WILDBLUE HELPS COMPANIES TRACK EARTHQUAKE DATA
High-Speed Internet Via Satellite Service Being Used For Earthquake
Research in Remote Locations
Denver, Colorado—WildBlue Communications, Inc. is helping companies track
earthquake data in remote locations along fault zones throughout the West
Coast. QuakeFinder and other U.S. companies are using WildBlue systems at
numerous isolated monitoring sites to operate remote equipment and to
collect scientific data. WildBlue provides high-speed Internet access via
satellite to homes and small businesses in communities not served, or
underserved, by other high speed providers.
QuakeFinder, a private company located in Palo Alto, CA, is conducting
pioneering research in the area of earthquake forecasting. The company has a
network of ground sensors which measure Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)
magnetic fluctuations that have been observed prior to earthquakes, and uses
WildBlue’s satellite Internet service to transmit these measurements back to
its Data Center in Palo Alto, California. Established in 2000 as an
education outreach concept by Stellar Solutions, Quakefinder’s goal is to
save lives by researching global forecasts of seismic activity in order to
provide communities with early warnings of potentially destructive
earthquakes. QuakeFinder is conducted in partnership with NASA, Stanford and
Berkeley Universities.
“We are proud that WildBlue is able to provide the equipment necessary to
maintain QuakeFinder’s earthquake research,” said Erwin Hudson, Chief
Technology Officer of WildBlue. “WildBlue is able to operate in virtually
any location, no matter how remote, and the information that we are helping
to provide is essential in tracking their data.”
An always-on broadband Internet connection, WildBlue’s service offers access
speeds that are comparable to DSL and cable modem services. WildBlue's
two-way wireless service provides high-speed data in both directions,
upstream and downstream. Customers do not need an additional phone or cable
line in order to receive broadband Internet access. WildBlue’s fast,
reliable Internet service is available simply by calling (888) 628-2992 or by visiting www.wildblue.com.
About WildBlue
WildBlue Communications, Inc. was established to provide broadband access to
consumers and small offices in rural areas and small cities. Service is
available in the contiguous United States.
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WILDBLUE RECEIVES INNOVATION AWARD
WildBlue will receive the 2007 International Satellite Communication Innovation and Technology Award in recognition of their development of innovative technologies which have advanced significantly the satellite and communications industry. The award will be received next week at the 6th annual satellite and communications conference in San Diego.
WILDBLUE TRIPLES CAPACITY WITH THE NEW WILDBLUE-1 SATELLITE
WildBlue-1, manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, will approximately triple
WildBlue’s customer capacity, and is expected to handle WildBlue’s
continuing rapid customer growth into 2008 and beyond. WildBlue-1 is a 4.7
metric ton high power satellite based on Space Systems/Loral’s 1300
spacecraft bus and provides Ka-band spot beam capacity over the contiguous
United States. Spot beam Ka-band satellites are a key component in
WildBlue’s low-cost wireless broadband infrastructure. WildBlue currently
utilizes the Ka-band spot beam capacity over the United States on Telesat
Canada’s Anik F2 satellite, which was launched by Arianespace in July 2004.
“WildBlue-1 will help to ensure that we are able to handle 100 percent of
customer demand into the foreseeable future,” said Dave Leonard, Chief
Executive Officer of WildBlue. “Our low-cost, high-speed Internet via
satellite service has proven extremely popular nationwide, requiring that we
accelerate the launch of our new satellite later this year to meet the
demand.”
“WildBlue-1 has been built to handle a very large capacity of customers,”
said Jim Elliot, WildBlue’s Vice President of Infrastructure. “This
satellite uses advanced technology and will enable WildBlue to significantly
augment its Ka-band spot beam platform across the U.S.”
“Arianespace is pleased to work with WildBlue on the launch of WildBlue-1.
Preparations are firmly underway for a successful fourth quarter launch of
this year on an Ariane 5,” said Jean-Yves Le Gall, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Arianespace.
WildBlue also announced it has contracted with Andrew Corporation to build
two new spot beam gateways and augment the existing U.S. gateways that
WildBlue currently utilizes. In addition, the company has exercised an
agreement with Viasat to deliver the equipment necessary to serve the added
customers in the additional gateways.
An always-on broadband Internet connection, WildBlue’s service offers access
speeds up to 30 times faster than dial-up. WildBlue's two-way satellite
service provides high-speed data in both upstream and downstream directions.
Customers do not need a phone or cable line in order to receive broadband
Internet access. Customers should call (888) 628-2992.
About WildBlue
WildBlue Communications, Inc. was established to provide broadband access to
consumers and small offices in rural areas and small cities. Service is
available in the contiguous United States.
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