VisionStar’s proposed transfer of Ka-band satellite license to ho...
VisionStar’s proposed transfer of Ka-band satellite license to holding company jointly owned with EchoStar is part of long- range goal to provide high-speed Internet service to rural and remote areas of U.S., CEO Shant Houvnanian told us. “We want to bring 2-way high-speed Internet service to the dark side of the digital divide.” Role of EchoStar also will increase if FCC approves, Houvnanian said. “They will get a larger ownership stake, but I will still be the significant shareholder.” VisionStar/EchoStar partnership filed application with FCC Dec. 15 to transfer control of orbital slot at 113 degrees W over Continental U.S. from VisionStar control (CD Jan 9 p8). Houvnanian said he owns 51%, EchoStar 49% of VisionStar/EchoStar. “I've personally invested a lot of money in this project to keep it going,” he said. “This is a complete start-up” company. VisionStar is one of several companies allocated Ka-band slots in May 1997 by Commission (CD May 23 p5) that have yet to launch satellite or service. Houvnanian said since contracting with Orbital to build satellites, VisionStar had exercised option in contract that allowed it to contract with Lockheed Martin to expand scope of service by building larger satellites.