iSKY Renames As WildBlue Communications

iSky, previously known as KaStar Communications, is changing its name to WildBlue Communications. Brand name research demonstrated that the WildBlue name and motto, "Broadband. Within Your Reach," were distinctive and appealing to consumers.

WildBlue’s first two satellites, WildBlue 1 and WildBlue 2 were previously designated as KaStar 1 and 2, then iSky 1 and 2.  WildBlue-1 will launch in the third quarter of 2001 and WildBlue-2 will launch in mid 2002 using Ariane rockets.

WildBlue's investors include EchoStar, Liberty Media Group, TV Guide, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, TRW and TeleSat Canada. Arianespace Finance is providing WildBlue more than US$100 million of construction period and long-term financing.

In December 1999 the FCC approved applications that transferred control of iSky licenses from Televerde Communications L.P. to shareholders of KaSTAR Satellite Communications. FCC officials concluded that the transfer of control would facilitate rapid deployment and competition in the delivery of advanced broadband services using the system. Televerde, a Virginia limited partnership, is controlled by David Drucker, a former executive with satellite TV provider Echostar Communications Corp. In May 1997, Televerde held 93 percent of KaSTAR, but later reduced its stake to 48.9 percent when it gained several additional investors that included Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers, a California holding company that owns more than 20 percent of the renamed company.

WildBlue Communications was founded as KaSTAR Satellite Communications in Colorado in April 1995. On May 8, 1997, the FCC assigned WildBlue Ka-band (20 to 30 GHz) fixed-satellite service (FSS) licenses at orbital locations of 73°W and 109.2°W. WildBlue's first phase will include the deployment of one satellite for each of these slots that will reach all of North, Central and South America. In early 2000, WildBlue entered into an agreement to obtain the exclusive Ka-band rights to TeleSat's ANIK F2 satellite at 111.1°W. WildBlue also has FCC applications filed for Europe and Asia, and plans to roll out service to these geographies as licenses are granted. 

WildBlue selected Space Systems/Loral as the prime satellite contractor for the construction of WildBlue 1. WildBlue 2 is under contract to be built by Hughes. WildBlue 3 is in the process of being procured. WildBlue needs only a relatively low US$750 million to build and launch the first two satellites, including the funding of operating costs and commercial launch. WildBlue is on track with its financing plans.
  

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