Satellite Broadband, Stimulus Funds and Network Neutrality

May 14, 2009

At the IP Satellite Summit in Washington this week, a panel composed of satellite service providers and product vendors discussed whether or not they would pursue the economic stimulus funds set aside for broadband development. While the service providers agreed that there are viable business models for satellite broadband service without the stimulus money—of course, they were delivering service before the current economic collapse and talk of the stimulus money—the consensus seemed to be that they would apply for the grants to further develop, deploy and perhaps even subsidize their service offerings. Some spoke of the need to meet installation and recurring charges along with access rates similar to that of terrestrial services in order to increase service uptake...