Satellite Internet Service Providers in My Area

Satellite internet is a great way for people to get connected to the internet at high speeds around the World. Depending on where you live, satellite internet may be the only choice if you want to get connected at speeds greater than dial-up internet access.  There are a couple of pretty big names in the satellite internet space HughesNet and WildBlue.  These are both great services and again, there are many examples of places in the U.S. where satellite internet is the only option (rural towns, etc.).

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5 Advantages and 5 Disadvantages of Satellite Internet

You spend a lot of money on your Internet service and want to ensure that you are getting the best deal for your dollar. Should you go with Satellite Internet or not? The debate continues, so here is a list of  5 advantages to Satellite Internet and 5 disadvantages to Satellite Internet that may help you decide whether Satellite Internet is right for you.

ADVANTAGES

Since Satellite Internet is beamed directly from the satellite to your home, the signal does not have to pass through miles of phone or cable lines giving many advantages to this type of service.

1. Connection: For avid Internet users or people who rely on the internet for their personal businesses, having the internet constantly available is a must. With Satellite Internet, once you boot up your computer, you are connected to the Internet. There is no dial up or log on needed; you are just automatically connected.
2. Availability: Satellite Internet has a higher availability rate than DSL or cable. If you are in the United States, you are able to get Satellite Internet. Even in remote or mountainous regions where running DSL lines and cables are impossible, Satellite Internet is able to provide service.
3. Multiple Users: The number of computers per household has increased dramatically over the years. It is more likely that each person in a home has his or her own computer, rather than each home having one computer for everyone to share. Satellite Internet can easily accommodate all the computers a family has, all at the same time. There is no need to wait for one computer to “log off” in order for another one to “log on.”
4. Ease of Use: Satellite Internet is a ‘no problem’ Internet service. Once a technician sets up your account and installs a receiver on the exterior of your home, you are ready to go. No additional equipment is needed.
5. Service Outages: Downed wires and ice on the phone lines are just two circumstances that can bring other types of Internet service to a standstill, but not Satellite Internet. With satellite signal, you will not lose your Internet connection.

DISADVANTAGES

As great as that sounds there are some disadvantages to having satellite internet.

1. Fair Access Policy: The FAP limits the bandwidth of a subscriber’s daily Internet use. This means that during peak hours of use, your service is slower than it would be using cable or DSL.
2. Latency: Latency means that, again during peak usage times, people using voice chat applications or voice-over IP service may experience noticeable lag times between responses. Streaming videos and watching a movie may be significantly slowed during these times making for a less than enjoyable viewing experience.
3. Weather disturbances: Because the satellite data signals travel long distances, any disturbance can cause disruption in the connection. Rain, clouds, snow and high winds have all contributed to the lost data signals which leads to loss of connectivity and interruptions in service.
4. Placement of receiver: Subscribers must take extra care when having their satellite receivers installed. Placement should not be blocked by trees and should have a clear view location to be able to receive the clearest signals.
5. Cost: Satellite Internet is comparatively more expensive than either cable or DSL Internet. There are high start-up costs as well as monthly fees.

Whether you are ready to try Satellite Internet or are just exploring the idea, it makes sense to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of Satellite Internet service.

If you already have a satellite dish and want to try and use it to get Internet access, then please use our direct contact form below and we will let you know if that is possible.

Satellite Internet – Satellites Known to be in Orbit

If you are having problems with your satellite internet provider, we encourage you to use our complaint form as well so we can warn others of potential problems they may face with that same provider.

10 Mistakes People Make When Ordering Satellite Internet

With the rapid advancement of technology and increased usage, satellite internet service has become more popular since its inception in the 1990’s. Listed below are some helpful tips to get you through the ordering process when deciding if satellite internet service is for you.

1. My choices are limited in ordering satellite internet. As satellite internet services are becoming more and more popular there are multiple companies to order from.
2. Comparing prices and providers. One of the biggest mistakes one can make when choosing a new service is not ‘shopping around’. Make sure you compare not only the prices the different providers offer, but the services as well.
3. It will be cheaper to order used equipment from a friend or over the internet. While we all like to save money, this is not a good idea. If you buy used equipment you lose out on the warranties that the companies offer on the equipment as well as any technical support you may require.
4. I can hook it up myself. While you could hook up a one way system yourself, it is best to leave this type of work to the professionals. In fact the FCC requires that a two way system be hooked up by a professional.
5. I can run my VPN with satellite internet service. It is possible to run a VPN with satellite internet service, however, it is not recommended. Your data speeds may be significantly reduced.
6. I will need to order more than one satellite if I have more than one computer. You can connect more than one computer to the same satellite internet connection. However, if you are using more than one computer at the same time, you may experience slower speeds.
7. Satellite internet will work the same as any other high speed internet. Information going back and forth from your computer to the satellite travels around 45,000 miles. This can cause a small amount of lag time. While it appears to be insignificant (approximately one half a second) it is not recommended that you use time sensitive applications with satellite internet services.
8. I can only use Satellite internet service in my home. You can get satellite internet service that is mobile and portable. Different models are available for your RV, boat, or camper. As well as models that can be used while in motion. Check with your provider to see which options are best for you.
9. Not bundling services. Many companies now offer bundling when you have multiple services such as internet, TV and phone with the same company. Check around to see if you can bundle your services to save money.
10. Not asking for a trial service. Committing to a service contract with a company you have never done business with, for a service you have never used, can be intimidating. Ask if they will allow a trial period. This will give you the option of testing the service with the option of canceling, and not having to commit to a long term contract.

Ordering satellite internet service does not have to be such a daunting task. Do your research and take the proper steps to avoid making some of the mistakes listed above.

Since we realize that the list above is really only a fraction of the satellites that provide internet access we wanted to include a complete list of all communication satellites.

All Satellites in Orbit for Communication Purposes