Alaska Gets Satellite WiFi

SkyFrames and Orbit Communications Solutions team to install satellite broadband WiFi hotspot in Craig, Alaska

August 6, 2003

2 Min Read

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- SkyFrames, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SKYU), a provider of low-cost, highly secure satellite broadband Internet services, announced today that it has signed a definitive Value Added Reseller Agreement with Orbit Communications Solutions of Ketchikan, Alaska. Orbit Communications Solutions and SkyFrames will work together to implement another WiFi Hotspot in Craig, AK.

Craig, AK is the largest city on Prince of Wales Island with a population of 1200 people. This rural community is accessible only by air or via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. The community is the business hub for Prince of Wales Island whose main industries are fishing, logging, and tourism. The initial installations will focus on connecting business subscribers in the community with SkyFrames Satellite Broad Band Services.

"We are building on our business model that began with the successful installation in Coffman Cove, AK," stated James France, CEO of SkyFrames. "We are excited about establishing a relationship with Orbit Communications Solutions that will provide a springboard for SkyFrames installations in Craig, AK and other rural communities across the state."

"Orbit Communications Solutions was founded to sell, install, and support the installation of Satellite Broadband WiFi Hotspots in Alaska," stated Allen Short, President of Orbit. "We selected SkyFrames as a result of a methodical review of their successful performance in Coffman Cove, AK and their commitment to servicing the communities throughout the State. We have already received high levels of interest from the business community in Craig, AK including Davies-Barry Insurance, an Alaska-based Independent Insurance Agency representing companies such as Allstate and Progressive. Davies-Barry Insurance has offices in Ketchikan, Craig, and Juneau."

"It is a win - win scenario. The Satellite / WiFi Hotspots in Craig and other cities will help the local businesses offer additional online services to these communities. These systems have also proven to be an economic enabler for residents living in rural locations," stated Edward Bukstel of SkyFrames.

For the first time Craig, AK will have access to T1 broadcast speeds across SkyFrames equipment. There will be a combination of wireless connectivity solutions that will include 802.11 and omni-directional radio frequency antennas. Each subscriber to the WiFi Hotspot in Craig, AK will receive their own IP address and will be responsible for paying monthly broadband charges.

The Federal Government has recognized the need for connectivity in Rural Locations. There are over 300 communities in Alaska alone that would benefit from satellite broadband, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made available $1.4 billion to bring broadband to these and the rest of the rural communities in the United States.

SkyFrames Inc.

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