Satellite broadband provider StarBand pulls plug

Satellite provider StarBand announced August 7 that was shutting down its broadband service effective Sept 30. In a statement on its website, StarBand cited increased operating costs and competing broadband services as the reasons for ending its service. "We thank every customer who selected StarBand over the last 15 years," the company said. "As you know, much has changed in the decade-and-a-half since StarBand pioneered bringing high-speed Internet access to communities beyond the reach of traditional, land-based Internet services. Unfortunately, the time has come for StarBand to retire. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. It has been our pleasure serving you."