Satellite Internet Provider Reviews
The technology used in 2010 by satellite Internet provider systems is more sophisticated than the earlier networks that were in use just a few years ago, but it is still considered costly and sometimes unreliable. All the large providers offer various levels of service, bandwidth use and access times. Download speed are usually 1 to 2 Mbps, and many additional services are offered with certain packages. Most all providers have access caps, which may limit the amount of bandwidth available.
Due to rapid changes in technology, providers are constantly changing plans and services, often offering special deals or discounted rates. Please check with each individual satellite Internet provider for the latest and accurate information. One popular special offered from time to time is waiving the installation fee. Set-up fees, equipment fees and installation fees may all be negotiable. Check with each individual satellite Internet provider for more details.
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Satellite Internet provider reviews
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Satellite Internet access technology is the least utilized of all available high-speed connection technologies, which include DSL and Cable. In rural areas where no cable or telephone networks exist, satellite Internet access providers are especially useful. Even though satellite Internet access is more expensive than either cable or DSL, the level of service is about the same. There are quite a few companies offering satellite Internet access, but only the largest are covered here.
Consider personal Internet usage and how much download time may be needed on a daily basis. An example of an entry level satellite Internet access plan would provide at least a 768Kbps download speed. Fair Access Policies, which differ with each carrier, place a restriction on the overall total amount of data uploaded or downloaded in a given period of time. If this limit is exceeded, a recovery period will be placed on the account during which access speeds may be restricted. Be sure to check with each individual provider to determine specific effects the Fair Access Policy will have on a specific situation.
HughesNet
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The HughesNet Home Plan offers 1.0 Mbps download and 128 Kbps upload speeds. A total of five email accounts are included. The actual equipment costs are $299.98 initially, with a monthly fee of $59.99 and no activation fee. Installation is included. A maximum amount of bandwidth allowed for data downloads is 200 MB daily. Some free dial-up access is provided along with 24/7 online support and anti-spyware and anti-virus software. A 24-month commitment is required, and activation fees may be affected if equipment is leased.
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WildBlue
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The WildBlue Select Plan offers 1.0 Mbps download and 200 Kbps upload speeds. A total of five email accounts are included. The equipment is leased, with a monthly fee of $69.99. Activation is $99.95 and installation is free. A maximum amount of bandwidth allowed for data downloads is 12,000 MB per month or about 400 MB daily. Some free dial-up access is provided along with 24/7 online support and anti-spyware and anti-virus software. A 24-month commitment is required.
Skyway
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The Skyway Gold Plan offers 768 Kbps download and 56 Kbps upload speeds. A total of five email accounts are included. The equipment costs are $49 initially, with a monthly fee of $59.95. Activation fee is $25 and installation is done by the purchaser. A maximum amount of bandwidth allowed for data downloads is 7,500 MB per month or about 250 MB daily. Some free dial-up access is provided along with 24/7 online support and anti-spyware and anti-virus software. A 24-month commitment is required, and activation fees may be affected if equipment is leased.
Starband
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The Starband Nova1000 Plan offers 1.0 Mbps download and 128 Kbps upload speeds. A total of 10 email accounts are included. The actual equipment costs are $299.99 initially, with a monthly fee of $69.99. Activation is free and installation is available for an additional cost. A maximum amount of bandwidth allowed for data downloads is 1,600 MB per week or about 230 MB daily. Some free dial-up access is provided along with 24/7 online support and anti-spyware and anti-virus software. A 24-month commitment is required, and activation fees may be affected if equipment is leased.
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