| Satellite broadband internet access isn’t a | | | | I’ve heard about “latency” – what |
| newcomer on the high speed internet scene, but | | | | is that? |
| it probably ranks highest among the most | | | | Latency is the effect of the distance that |
| misunderstood internet service options. Satellite | | | | information travels into space (roundtrip – |
| offers some great benefits, but has some | | | | twice!) with satellite internet. When you make a |
| limitations too. By understanding the technology, | | | | “request” online – for example, you |
| limitations, and benefits associated with satellite | | | | put in the address of an airline reservation |
| and other types of high speed internet access, | | | | website, a four step process begins. The |
| you can make an educated decision when | | | | information must travel over 20,000 miles into |
| considering service. | | | | space, then beam down to a processing center |
| Do I get satellite internet from my satellite TV | | | | (or “hub”). From there, the information |
| provider? | | | | that you’ve requested is gathered or |
| This is one of the most frequently asked | | | | submitted, and a response is sent back to the |
| questions, and for good reason. It would seem to | | | | satellite, and then sent back to the dish at your |
| make sense that satellite internet companies | | | | house. Despite all this distance, the whole process |
| would be linked with satellite TV providers. The | | | | takes less than a second. Users of typical |
| truth is that satellite TV runs on different satellites | | | | websites do not notice the effect of latency. The |
| than high speed internet. Although some providers | | | | only people who would notice would be players of |
| might have marketing arrangements with other | | | | real-time online games, or users of VoIP |
| companies, the service itself is different. In most | | | | telephony. |
| cases, you’ll get your service directly from a | | | | Is satellite broadband expensive to install and |
| satellite broadband provider. | | | | operate? |
| Is satellite internet only available in rural areas? | | | | The “million-dollar question” – and the |
| Nope. Satellite internet is available anywhere in the | | | | answer? A resounding “No.” Satellite |
| country with a south-facing view. If you don’t | | | | internet used to be one of the most expensive |
| have a direct southern exposure on your roof, | | | | internet technologies. Today, its easy to install, |
| creative installation options are available to meet | | | | and even easier to operate. A technician can have |
| the requirement. Many people in suburban or other | | | | you up and running in a matter of hours, and the |
| areas with high speed access still rely on satellite | | | | equipment looks nearly identical to satellite TV |
| internet for their online needs. | | | | technology. In some cases, a provider can even |
| How is the speed compared to other internet | | | | provide free or discounted equipment depending |
| options? | | | | on the level of service. These changes make |
| Satellite is true, high-speed access. Although cable | | | | satellite internet a great option for those living in |
| internet is somewhat faster, most regular or | | | | rural areas and around the country. |
| “average” users would not notice a major | | | | Consider satellite internet service with hughesnet, |
| difference in speed. The access speed is | | | | the most reliable satellite internet provider in the |
| comparable to DSL. Streaming videos and other | | | | United States. With satellite internet, you can rely |
| entertainment websites are no problem for | | | | on a fast connection every time. |
| satellite internet. | | | | |