US DBS operator Echostar has taken a stake in Israel-based Gilat’s Internet via satellite spin-off Gilat-To-Home Inc, which plans to provide high speed two-way satellite Internet connections to residential customers. Echostar is investing $50 million in the company for a 17.6 per cent stake. Microsoft already holds a 26 per cent stake in Gilat-To- Home, which is targeting areas not covered by terrestrial broadband connections. Under the latest agreement, Echostar will market and sell Gilat-To-Home alongside the DISH Network DBS service through retail outlets. Echostar is principally targeting rural areas without terrestrial broadband connections for the service.