Although you may have thought satellite-based broadband was a technology which never really caught on, Eutelsat, the European satellite operator, is to launch a satellite in June this year to provide a broadband service.

The satellite operator said prices will be comparable with traditional broadband networks but will reach areas where low population density means these services have yet to be extended. This will include most of Europe including Germany, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

Not many other details have been released, but whether UK users will take advantage is very doubtful with the current near blanket coverage broadband in the UK, added to the fact that satellite broadband has always been slow and expensive compared to fixed line alternatives.

That said, the service is already in use in North America through WildBlue Communications and since its launch in 2005 it has been used by more than 100,000 customers.