Satellite Internet Service

There are many rural areas where DSL (direct subscriber line) or cable Internet service is not available. If you live in one of those areas and want fast, reliable, high-speed Internet service, satellite Internet is what you're looking for.

Though not as fast as DSL or cable Internet service, satellite Internet service is much faster than 56K dialup service, and is available to anyone in the United States who has a clear view of the southern sky.

Satellite Internet Service Features

* Satellite Internet service is up to 10 times faster than dialup service, so you can surf the web and download files in a fraction of the time it takes with dialup.

* Satellite Internet service is always on, so you don't have to wait to connect to the Internet.

* Satellite Internet service is separate from your phone line, so you can surf the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time, plus you won't miss any telephone calls.


Satellite Internet Compared to DSL and Cable

To give you an idea of the differences between high-speed services, here's a comparison of satellite TV service from DirecWay, versus DSL and Cable service from EarthLink. For more information on these services click on the links below.

Speed

* Satellite Internet service: Up to 10 times faster than dialup service (700 Kbps download speed and 128 Kbps upload speed.
* DSL Internet service: Up to 70 times faster than dialup service (up to 3 Mps download speed and 128 upload speed).
* Cable Internet service: Up to 100 times faster than dialup service (up to 5 Mps download speed and 384 Kbps upload speed.

Monthly Service Fee

* Satellite Internet service: From $59.99 per month.
* DSL Internet service: $19.95 for the first six months, then $39.95 thereafter.
* Cable Internet service: $29.95 for the first 6 months, then $41.95 thereafter.

Equipment Cost

* Satellite Internet service: $499.98.
* DSL Internet service: Free.
* Cable Internet service: Free.

Installation

* Satellite Internet service: Free.
* DSL Internet service: Do it yourself or pay an installer.
* Cable Internet service: Free.

Activation Fee

* Satellite Internet service: None.
* DSL Internet service: None.
* Cable Internet service: None.

Email Accounts

* Satellite Internet service: 5 accounts.
* DSL Internet service: 8 accounts.
* Cable Internet service: 8 accounts.

Virus, Spam, and Spyware Protection:

* Satellite Internet service: Yes.
* DSL Internet service: Yes.
* Cable Internet Service: Yes.

Customer Service

* Satellite Internet service: 24/7 toll-free telephone and Internet service.
* DSL Internet service: 24/7 toll free-telephone and Internet service.
* Cable Internet Service: 24/7 toll free-telephone and Internet service.


DirecWay Satellite Internet Service

DirecWay is the largest and most reliable satellite Internet service. Most other satellite TV providers are actually DirecWay affiliates, meaning they use DirecWay's equipment and satellites, but offer different services.

DirecWay offers two satellite Internet plans:

Plan A -- You pay $99.99 per month for 15 months, then $59.99 per month thereafter.

Plan B -- You pay $499.98 for your equipment and installation, then $59.99 per month for service.


Bottom Line

Because DSL and cable Internet services are faster and cheaper than satellite service, I recommend clicking on the links below to see if they are available in your area.

If not, then satellite is the way to go if you want high-speed Internet service.

Click on the following link for more information on satellite Internet service, or these links for ordering information and the latest offers from DISH Network satellite Internet service or DIRECTV satellite Internet service.

Disgusted With Dial-Up? - Compare DSL Service Providers, Cable and Satellite Internet To See If One

Do you find yourself waiting around for your Internet pages to load or digital photo files and other attachments to transfer?

Do your friends and family complain that they can never get through on the phone line because you or your kids are always online.Chances are you are still using dial up Internet service.Perhaps it’s time to consider an alternative method.

The main three types of high speed access include DSL, cable and satellite Internet. At the current time, DSL service providers and cable are not available in all areas. Some parts of the country do not have access to either option. Good satellite Internet reception is dependant on an unobstructed line of sight to the south. So where you live can make a big difference in which high speed Internet service you choose.

Here are some overviews of each service and comparisons for those fortunate to have more than one option available:

DSL Service Providers

DSL, which stands for Digital Subscriber Line, describes a technology that taps into unused frequencies on copper telephone lines to transmit information at much higher speeds. There is no dialup and accessing services. So access is immediate. With DSL, you can send both voice and high speed data over the same line. The bandwidth, or data transfer capacity, or DSL ranges from 128 Kbps to 1.544 Mbps downstream to your computer. Upstream transfer from your computer is usually limited to 128 Kbps. Bandwidth is dedicated so you don’t have to share with other users, but DSL is also more effective the closer you are to service provider's facilities. If your local area has plenty of cable bandwidth available it may be a better option for those located greater distances from a DSL provider. Average monthly charges for DSL services are around $55-$65.

