Stimulus This! – Skycasters Innovation Credit
We all understand that satellite-based broadband has some distinct advantages over terrestrial connections for certain applications. In addition to being a true diverse path option (our infrastructure is safely 23,000 miles in space, not strung along telephone poles), we have the advantage of being able to deploy practically anywhere.
Moreover, Skycasters is truly a broadband service. We can deliver the type of high speed, low latency connection that is vital for conducting the business of the 21st century (and the business of rebuilding this Nation).
I was reading Mark Cuban’s blog the other day, where he describes his idea for improving our Nation by providing seed capital for “any good business idea worth doing.” And it got me thinking… I am sure that as a self-described capitalist, Mark would like to actually fund some ideas and have them bear fruit – and I hope for his sake some of them do.
However, it would be just as beneficial to the Nation as a whole, if Mark’s Blog only served to awaken the latent entrepreneur in all of us. The get off the couch, pick yourself up by the bootstraps, go make something of yourself attitude that built this great Nation - small businesses, hard workers, risk takers, dreamers. As a Nation, we need to encourage this spirit, because it forms the backbone of our future. Therefore, I would like to build on Mark’s idea.
Here’s our proposal: If your company is doing something valuable for rebuilding our economy or our environment, and you require true broadband connectivity to do it, contact us. If there’s a good partnership fit, we’ll give you an “Innovation Credit” to use against the cost of the equipment at your location, up to $999. (The price of our standard hardware).
If we are going to rebuild this Nation, it will take all of us working together – so let’s get busy.
April 9th, 2009 at 12:36 am
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Joannah
April 12th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Hello
My company is a native owned, 8a fiber and broadband supplier. I reside in Farmington NM and am part of the working group to bring broadband/fiber capability to the Navajo nation. There current plan is to install 1800 miles of Fiber at a cost of 215 million. There are huge concerns with historical preservation, right away who owns the line etc. I believe the best solution will be spaced based delivery system as it overcomes the aformentioned plus it ensures service to the underserved population. There are still folks who dont have running water or electricity. Ther are approx 168,000 citizens over a 28,000 square mile area mainly in the remote 4 corners. (NM,UT,AZ and CO) My comapny will have preference when it comes to dispursing the funds due to my Navajo incorporated, native owned SB status. The Navajo share of the stimulus is projected to be between 90 and 190 million. I need a large business partner to assist in the RFP and addressing and executing the work. Please fwd this e-mail to your director of business development. Below is e-mail traffic foating this idea to the people who will make the final decision.
Mr Tome
Please review e-mail traffic below. If Mr. Drake’s incorporation and SB status becomes to difficult and political to get requested SB status I would be willing to let Action INTEX become a tribally owned enterprise allowing for the sole source award described below. I really want whats best for the Nation. Being able to control the funds is the key. Also I wanted to find out when the next working grp meets. Have you considered the New Sat 3 HS internet from Hughes? Its speeds are equal to or better than terrestrial fiber and the new sat reliability is 97-99%. This would solve lots of problems with who owns the lines, right away, changing historic preservation laws ets. The footprint would be way smaller than 1800 miles of fiber.. Also at 55,000 per mile fiber aint cheap. I dont think you included terminating the fiber into your cost either. 1800 miles of fiber terminated properly is going to be closer to 215 Million. More underserved population would be insured connectivity through a space based solution. The cost would also be closer to where you want to be. I have a relationship with Hughes and Skymasters.
Pease let me know
Thanks
Tom Gregory
Action INTELEX
CEO
www(dot)lowerpricedonline(dot)com/actionintelexproductsandservices/
April 13th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Hi Tom,
This certainly sounds like a great project. We are open to supporting your efforts with our innovation credit. I will have someone contact you this afternoon to learn more about your requirements and how we can help.
-MK
April 13th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Thanks!
I spoke with Richard this afternoon.
Tom
April 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Re: Skycasters recommends Travois Inc for Indian Country economic development consulting
Tom,
I’ve spoken with both Mike Kister and Richard McKinney about your interest in Skycasters, and I wanted to pass on a contact I made at the first federal broadband stimulus plan public meeting last month, in Washington, DC.
Travois Inc, has traditionally helped Indian Country clients obtain tax credits and housing construction monies, but I spoke with their Director, Phil Glynn (816-994-8970), and he said they’re interested in helping Indian Country clients obtain broadband initiative funding.
Best regards,
Gordon Landefeld
Marketing Analyst
Skycasters / VSAT Systems
1-330-785-2100 ext. 137