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Satellite Internet FAQs
Chances are you still have some unanswered questions
about Satellite Internet. Below you will find some of the most common
questions as well as their answers.
Why is Satellite Internet better than dial-up?
Satellite Internet is superior to dial-up for a number of reasons. The main
one being the increased speed. For example, downloading a music file with a
dial-up connection may take you twenty minutes or more but with a Satellite
Internet connection it will be finished in about two. Also, if you want to
share your Internet connection among other computers in your home, Satellite
Internet makes this much simpler. Furthermore, if you opt for a two-way
service, you will have an always-on connection that will not tie up your
phone lines the way dial-up does.
What is the difference between one-way and two-way Satellite Internet
service?
One-way service requires you to use a dial-up modem to access the Internet
and to upload files to the Internet; only downloads are handled by the
satellite modem. With two-way service, you do not need a dial-up modem
because the satellite modem handles both uploads and downloads.
Which type of Satellite Internet service should I choose?
The decision may not entirely be up to you. Some service providers only
offer one option or the other, not both. Another factor is cost. One-way
service typically costs less than two-way. If you are more interested in
downloading music or files quickly than in freeing up your phone line or in
having an always-on connection, then one-way service should be more than
adequate for your needs. On the other hand, if you want a true broadband
experience, then you'll want to go with the two-way option if it is
available.
What do I need for Satellite Internet?
Before you can get Satellite Internet, you must first make sure that you
have an unobstructed view of the southern sky. If you do, then you will need
to find out which Satellite Internet provider servers your area. From your
provider, you will need to purchase a satellite dish, which can be mounted
on your house either by yourself or by a professional and a satellite modem.
If you decide to use a one-way service, you will also need a dial-up modem
and a phone line. If you plan on sharing your Internet connection, you will
also want to be sure that your computer is either installed with Windows 98
second edition or higher or a third party Internet Connections Sharing (ICS)
software.
Can I share my Satellite Internet connection?
Yes. You can share your Satellite Internet connection by making one of your
computers a host system and using the Internet Connections Sharing software
on your computer. For more information, read "Networking a Satellite
Internet Connection."
Will I be able to download music faster with Satellite Internet?
Yes. All of your Internet downloading will be completed faster if you are
using Satellite Internet. In most cases, you will be able to download an
entire song in only a couple of minutes instead of in a half an hour.
Satellite Internet connections also make it easier and more enjoyable to
listen to Internet radio and to enjoy other streaming media.
Will Satellite Internet improve the performance of my online games?
Probably not. While Satellite Internet can make your downloads faster, it is
not ideal for online gaming. Because of the multiple steps involved in the
process (read "How Satellite Internet Works" for more information on the
process), most users notice a brief lag time between the time they request
information and receive it. This lag time is known as latency. While latency
does not impact most Internet activities, it can slow your response times in
online games.
Will Satellite Internet speed be the same as you claim?
Probably. Satellite Internet speeds vary depending on a number of factors.
One is which type of service you choose. One-way service provides download
speeds on the lower end of the scale while two-way service delivers somewhat
faster speeds. Another factor is how many subscribers your provider has,
especially with one-way service. The more subscribers there are, the slower
the speeds are going to be. Finally, weather and other types of interference
may interfere with the transmission of the satellite signal and cause your
speeds to be a little slower at times.
Is Satellite Internet available in my area?
More than likely. Satellite Internet does not require pre-existing
infrastructure unlike DSL or Cable Internet, so it is available almost
everywhere. You will need to check and see which providers are currently
serving your area, however. More importantly, be sure that you have a clear
unobstructed view of the southern sky. This will allow the signal to reach
your satellite dish without being impeded by tall buildings or other
problems.
How much does Satellite Internet cost?
The costs vary. Satellite Internet does cost more than dial-up and usually
more than other broadband options. You will have to purchase your satellite
dish and modem upfront as well as paying for installation which could cost
as much as $150. Most providers also provide a self-installation kit for
around only $30 to $40. Of course, you will also need to pay a monthly
service fee to your provider and, if you choose one-way service, you will
also need to pay for a dial-up ISP.
