How to Connect Via Satellite
Satellite Internet connections are a lesser-known form of Internet service. These connections use a satellite dish to send and receive information in much the same way as a satellite cable service. Satellite Internet connections are often seen as a last resort, as they can suffer from outages, inconsistent speeds, and dropped downloads. However, for many regions in the world, satellite Internet is the only available option. This is because, unlike cable or DSL Internet connections, satellite connections do not require a phone or Internet cable infrastructure for installation. Establishing a satellite should only take a few days.
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Instructions
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Locate a service provider in your area. You'll need to provide information about your location to the technicians so they can determine your eligibility. The three largest providers in the United States are HughesNet, StarBand, and WildBlue.
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Schedule an appointment to have a technician visit your household. All three of the largest providers perform their own installation service, and generally do not allow residential customers an option to perform the installation themselves.
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Discuss service options with the technician. HughesNet, StarBand, and WildBlue all offer tiered service depending on the customer's needs. If you will be using your satellite connection mainly for email and web browsing, you should opt for an economy plan. If you regularly upload or download data, you'll need to purchase a premium service option that can support the necessary bandwidth. Be aware that all satellite Internet providers have a firm cap on the maximum amount of data you can transfer each month before extra charges are assessed. As a result, it's best to choose the right plan from the start to avoid being overcharged.
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Inquire about any equipment, installation, or contract fees which may be a part of your desired service plan. Some service plans require you to purchase a satellite dish and modem, while others will rent them for a monthly fee. Many satellite Internet service plans come with a contractual obligation to stay with the service for a certain period of time, similar to a cellular phone contract. Terminating your service early in these situations can result in substantial fees, so be certain about the adhering to the length of your contract before signing up.
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Schedule an installation date once you are satisfied with a service plan. The technicians will need to install a modem and satellite dish during the installation. Make sure your computer area is clean and clutter-free, so the installation technicians can easily access necessary equipment and computer ports. Once the installation process is complete, you should be able to surf the Internet.
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