In a letter addressed “To All Who Are Interested in WildBlue,” WildBlue Communication CEO Tom Moore said his company is currently undergoing initial testing of its broadband satellite Internet service over the Anik F2 satellite and expects to have full nationwide coverage by the middle of 2005.

“The first round of formal technical testing began shortly after gaining access to the satellite and will continue through January 2005,” Moore said in the letter. “Once that stage is complete to our satisfaction, we will begin the final round of beta testing with WildBlue’s ‘beta’ customers. During the second quarter of 2005, WildBlue expects to offer customer service with a regional rollout plan across the continental U.S. as we successively ‘light up’ WildBlue’s five gateways, each representing approximately 20 percent of the United States.”