compared to past overbuilder deals that have been valued at about 8.5 times cash flow.
Since the deal, SureWest's stock has fallen—perhaps one more case of a company being punished by Wall Street for reinvesting cash in its business while others are rewarded for letting equipment expire. The company sold its directories service in Q1 2007. In the past, this would have been a sign of distress, as directories were a profitable monopoly, but nowadays directories are just another monopoly that has been broken open by the internet.
Notes
Covad was acqired [.pdf] by private equity. It no longer reports numbers and has been removed from the list.
We have been hearing about many Wi-Fi rollups but most are secretive. Our one recent story (so far) on this subject is about Two Wi-Fi Rollups in Texas.
—End
| Related articles: | ||
[Jan. 7, 2008] | ||
[Dec. 21, 2007] | ||
[Nov. 27, 2006] | ||
Online resources: | ||
| DSL Subscriber Numbers | ||
| History of Subscriber Values | ||
| ISP Rankings Worldwide | ||
| ISP-Planet's Investor section | ||
| Top U.S. ISPs by Subscriber [source] | ||
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About Me
- Broadband in a Box
- I have been involved in satellite communications since 1991. This is my 8th year on this project. I have been marketing, installing and supporting satellite delivered broadband solutions since 1996 and if you can't tell, am pretty passionate about helping folks in last mile America (and beyond) receive broadband @ their homes, businesses and some day, their RV's and mobile sites such as campgrounds and their vacation spots. Please call or write if you have any questions....Thomas 800-761-9149