| Checklists are always great tools when making an | | | | 3. Clear up the equipment concerns. You are |
| important decision, as they lay all the issues out | | | | getting internet via satellite, not launching a satellite |
| on the table and make things clearer. Anyone | | | | into space, so make sure you don't get saddled |
| considering a subscription to satellite internet will | | | | with the type of heavy duty equipment that |
| benefit from this exercise as well. Are you going | | | | might get NASA interested. You ought to be |
| to be happy when you receive surprises early on | | | | responsible for a small satellite dish and nothing |
| in a service contract? No one likes surprises, and | | | | else when thinking about the exterior of your |
| people like them less when you are talking about | | | | home. Inside, there is the typical modem which |
| the internet. Run down these five items on the | | | | won't be bigger than the dialup or broadband |
| checklist before you sign up for satellite internet | | | | apparatuses. Beware of a company which asks |
| service. | | | | for height clearance before showing up. |
| 1. You have to know exactly what kind of speed | | | | 4. Calculate the time lag. Whether you can call it a |
| is on offer. If you don't know what kind of speed | | | | lack of patience in modern times or the |
| is coming with your satellite broadband package, | | | | expectation that a company will have its act |
| there is no reason to waste your time with a | | | | together, no one likes to deal with delays when |
| service contract. While no one can predict exactly | | | | getting a satellite internet connection going. |
| what will be happening in space when you are | | | | Doesn't dialup internet have a monopoly on |
| checking your email, a company has to be able to | | | | waiting? However you want to figure it out, you |
| roll with the punches if they offer internet via | | | | shouldn't be stuck in limbo for weeks on end while |
| satellite. Be as clear as possible in this regard. | | | | you wait for your new internet provider to get its |
| 2. See about downloads and uploads. Downloads | | | | act together. Look for service providers that can |
| are directly tied to speed quotes, as everything | | | | deliver within the week. |
| you do online (change web pages, etc.) involves a | | | | 5. See if the total package is affordable. If there |
| download. If you know how fast you are going to | | | | is nothing negotiable with a satellite provider, you |
| be roaming, you won't have anything to worry | | | | might want to keep looking. Many companies are |
| about. Larger files are a different story: if you are | | | | offering breaks on installation costs, as well as |
| planning on downloading movies and other things, | | | | rebates and other enticing extras. Don't get |
| these figures should be checked. Uploads are also | | | | involved with a company that is charging full |
| going to be essential to your happiness with | | | | prices on everything involved with getting |
| satellite internet providers, so make sure you can | | | | connected. |
| get your files back online. | | | | |