DENVER-WildBlue and U S Monolithics reached an equity and equipment agreement under which U S Monolithics will develop and supply WildBlue with monolithic microwave integrated circuit chipsets, which can be used in a variety of broadband satellite and local multipoint distribution services products.
Working with Phoenix-based U S Monolithics will accelerate WildBlue’s efforts to offer an affordable two-way satellite dish for high-speed Internet access.
“This partnership will provide focused Ka-band broadband satellite product development,” said David Corman, president and chief executive officer of U S Monolithics.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but WildBlue said it now will have board representation with U S Monolithics.
WildBlue, formerly known as iSky, also plans to use low-cost “bent pipe” satellites to keep consumer costs down. These satellites re-transmit data to ground stations without on-board processing, which reduces the complexity and lead-time for satellite deployment, the company said.
