The benefits of Broadband Satellite DSL vs. Dialup Internet Access
If you are one of the millions of U.S. Internet users still connecting through a dialup Internet Service Provider due to regional limitations, there is a light at the end of the tunnel just for you. High Speed Internet Access Is Available To You! Even if your local telco and cable companies have forgotten about you, you can still receive High Speed Internet via Satellite. Using similar equipment to what is used for satellite television, high speed Internet can be brought to you anywhere in the U.S., provided you have a clear view of the southern sky. While satellite Internet Service used to be cost-prohibitive for most people, times are changing. Satellite DSL is now available for prices comparable to other types of residential high speed Internet access.
HOW IT WORKS
Unlike traditional DSL or Cable Internet connections, Satellite Broadband is provided via a small satellite dish, similar to those used for television. The dish is a two-way device, being used for both sending and receiving of the satellite signal that provides Internet access. A satellite modem (similar to the modems provided by local DSL and cable companies) connects your computer(s) to the broadband signal provided by the dish. A router can also be added to share access among several computers in the same location.
PRICING
Like telco DSL and cable-company provided Internet, there are different service levels available for different prices. Prices are slightly higher than those of DSL and Cable companies, but if you don't have any other options, satellite DSL is a great alternative. Speeds from 512k to 5Mbps are available from most providers. Even at the lowest offering (512k), the speed is approximately 15-20 times that of dialup (at an average dialup connection speed of 33.6k).
Below is a price comparison of 4 different services - 1.) An average "high-speed" dialup connection, 2.) An average cable company connection, 3.) An average residential telco DSL connection, 4.) A WildBlue Satellite DSL connection, and 5.) A HughesNet Satellite DSL connection.
1.) "High-Speed" dialup (* high-speed dialup is "compressed" dialup - while it can be slightly faster, there is a trade off in terms of visual quality, and at times the content will not be "fresh" - i.e. a cached copy)
Starting at $12.95 / month (on average) for a 56k connection (assuming your phone lines are high enough quality to support 56k - most aren't)
Cost / Speed (kbps) = $0.24 / kbps
2.) An average cable company connection at 4Mbps (cable companies almost always require at least basic cable television service along with internet service)
Starting at $80 / month
Cost / Speed (kbps) = $0.02 / kbps
3.) An average residential telco DSL service at 768k
Starting at $35 / month (after their "introductory" offering)
Cost / Speed (kbps) = $0.05 / kbps
4.) A WildBlue Satellite DSL connection at 1Mbps (middle of their service offerings)
$69.95 / month
Cost / Speed = $0.07 / kbps
5.) A HughesNet Satellite DSL connection at 1Mbps (lowest of their service offerings)
$59.99 / month
Cost / Speed = $0.06 / kbps
As you can see, from a cost vs. speed standpoint, every type of Internet access is far less expensive than dialup. In areas where cable and telco DSL aren't available, using satellite DSL is about 1/4 the price (cost vs. speed). With the added benefits of not requiring the use of your phone line, and having instant-on Internet access, it's really a great deal.
THE DRAWBACKS OF SATELLITE INTERNET ACCESS
Every silver lining has a cloud. Satellite Internet access has two main drawbacks that you'll need to consider.
First and foremost is called latency. Because the satellite equipment must send a signal from your location to an orbiting satellite and back, the round trip time is greater than that of other connection methods. Normally this won't present a problem. Cases where it will cause problems are 1.) VOIP or "Internet Phone" service - these will not work properly with satellite Internet, and 2.) online gaming - the latency (or Ping) times are likely high enough to cause considerable lag while gaming.
Second, and of lesser impact, is weather conditions. Severe weather can cause connection problems, loss of speed, or lack of a connection all-together. This generally only happens under very severe weather (thunderstorms). On the other hand, computers (and most electronics in general) shouldn't be plugged in during severe thunderstorms, to prevent damage from lightning strikes (and no, surge strips DO NOT protect you from lightning strikes).
For more information about Broadband Satellite DSL service, availability, and pricing, please visit http://www.BroadbandSatelliteDSL.com
