The StarBand(sm) system consists of a 24x36-inch satellite dish mounted on or near your home. The dish must have a clear unobstructed view of the southern sky. Two standard coaxial cables connect the satellite dish antenna to a PC or a StarBand "satellite modem."

The antenna both sends requests to the Internet and receives Internet content via the satellite, which is in orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. The satellite, in turn, communicates with StarBand's hub facility, which has a direct connection to the Internet.

The StarBand system can also be configured to receive satellite television service from EchoStar's DISH Network® - in addition to your two-way satellite Internet service from StarBand - using a single dish antenna.

Inside your house, the StarBand system consists of either a "satellite modem" that attaches to your home PC through the USB port, or a pre-configured desktop PC outfitted with a satellite receiver card and a satellite transmitter card. In both cases, no telephone connection, dial-up account or other Internet service providers are needed. StarBand does it all for you.