What is Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is an internet connection method that utilizes satellite technology to connect people to the WWW. People choose this method of connection for many reasons. First it offers highspeed internet access. In fact it operates about ten times faster than a regular model does. Secondly its bandwidth is capable of handling up to about 5,000 channels of information and data.

As you research satellite internet you should look for drawbacks to this newer technology. There are actually several drawbacks that you should be aware of. First not all service providers offer nationwide coverage. However, if you check out some of the leading satellite internet providers you should be able to find service in just about any market. The second drawback is that some service providers require that you also maintain a land based Internet service in addition to the satellite internet service. Another drawback is that the quality of your connection depends on your satellite modem?s ability to find a clear signal. This means that trees, geological features and even clouds can interrupt your service.

What are your options? Your first option is to subscribe to a one-way multicast service. This service is similar to a Pay-per-view service. This type of satellite internet service does not allow you to upload information so you will need a land based ISP if you plan on sending emails or uploading data. The second option that you have is a one-way with a terrestrial return. This service bundle allows you to utilize the huge bandwidth of satellites to download data and entertainment while still allowing you to upload data to the WWW. Your third choice is to utilize a two-way satellite internet service. This type of service requires that you have an uplink modem and a downlink modem. However, you will only need one ISP and you will be able to take advantage of the highspeed access for both downloading and uploading data. Your final option is wireless satellite internet. This type of service allows you to both take advantage of the speed, bandwidth, and mobility of satellite internet and the advantages of wireless technology.

In the market for satellite internet services? Nationwide Satellite solutions is your provider of HughesNet satellite internet as well a great resource that will answer any questions you have. Find out if it available in your area. For more on satellite technology visit the technology and internet directory

Comparing Satellite Internet Services

Before you sign up for satellite internet service you will first want to compare satellite internet services that are available in your area. The first thing that you will want to look at is the type of internet connection that is utilized by the service provider. For example do they offer a one-way multicast connection, a one-way connection with a terrestrial return, or do they offer a two-way satellite internet connection. The second thing that you will want to look at is the connection speeds that they offer. Providers may charge you more for service packages that offer faster connection speeds. Keep this in mind when you are comparing service packages. The final thing that you will want to look at is whether or not you will need to use a supplemental service like dial up in order to use the service.

The first of the internet service providers to be looked at is hughesnet. They offer a two way satellite internet service that doesn?t require a dial up system back up. However, if you regularly participate in time sensitive activities online where a 1 second delay would impair your ability to continue with this activity then you can add a dial up option to your hughesnet package for about $15 per month. The fastest connection speeds offered by this provider is up to 500kbps for uploads and up to 2 mbps for downloads. These speeds are associated with this provider?s business internet package.

In order to compare satellite internet services you will need to look at more than one provider. The second provider in this comparison is StarBand. Star Band has had financial difficulties in the past, but they seem to be gaining strength with their new owner. StarBand is a two-way system that is offered in the U.S. They utilize the VSAT system technology in order to deliver quality service to consumers. Their top connection speed is 1000 Kbits for downloads. This two way system typically doesn?t require a dial up service.

In the market for a satellite internet provider? Nationwide Satellite Solutions is your provider of HughesNet internet services as well a great resource that will answer any questions you have. Find out if it available in your area. For more on satellite technology visit the online resource directory.

Satellite TV Providers offer High-Speed Internet Connection

Both DirecTV and Dish TV recently announced they will bundle their Satellite TV service with high-speed Internet service via satellite through WildBlue Communications.

Cable television has been leading the way, bundling not only cable TV, but phone and high-speed Internet services. People are looking for two things when it comes to television and Internet connection – price and service. Cable has been aggressively responding, and Satellite TV is starting to get the message.

WildBlue launched its high-speed Internet connection service a year ago and has 60,000 subscribers. Their monthly service ranges from $49.95 to $79.95, with download speeds of up to 1.5 megabits per second. Their one draw back is the $299 equipment charge.

Pricing is yet to be determined for Dish Network and DirecTV packages bundled with WildBlue services, but they will have to offer a smaller equipment charge, or no charge at all in order to be competitive.

Satellite TV companies have offered DSL Internet connection for some time. They attempted to market to people without cable access in rural and remote areas. But both DirecTV and Dish Network have had miserable sales due to uncompetitive prices. DirecTV charged $580 for installation alone. The only people who bought the services were those that had no other alternative for high-speed connection, but now local phone services are able to reach these customers with radio towers.

Bundled Services is the Future

Customers don’t want to deal with a myriad of companies. They demand more simplicity. They want to deal with a single company that is willing to discount multiple services.

Comcast, the largest cable provider in Colorado, offers packages starting at $112 for cable TV, Internet service at 6 megabits per second and phone service. According to Cindy Parsons, spokeswoman for Comcast Colorado:

"We are accustomed to competition and expect there will be a wide variety of promotions from our competitors."

Qwest Communications recently dropped the price of its bundled services. New customers can pay about $87 per month for local and long distance calling, 1.5-megabits Internet speeds and satellite TV service.

The two satellite TV powerhouses will have to offer similar bundled prices if they are going to remain competitive. And equally important is their Internet connection service will need to be reliable.

This new deal with WildBlue Communications will help Dish Network and DirecTV better compete with cable and telephone companies such as Comcast and Qwest. Consumers should benefit with alternative solutions and lower prices.

Fred Waters is author of the Satellite TV Guide, where you can find the best deals on Satellite TV