StarBand Communications Inc. is a provider of high-speed Internet access via satellite and a joint venture between Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., EchoStar Communications Corp., and Microsoft Corp.
Merrill Lynch will manage the IPO with assistance from Credit Suisse First Boston, Salomon Smith Barney, CIBC World Markets and ING Barings.
Microsoft has agreed to sell high-speed Internet access, using StarBand's wholesale service through more than 7,000 RadioShack Corp. locations.
Gilat, with a 44.7 percent stake through its wholly-owned subsidiary Spacenet Inc., will supply advanced networking technology.
EchoStar, a U.S. direct broadcast satellite firm with more than 4.5 million subscribers, has agreed to co-market both high-speed Internet and television services in a bundled package.
Microsoft and EchoStar each hold a 19 percent stake in the McLean, Va.-based company, the SEC filing shows.
It added that it could lose access to equipment and technology if Hughes Electronics Corp. prevails in a lawsuit against Gilat and Spacenet concerning a patent for personal computer-based receiver cards that Gilat sells to StarBand.
The company generated revenues of $7,000 since its inception on Jan. 11 through Aug. 31 and posted a net loss of $66.8 million, according to the prospectus. |
