How to Choose a High Speed Satellite Internet Service
High speed Internet service is available to many United States consumers through telephone, fiber optic or cable network services. However, residents of some rural, mountain or otherwise remote communities do not have access to most high speed Internet providers. In these circumstances, high speed satellite Internet service becomes a viable option. According to the High Speed Internet Access Guide, an objective online guide to Internet service, satellite Internet service provides a broadband connection with speeds comparable with other high speed services. A typical satellite system consists of outside hardware (antenna, a satellite receiver/dish, and transmit/receive electronics); and inside coaxial cable, transmit/receive unit and USB cable that connects to your computer .
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Things You'll Need
- Confirmation that land-based Internet is unavailable in your area
- List of startup costs for satellite Internet providers
- Features comparison table from top four satellite Internet providers
- Fair Access Policies restrictions from each provider
- Satellite Internet information from DirectTV
- Satellite Internet information from Dish Network
Instructions
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List satellite Internet startup costs. According to the High Speed Internet Access Guide, satellite Internet service involves startup costs not applicable to other internet services. The satellite service requires the acquisition of dedicated equipment from the provider. Lease or purchase options are often available, and the provider may also conduct periodic promotions to reduce the cost or offer attractive contract terms. However, an outlay of several hundred dollars in equipment costs is not uncommon.
Most providers require a contract to receive the satellite Internet service. Although there may be attractive add-ons or introductory rates, there may be penalties if you cancel before your contract has been fulfilled.
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Evaluate satellite Internet features. According to a Satellite Internet Service Provider comparison from March 2009, there are several factors that should be evaluated before choosing your service provider: (1) Upload and download speeds; (2) Number of permitted email accounts; (3) Equipment and installation costs; and (4) Activation fees.
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Consider "Fair Access Policies." The High Speed Internet Access Guide notes that each satellite Iinternet provider places a restriction on the amount of uploads or downloads that can be completed within a given time period. If a user exceeds that limit, she will be subjected to much slower speeds for an arbitrary period of time. As a result of unknowingly exceeding those limits, the author was placed in this "Penalty Box," which severely limited her ability to accomplish simple tasks like email transmission.
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Evaluate the top four Internet providers. In February 2010, the High Speed Internet Access Guide provided a table that compared the top four United States satellite Internet providers: (1) HughesNet; (2) Wild Blue; (3) Skyway; and (4) Starband. Keep in mind that providers may market service packages directly to consumers; or the provider may promote the services through local dealers and resellers (See Resources).
The High Speed Internet Providers website furnished a February 2010 comparison of Hughes Net and Wild Blue, the two largest satellite internet providers. This comparison features current specials for both providers, and clickable links to the respective websites provide ordering information (See Resources).
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Explore internet through satellite television providers. DirectTV and Dish Network also offer satellite internet through their satellite television networks (See Resources). Both satellite Internet services are powered by Wild Blue.
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Talk to a real person. Before choosing a satellite Internet provider, visit your local office or talk to the provider via telephone. Ensure that any questions you have are answered satisfactorily before committing to a contract.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit satellite dish image by Cornelia Pithart from Fotolia.com
