Satellite Cable Companies Branch Into Satellite Internet

For years Satellite cable has redefined the way people watch TV. It?s provided more viewing options, with hundreds of channels: sports shows, sitcoms, movies from around the world, variety shows, cooking shows, parenting shows, crafts shows. There?s nothing that can?t be found on Satellite TV, and those who sign up for this cable viewing service never regret the decision. They?re never stuck at home with nothing to watch.

But now satellite companies are using the same technology behind satellite TV to bring Internet to people who otherwise wouldn?t have access to high speed broadband connections.

Just like in satellite cable, each subscriber is given a satellite dish antenna and a transceiver. If you are already a cable subscriber you don?t even need a new dish, you can just ask your cable provider to active your Internet account as well. (You may need to pay additional fees for this, but many companies are actually launching promos that give satellite Internet connection at a discount for loyal satellite cable subscribers.)

Internet speeds vary. It can be 50 to 150 Kbps to upload material and 1200 Kbps, to download. Yes, the speed varies greatly, but since most internet users only download material you probably won?t feel it.

Satellite Internet systems are a reliable, though expensive, way of people in rural areas to get Internet connection. In fact it is used by Antarctic research missions who use the satellite technology to beam information to the labs. Without the Satellite network, they would have no contact with the outside world.

However, the intrinsic set up of Satellite networks where uploading can crawl at a snail?s pace it is not recommended for online. Actual users report a bandwidth from 10 to 15 Kbps at worst. The Average is about 100, and the fastest speed reaching 50 KB for ordinary files when not many people are online.

The science behind satellite cable and internet is fascinating. Each time we use it, information is sent through two round trips between the earth's surface and transponders orbiting 22,300 miles above the equator. The data travels at an amazing 0.48 second. However, the signal is vulnerable to weather issues like major storms and rains. You may also notice spotty connections and transmissions when there are solar flares. This usually happens in mid-March and late September, when the sun lines up with the satellite for a few minutes each day. Rain fade and solar interference affect all satellite links from time to time, not just Internet systems.

Indeed satellites are not just circling the planet, but are really changing the world and the way people live. The technology is being used by people in different countries all over the world, as they share information through satellite TV or satellite Internet. One can say that satellites are helping to create a truly global village where programs and websites from other countries are as accessible as our next door neighbor. Now that?s certainly a dish worth raving about!

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