The StarBand™ system consists of a 24" x 36" satellite dish mounted on or near your home (1.2 meter satellite dish in Alaska , Hawaii , Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The dish must have a clear unobstructed view of the southern sky. Two standard coaxial cables connect the satellite dish antenna to a PC or a StarBand satellite modem.

The antenna both sends requests to the Internet and receives Internet content via the satellite, which is in orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. The satellite communicates with the StarBand hub facility, which has a direct connection to the Internet.

In addition to the two-way satellite Internet service, the StarBand system can also be configured to receive satellite television service from EchoStar's DISH Network.

Inside your house, the StarBand system consists of a satellite modem that attaches to your home PC through an ethernet or USB port. No telephone connection, dial-up account or other Internet service providers are needed. StarBand does it all for you.