That option is not offered by satellite Internet access providers today. Experts say iSky sounds compelling, if it can stick to its timeline. By affixing a small receiver on the end of satellite dishes, iSky and its competitors will allow upload speeds nearly as fast download speeds. The company expects to offer nationwide service the following month. Loral Space and Communications is partnering with iSky to launch the satellites into low Earth orbit.
Competition is in the wings, however.
Satellite behemoth Hughes Electronics has announced its Spaceway service, promising persistent two-way broadband connections. And Lockheed Martin is developing a multi-billion dollar Astrolink satellite project. Microsoft's Bill Gates and cellular pioneer Craig McCaw have also teamed to offer services to be known as Teledesic services, which will use the Ka-band frequency. However, none of iSky's possible competitors expect to have services available before 2002. It may be first to offer service, but iSky faces competition with some deep pockets, says Amy Harris, analyst with International Data Corporation.