HughesNet vs. WildBlue

Fair Access Policy (FAP)

¹ The WildBlue Fair Access Policy (FAP) is based on a rolling 30 day limit on data usage per customer called a usage threshold. If you exceed the FAP threshold, your bandwidth (speed) will be reduced for the remainder of the 30 day period when your system quota refreshes and you are again within your limits. During this period, your bandwidth will be reduced to 28Kbps until your system refreshes.

² The HughesNet Fair Access Policy (FAP) is based on cumulative download threshold for a set volume of data and is not based on a 30 day period. While you are using up your allotted bandwidth, your system is also refreshing. If you exceed the FAP threshold, your bandwidth (speed) will be reduced for a period of time until your system quota refreshes and you are again within your limits. During this period, your bandwidth will be reduced to 56-400Kbps until your system refreshes. This typically takes from 12-24 hours depending on your usage.

³ HughesNet offers 3hrs of unlimited/unmetered downloads from 3-6EST on all residential plans

^* HughesNet & WildBlue prices are shown after instant savings and mail-in rebates.

^** If your WildBlue-supplied outdoor unit requires service under this limited warranty, WildBlue will not charge for any labor costs we incur to repair or replace it (or any component of it) within the first 90 days after the initial installation. After this period, WildBlue will cover the cost of the new equipment, but the on-site labor cost must be paid by you. WildBlue will provide on-site labor at its standard rates and an estimated charge can be given prior to the work, based on the type of the replacement. If your satellite dish needs to be re-pointed after the first 90 days of service, standard on-site labor charges will apply.

¹ Upload Threshold is the volume of data that can be uploaded during the previous 30 days before the Fair Access Policy may restrict the user's speeds.

² Download Threshold is the volume of data that can be downloaded during the previous 30 days before the Fair Access Policy may restrict the user's speeds.

³ Useable Download Threshold is the volume of data that can be downloaded before speed is reduced (128k down & 28k up) after you FAP is triggered.

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* Download Threshold is the volume of data that can be downloaded continuously before the Fair Access Policy may restrict the download speed.

** Recovery Rate is the rate in kilobits per second, at which a service plan recovers the Download Threshold. FAP quotas typically refresh in a relatively short time period (1-8 hours)

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HughesNet service and system was compiled from www.hns.com and www.HughesNet.com as of 8/01/08. WildBlue service and system data was compiled from www.wildblue.com as of 3/01/08. For latest information on either service please refer to this website.

About HughesNet

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) is the world's leading satellite internet provider for government, business, and consumers. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed Satellite Internet access services and IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the HughesNet brand. HNS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc., which is wholly owned by SkyTerra Communications, Inc.

As the leading satellite internet provider, HNS has over 30 years experience in global operations, with over 325,000 consumer and small business subscribers in the United States and 1,000,000 systems worldwide in 85 countries. HughesNet is the secure Internet solution of choice for 36% of convenience stores nationwide with retail installations in over 50,000 gas station/convenience stores. According to the 2005 annual VSAT industry report prepared by Communications Systems Limited (COMSYS), HNS had a worldwide market share of 55% in 2004 based on the number of terminals shipped.

HNS' invention of small satellite dishes, generally 1.8 meters or less wide, commonly known as very small aperture terminals, or VSATs, over 20 years ago enabled it to provide large enterprises highly reliable, end-to-end communications with guaranteed quality of service regardless of the number of sites or their geographic location. HNS' networks are used for a variety of applications such as Intranet and Internet access, voice services, connectivity to suppliers, franchisees and customers, credit authorization, inventory management, content delivery and video distribution. HNS often customizes the applications for particular markets.

HNS is a satellite internet provider that currently serves more than 200 large companies in the Fortune 1000, mainly in businesses which have numerous widely dispersed operating units like gas service stations, convenience stores, fast food franchises, automotive dealerships and retail stores. HNS leveraged its experience in these areas and adapted its technologies to service growing markets like small business and residential. HNS is currently the largest satellite internet provider to consumers in North America, with approximately 300,000 subscribers.

About WildBlue

The satellite internet provider WildBlue was founded as KaSTAR Satellite Communications in Colorado in April 1995. In May 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigned WildBlue fixed-satellite service (FSS) licenses for 2 orbital locations. WildBlue launched its Internet service in June 2005 after gaining access to the U.S. capacity of Telesat Canada's Anik F2 telecommunications satellite which launched in July 2004. WildBlue's second satellite, WildBlue-1, was contracted to be built by Space Systems/Loral and is planned for launch in late 2006 or early 2007. WildBlue-2 is in the process of being built by Hughes Communications and WildBlue-3 is in the process of being procured.

Initial service was offered in areas administered by the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative which services many rural areas of the United States. Service areas will be expanded and are scheduled to be rolled out to selected regions of the US beginning in 2006. WildBlue installed its first customer in June of 2005 and set a goal to have 25,000 customers by the end of 2005.

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