Mac-1 Internet to offer UK broadband services

UK Mac users in areas that aren't served by broadband have been promised satellite broadband by Mac-1 Internet, according to Macworld UK. The company says it will launch its Mac-ready one-way satellite broadband system in the next few weeks.

Mac-1 Internet, also known as Smile Broadband, provides high-speed data connections to the Internet for the UK and Eastern and Western Europe. Based in the West Midlands, they provide dial-up (analog and ISDN), ADSL broadband and satellite broadband, managed e-mail, Web-hosting, domain names, telephony services and related hardware provision.

The Mac-ready one-way satellite broadband system utilizes a dial-up connection -- either a landline or ISDN -- for the uplink, and a 60cm satellite dish for the downlink. Macworld UK reports that four connection speeds will be available: 256K, 512K, 1,024K and 2,048K. Installation of the dish, software and a PCI modem will cost £215 (excluding VAT) with monthly subscription prices as follows: 256K (£21); 512K (£31); 1,024K (£41); 2,048K (£71).