Satellite Internet Providers

As opposed to a cable, satellite internet provides internet service through satellites positioned around the earth. These are called Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.  Usually, a completely clear line of sight is required to achieve maximum efficiency with satellite internet. That is why these units are very popular in more rural areas where cable and DSL lines may not be as plentiful and buildings are not as tall.

With Satellite internet, files can be downloaded in a matter of seconds instead of minutes or hours as can sometimes occur with a dialup service. The connection is always on. Also, you can talk on the phone and use the internet at the same time!

The Way Satellite Internet Works

After you select your plan, you can receive a professional installation of the equipment no matter which provider you use:

• Your computer will be connected to a satellite modem.
• The modem will link to a satellite dish (the antennae)
• The satellite dish sends and receives your information (web searches, emails, etc.) over the internet
• It is delivered to your computer via your satellite modem

You may have heard of signal latency. This is where there is a delay in receiving a signal because of the trips the connection must make between your computer and the satellite. This could have an impact on performance. If you do a lot of internet gaming or VoiP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), you could experience some delays with any satellite internet provider. Talk to your provider about how latency could affect your system usage.

Contrary to myth, weather has little impact on satellite internet unless the storm is unusually severe in which case, the connection may be lost until the storm subsides.

Satellite Internet Speeds

Satellite internet package plans are priced according to the upload and download speed you select. The are both much faster than dialup, especially downloads (music, photos, videos, etc.) For example, one provider offers the following plans:

• $49 per month for 1.2 Mbps download and 200 Kbps upload
• $59 per month for 1.6 Mbps download and 250 Kbps upload
• $69 per month for 2.0 Mbps download and 300 Kbps upload

In addition to this, you usually have to pay an installation fee as you might with a cable internet plan.

In the US, currently there are four major satellite internet providers. They are HughesNet, WildBlue, SkyWay USA and StarBand:

HughesNet

Right now, HughesNet has the most subscribers in the United States. They have also been around the longest—over 30 years. The plans they offer come with speeds that are up to 50 times faster than a dialup service. They offer a purchase or lease plan to procure their equipment. Currently, installation is free and a 30-day money-back guarantee is available if you are not satisfied with the internet service. Their service currently starts at $39 per month with no installation fee.

HughesNet operates in the 48 contiguous states.

WildBlue

WildBlue has been in business for over six years. They boast of internet access using speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps. This is 30 times faster than dialup service. Their prices start at $5.95per month with a discount if you prepay a two year plan. Their installation fee is currently $149.99. You are obligated to sign a 24-month contract. There is a minimal cancellation fee if you opt out before then.

StarBand

StarBand began marketing a two-way satellite system in 2000. Today they service customers throughout the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and several Caribbean and Central American countries.  They feature two-way, always-on high-speed internet and offer three plans that start at $49.99 (for a two-year commitment) with no installation cost after a mail-in rebate.

SkyWay USA

SkyWay USA satellite internet services all 48 contiguous states currently having about 25 million subscribers. They sell a hybrid technology using satellite and a phone line to perform internet uploads and downloads. One thing that is different about Skyway is that they offer a self-installation option that is free or you can have it professionally done for around $100. Their monthly prices begin at $39.99 per month.

Commonalities for all Providers

There are some things in common for all of the internet providers:

• They all need an unobstructed view of the southern sky.
• They all will experience latency issues which can impact gaming and Voice over internet Protocol usage
• The systems are generally used in rural or other areas where it is difficult to install cable or DSL
• All of them distribute their product through independent dealers who service the area