WildBlue. High-speed Internet, Out of the Blue.

WildBlue Press Release

WildBlue Secures Over $200 Million of Additional Shareholder Financing
01/10/2006

Denver, Colorado - WildBlue Communications, Inc. today announced that it closed a secured credit facility of over $200 million to fund the continued growth of its high speed Internet access business. WildBlue provides broadband connectivity via satellite to homes and small businesses in communities where terrestrial broadband access alternatives are either limited or unavailable.

 

The financing will fund WildBlue's growing broadband business, and will facilitate the launch of a second satellite targeted for the 4th quarter of 2006.  The lending group is led by Liberty Media Corporation, the largest WildBlue shareholder. The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), also a major WildBlue shareholder, and TimesArrow LLC, affiliated with one of WildBlue's founders, also participated in the facility.  Terms of the credit facility were not disclosed.

 

?We are extremely pleased with the closing of this financing, which reiterates the commitment and confidence our shareholders have in this business, and reinvigorates our near-term expansion plans,? said Dave Leonard, CEO of WildBlue.  ?This funding will help enable us to rapidly expand the availability of affordable broadband service to homes and offices that lie beyond the reach of other broadband Internet services.?

 

?WildBlue has been able to fulfill its promise of reaching consumers who are not served by other broadband alternatives,? said Mark Carleton, Chairman of WildBlue?s Board of Directors.  ?Since WildBlue?s launch, consumer demand for the service has been strong, and this financing demonstrates Liberty?s continued commitment to help WildBlue meet that demand into the future.?

 

?This financing has significantly enhanced WildBlue?s financial position,? said Paul Froelich, CFO of WildBlue.  ?It will enable WildBlue to accelerate the growth of our broadband business in 2006 and facilitate the launch of our next satellite, which is necessary to meet the strong customer demand for WildBlue service.?

 

An always-on broadband Internet connection, WildBlue?s service offers access speeds over 30 times faster than dial-up.  WildBlue's two-way satellite service provides high-speed data in both upstream and downstream directions.  Customers do not need a phone or cable line in order to receive broadband Internet access.

 

 

About Liberty Media Corporation

Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE: L, LMCB) owns a broad range of electronic retailing, media, communications and entertainment businesses and investments. Its businesses include some of the world's most recognized and respected brands and companies, including QVC, Encore, Starz, IAC/InterActiveCorp, Expedia and News Corporation.

 

About NRTC

NRTC leads and supports more than 1,200 member organizations by delivering telecommunications solutions to strengthen member businesses, promote economic development and improve the quality of life in rural America. The rural utilities that make up NRTC offer services to more than 30 million rural households in the United States. For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop.

About WildBlue
WildBlue Communications, Inc. was established to provide broadband access to consumers and small offices in rural areas and small cities. WildBlue Communication's high-speed satellite broadband service is easy to use, reliable, always on, and significantly faster than standard dial-up service.  It opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up service and is accessible in areas traditionally unserved by cable modem or DSL service. Service is available in the continental United States. For more information visit www.wildblue.com. 

Media Contact Information

Paulsen PR + Marketing
3510 South First Avenue Circle
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57105
605-336-1745 (telephone)
605-336-2305 (fax)
bryan@paulsenmarketing.com