Verizon is one of the leading providers of high speed DSL service, with a large coverage area. With Verizon DSL you get a monthly package for $34.95 that includes unlimited access with a personalized home page, 9 e-mail accounts, and 10 megabytes of web space. For those customers with multiple computers in the home, there is a home networking option available. You can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single high-speed DSL Internet connection at no additional monthly cost.

Earthlink DSL is another option. Their basic package, which includes the same features as Verizon’s offer also includes a free dial-up service which allows you to enjoy 20 hours of Internet access per month when you're away from home. This package typically costs $39.99 per month. Earthlink also offers cable and satellite Internet.

As noted, DSL uses copper telephone wires. Rural areas and some cities do not have these wires available for large volume use, which means that DSL is not yet an option in those areas, even if Verizon, Earthlink or another provider offers services there.

Cable

If you have cable TV available in your area, chances are that you have access to Internet through your cable provider. This service uses the same wires as your cable TV programming and depending on the provider and the area, there may be a good deal of bandwidth available or a more limited amount. Because users share bandwidth, this could be an issue for those living in areas with limited amounts available for Internet use. It is a good question to ask your cable provider before signing up. Your choice for cable Internet is typically limited to only those providers who offer cable TV in your area. On average, cable Internet does tend to be a bit faster than DSL. Service is often slightly less expensive than DSL, averaging around $45 per month.

Satellite

If you do not have DSL or cable Internet available in your area, satellite Internet may provide a viable option. Its speed is comparable to other high speed Internet services, its always on, and you have the option of adding satellite TV service. However, it requires that you have a clear view of the southern sky from your home anywhere in the continental United States in order to receive good reception from the satellites. The service is typically a good deal more expensive than the other two high speed options discussed, averaging around $100 per month with installation fees of up to $400.

Some people confuse satellite Internet with what’s known as WiFi. WiFi Internet services are actually provided by access nodes located in high traffic areas such as airports and hotel or through Internet cafes. If you have a laptop equipped with WiFi receiver, you can access services from within about 1000 feet of the node. There is typically a fee to use this service. It is a good idea for travelers but does not meet the need for home Internet use because it required the access node.

Although there are several satellite Internet providers, they all use similar technology. DirecTV is a popular provider because they are also a top satellite TV company. DirecTV satellite Internet service is delivered through a wholly owned subsidiary, DIRECWAY. DirecTV satellite Internet costs $99.99 per month and requires customers to purchase a satellite dish and modem. Installation is typically available from the distributor.

Comparisons

Consult a comparison chart such as the High Speed Internet Guide which should give you a fair idea of the speed and costs involved. However, it is important to note that the data transfer rates you can get from either DSL or Cable will depend entirely on whatever local providers are in your area.
C.J. Gustafson is a successful freelance writer for 1st-Dish-TV.net, a consumer guide for free satellite TV systems. She has spent hours of time researching cable, DSL service providers, and high speed satellite Internet service providers for her home office. She dreams one day attaching the satellite dish to her RV and spending the winters writing from wherever it's warmest that week

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

Beta Testing First Mobile Internet Satellite Broadband, Part II

We were the first beta testers of a Mobile Command Center with full Internet Access in 1999. Our mobile command center was also the first unit with WiFi and Internet Mobile Access.

The next generation of this system of Broadband Satellites was introduced in 2004. And the next wave of technology almost exists for the 10 times that speed. Looks like Moore’s Law may just apply to Satellites, however with the former practice tries by Motorola and the incompetence with the FCC we saw previously we may find that there are significant obstacle to over come still.

The biggest gripe back then was the Iridium pricing of $134.50 per month and the ridiculous cost of $1.34 per minute. Of course GlobalStar proves that they are worse at 150 per month and 1.39 per minute and International calls at $1.79. The cool thing about Inmarsat is that it is 20 years old and still has the 9.6 kbps data speed and sometimes you can get the 64 kbps. Inmarsat A is ancient and 18,000 ships have the maritime Global distress system aboard. GMDSS. If you look at most all commercial ships you will see the antennas on top that can run fax machines, Telephones and various data interfaces. Previously they ran below deck Telex systems. This system as you would guess is purely analog which has much advantages in weather conditions at sea. Inmarsat B is a whole different story with it’s digital technology, you can definitely get 64 KBPS all day long for broadcasting audio streams, video (a little jumpy), and voice and fax transmissions.

