How good are satellite internet connections?

[frustrated2]

I live somewhat in the country and I can't get cable modems or dsl so I have been thinking about a satellite internet connection. Are they any good? I can get the dish for around $199 and the service is $39.99 a month for unlimited usage. Which I don't think is to bad???? I am in Michigan so if there are any good isp's that you know of in the area or that will service this area LMK that to

 

[BuckMaster]

I tried a demo satellite at radio shack awhile back. It wasn't to good I thought. It was pretty slow but the guy said they just got it up and running so Im sure it needed tweaking. It did seem faster then a 56K modem If anything I would see if it comes with a money back Guarantee if you wasn't happy with it.

 

[Bartman39]

I have seen a lot of information on DirectPC but it for the most part sucks for gaming (lousy ping`s 600+)... But the download speeds are very good... BUT I just got a Dish Network for my TV but as of yesterday Dish Network approved a 2 month beta tested system that should be better because of a newer technology... (not sure of the details) Its a combined effort between Microsoft, Dish Network & ??? cant remember the other company... But from the information I was told it should be kick @ss... But the equipment wont be availible till around the 1st of Dec... (BTW it will be a little pricey till demand gets going)


Uh this is bi-directional it has both send and recv Lnb`s saw it with my own eye`s too

 

[CalebTG]

you'll still need a dial-up isp (to do all of your uploading work) satellites, with the current technology, is recieve-data-only

in the next few months, bi-directional dishes should be coming out.

 

[rahvin]

Bi-directional dish's went on sale at radio shack last week.

 

[Emory7]

Has anyone bought one of these yet?

 

[Viper GTS]

CalebTG...

StarBand is bi-directional satellite.

Viper GTS

 

[fast_eddie]

Yes, StarBand is now sold at your local RadioShack store. To qualify you must purchase a new StarBand configured (transmit & receive boards) Compaq CPU 'box' for approx $1000. You also need to pony up $250 for installation of the dish and running the dual coax to your computer>

IMHO (as a RS sales associate) you might be best to wait for 6 to 9 months until RS & StarBand has a few 1000 units up and running for awhile; AND they have enough confidence in their service to offer a satellite modem & dish kit for those of us who would like to DIY!

 

[frustrated2]

Well I promise you that I won't pay that much for an internet connection. Modem looks like were still partners for a while

 

[AmdEmAll]

Where in Michigan do you live? Im west of Detroit and I have Mediaone cable internet.

 

[Emory7]

Local Radio Shack is waiting list only. What I want is a report from someone who has actually bought one. I don't do online gaming so this may be the best option for me. I will however wait for the satellite modem. No way will I buy another Radio Shack computer. My first was a $2000 Tandy w/o hard drive. Obsolete when I bought it, just didn't know any better.

 

[Blade Runner]

I have direcpc.. Great for browsing and downloads 60K + a sec.

 

[rsales]

A friend of mine is a Starband beta tester. He currently is getting 500k-900k download speeds from the system. Don't know about the upload speeds(it's two way). The cost is kind of high. If you check out www.starband.com and look under the area for where to buy at Dishnetwork they have prices listed. It's not cheap. As I recall it's $399 for the equipment, $199 installation and $69/month for the internet connection. They use a USB connection.

 

[teknoid]

I "AM" one of the Starband beta testers (actually we're refered to as "Pilot Program members&quot. Unfortunately we're currently under a NDA that prevents us from openly discussing the system pretty much anywhere. As the "Pilot Program" is very near ending I'll be having a whole lot to say about the experience.

What I can say... I've had mine since early September. It SUX for gaming. It's got some "isues".

Stand by... I'll be back soon...

Edit: Oh Yea... Go toDelphi Forums and search on Gilat or Starband and it will direct you to forums with a couple hundred users all making coments both good and bad.

 

[Emory7]

Thanks for the Delphi forum tip... great source of information.