HUD Digital Divide Program

WildBlue Communications uses 35 spot beams to provide Satellite Broadband Internet Access for most of the contiguous United States. Watch a video of the launch of Telesat's Anik F2 satellite, July 17th, 2004 on board an Ariane 5 Rocket. Courtesy: Telesat http://www.telesat.ca/en/Anik_Current_Photo_Gallery

Rural Satellite Broadband and HUD Home Loans for First Time Buyers

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural America

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was the first attempt of the federal government to solve the disparities in access to information technologies, particularly broadband services, through industry deregulation and implementation of universal service rules. This Act is particularly important because it set government policies and priorities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is an attempt to address the disparities in access to broadband services through financing of construction of infrastructure.

A recent report by the Federal Communications Commission found that Satellite Broadband is one of the services that can help bridge the digital divide in rural areas:

“(S)atellite broadband, with its near ubiquitous coverage and downstream data rates between 512 kbps and 5 Mbps, can provide a much-needed connection in rural areas, especially where other broadband solutions are not viable for technical or other reasons.” ¶ 10, Bringing Broadband to Rural America: Report on a Rural Broadband Strategy, Federal Communications Commission, May 22, 2009.

The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative found that the cost of reception equipment was a barrier to broadband adoption in rural communities, and now subsidizes equipment leases for its members. Clarendon’s Rural Satellite Broadband Program will pay for the reception equipment, which is valued at over $400.

Spot Beams Technology

Spot Beams Technology separates WildBlue from other Satellite Internet providers. Instead of using a single beam to provide service to North America, WildBlue use newer KA-band spot beam technology. Each beam is able to provide a stronger signal to its area. As with all satellite signals, areas in the middle of the beam have a stronger signal than areas on the edges of the beam.

Satellite-Based, Two-Way Broadband to the Home

High Speed Satellite Internet Service is a priority answer for rural households that live outside the coverage area of local DSL and Cable Internet providers. It is the least expensive option for linking homes to the increasingly important Internet.

Clarendon Foundation through its HUD Home Loan and Rural Satellite Broadband Program makes it possible for first time homeowners living in rural areas to receive broadband Internet access.

First time homebuyers are likely to have children. Children who do not have computer access in the home are more likely to lag behind their classmates in studies. Clarendon Foundation’s goal is that “no student should be left off line.”

A FREE satellite broadband Internet equipment and connection will be provided to qualified applicants via the WildBlue High Speed Internet company for a period of 1 to 2 years. (If not available through WildBlue, service will be provided by HughesNet satellite Internet.)