The pricing of data transmission due to speeds can save users up to 40% simply because it takes less time per minute to down and upload data. Of course the hardware runs about $ 10K, but for what it is that is not bad considering the original costs of data transmissions. Now here is the new deal Inmarsat C, two way data communications, terminals are portable and small, brief case style. Costs for terminals are only $4K approx. and everyone in the TV business has one or more. Inmarsat also has a system for voice, which needs only a little antenna of 9.3 or more inches and comes in a small dome. These were recently featured in Popular Mechanics in Nov 01. Trac Phone antennas for boats, RVs etc are expensive at $6,500 but work well. This is also known as the SatCom system mobile. It is a briefcase laptop system and is only 5 lbs. Costs only $3,000. People call it their brief case phone. It uses a SIM card for multiple users a system if you will remember never took off in the US like the smart card phones in Europe. Remember the PCS Phones had that little slide in cards, but they were too expensive for mass production in cellular technology. Inmarsat F77 is another innovation of 2001. ISDN and mobile packet data service capabilities. Delivering Fax, phone, voice and data. 64kbs, Absolutely and without a problem. Almost trouble free, this is nearly fully operational. We are almost there. This technology takes advantage of the B-GAN services that will be provided by the Inmarsat 4 being launched in 2004.

This will be cool. US Based ComSat Mobile, a division of Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications has announced it’s cooperation with Fleet F77 in the first half of 2002. Ah ha, now we are getting somewhere ? Says the people at Stratos, who are arrogant Canadians. Why is this so cool? It means that users can send and receive data but only be charged for the data sent and received. Serf the web in broadband from anywhere or even a remote log cabin on vacation, emails and web browsing for about $89.95 per month all in real time with about 2-3 second delays for distance or in another system the one we have now it will be a half second delay with even higher speeds (I will talk further about this in a minute). Internet based systems like this means we can track every ship, truck, terrorist school bus in the country real time, just like they now track all the aircraft as we saw on TV during the 9-11 act. We watched charts of the US with every single aircraft flying.

Imagine the system capabilities for efficiency, safety, storm and weather watching, and safety of our people. I am really liking this a lot and everyone in America will be safe and the President can have his missile defense program because we will be able to track everything that moves which is not cloaked and right now that is everything that we know about. We can even track stealth bombers by frequency disruption patterns from cell phones. We win. Guess what these systems have a built in safety switch so important transmissions get there first for instance a ship in high seas in trouble, DEA transmitting while profiling a smuggler, or mayday distress calls. So if you are surfing or on line sending emails it will be delayed until the safety priorities are taken care of and at those speeds and numbers of users and the forthcoming Craig McCaw’s Law I predict to replace Moore’s Law for satellites that will not be more than a nano second by 2005. In other words you will assume a solar flare or even a thunder cloud. Before we go much further let me show you the research places to go to;

http://www.inmarsat.com

http://www.globalstar.com

http://www.iridium.com

http://www.orbcomm.com

http://www.msat.tmi.ca

http://www.motosat.com

http://www.kvh.com

http://www.optistreams.com

Orbicomm is another data source with no voice capacity and handles two-pager and alphanumeric operations using a small network of LEO Satellites. Another web site we found of interest to you if you are using any of these technologies is;

http://www.msua.org

End Part II

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

Broadband Internet By Satellite for Your Motor Home

Broadband Internet by Satellite is about the coolest invention in the World and indeed it has helped the unconnected become connected even if they live in the middle of nowhere. But it gets better than that even. Did you know you can get a special satellite antenna hooked up on your motor home or recreational vehicle that will enable you to get the Internet anywhere in North America?

Well it is true and I was one of the first 30 people with this system in 1999 and have now tried it out across America and it works killer in all the lower 48 states, most of Canada and some of Alaska, well anywhere you would want to venture in an RV in Alaska anyway. If you are writer or have a profession, which does not require a location or perhaps you just love the great outdoors, are retired and traveling full time, you should look into getting one of these great systems.

They are not cheap and run about $5,000 to $8,000 depending on where you have it installed and which system you get, but let me tell you it is worth it of have total freedom while traveling. There is nothing cooler than a Broadband Internet hookup by Satellite for your Motor Home or Recreational Vehicle. So, you may wish to consider this in 2006 and you will be glad you did.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington