[HAL9000]

Despite Ergen's earlier remarks, EchoStar is proceeding with their plans to launch a Ka-band broadband satellite. The FCC International Bureau issued an order last month authorizing EchoStar to proceed with the project. Here is a PDF document of the order.

If EchoStar had failed to demonstrate their intention to launch the service, the FCC would have revoked their license for the new satellite's orbital slot.

Meanwhile, StarBand is available for Dish customers, and DirecTV users can get DirecWay. Liberty Media may invest in WildBlue to help them get going. Unfortunately, Teledesic appears to be dead.

[JDoutrider]

Thanks for the heads up!