AT&T Inc. on Wednesday launched its long-planned satellite broadband Internet access service, with the help of provider WildBlue, whose services the RBOC is rebranding.

AT&T announced earlier this month it was ready to roll out the satellite offering, which it has dubbed AT&T High Speed Internet Access. The carrier has been planning the move for some time in an effort to reach rural customers who cannot get DSL or cable Internet access.

Our efforts to expand the reach of broadband will enable many of our rural customers to take full advantage of online business, educational and communications tools for the very first time, said Jim Callaway, senior executive vice president for AT&Ts business development unit.

Subscribers are able to choose from three packages that range in price from $49.95 to $79.95, per month. The service initially will be available in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Kansas, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. Services already are available in portions of Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. The satellite service will be rolled out more fully later this year.

AT&T Inc. www.att.com