Wildblue Communications Inc. announced it would begin rolling out satellite Internet service, providing high-speed Internet connections to homes and small businesses in communities in the continental United States not currently served, or underserved, by other high-speed Internet providers. As previously announced, Wildblue initially will be available through participating members of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC).

The Wildblue service will be rolled out by NRTC members during the month of June and will be offered by more than 280 rural electric and telephone companies by the end of the month. Wildblue plans to add rural consumer electronics and satellite TV dealers across the country throughout the following few months and expects to reach national availability of its service by the end of the third quarter 2005.

The company will offer three basic service packages to consumers and small businesses: Value Pack – $49.95 per month for speeds up to 512 kbps; Select Pack – $69.95 per month for speeds up to 1.0 Mbps; and Pro Pack – $79.95 per month for speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. All packages include ISP services including email and Web space, the WildBlue Portal, featuring the latest news, information and entertainment, customer care and an equipment warranty. WildBlue will initially offer its equipment package for $299.00 and professional installation for $179.95. Free installation will be offered by NRTC members as a special rollout promotion.