Hughes Signs Up UK Satellite ISP Ethnet

Communications Today, May 30, 2002

Hughes Network Systems' [GMH] European division has signed an agreement with U.K. satellite broadband provider Ethnet under which Ethnet will offer Hughes' DirecWay broadband service package. DirecWay is a two-way high-speed satellite access service targeted at small and medium-sized businesses.

Ethnet offers satellite service for prices starting at 159 pounds ($232) a month for 512 kbps, and going as high as 249 pounds ($363) for 768 kbps. All offerings include upload speeds of 128 kbps. DirecWay installations will begin in June according to the companies. Pricing was not disclosed.

As the U.K. government and various pro-broadband grassroots organizations push for greater penetration in the relatively broadband-starved country, satellite access will be an increasingly important part of the solution. At the moment, wired broadband access is overwhelmingly concentrated in the London metropolitan area.