Satellite broadband service provider WildBlue Communications continued its state-by-state high-speed data (HSD) marketing push, this week targeting South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama.

Nine months after it began providing its satellite-based HSD high-speed Internet to the lower 48 states, WildBlue remains far from a household name.

Several weeks ago, the company embarked on a state-by-state campaign to raise awareness of its service. The program is designed to support WildBlue’s local dealers in each state, many of which are members of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC).

The effort has had quantifiable results. WildBlue said it has seen an average of a 20% jump in sales in each of the areas it has targeted thus far.  

WildBlue declines to provide subscriber numbers. An indicator the company remains sanguine about its prospects, however, was its announcement two weeks ago that it will launch its WildBlue-1 satellite at the end of 2006.

The company said the new satellite will enable it to triple capacity early in 2007. WildBlue currently has the satellite capacity to serve approximately 1 million customers.

WildBlue offers Internet access in three service packages to consumers and small businesses for as little as $49.95 per month. WildBlue’s equipment package is available for $299.00 and professional installation is $79.95.

WildBlue offers download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps.