Another ISP question

Brushy · Jul 6, 2002

I know there was a discussion on internet service providers for us rural based people a few months back. I don't remember the EarthLink Satellite Broadband (powered by Direcway) being discussed. I hear its primary strength is its speed at downloading information, but can anyone tell me how good it really is compared to a plain dial-up modem connection? I know its expensive, but I am more concerned it may be too new to be worth the effort. We cannot get DSL or cable out here. The dial-up modem connection crawls along very slowly. I don't want to wait a couple of years if this is a viable solution. Any new ideas?
Thanks,

Ozarker · Jul 6, 2002

I haven't tried it but my understanding of it is that it is a one way system. You can only download with it. You still need to maintain your dialup to communicate with the system.

I have the same problem you have. Out in the woods and the only option is dialup that gets 26K on a good day.

Brushy · Jul 6, 2002

My information states that no phone line is required - that it can transmit and receive information by an antenna. They stress that only a USB computer connection and software installation, besides the indoor and outdoor equipment that comes with this system, is required.

MikePA · Jul 6, 2002

Brushy - There was a thread about this a few months ago. Here's the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=off&Number=154617&Search=true&Forum=All_Forums&Words=satellite&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=50&Old=allposts&Main=154617>link</A>

Ozarker - The first satellite connections were one way. However, the current version is two way.

Ozarker · Jul 6, 2002

Guess it has been longer than I thought since I looked into that type of system. If they are two way now, it might be worth considering.

Brushy · Jul 6, 2002

MikePA- Thanks for the link. For some reason I thought it had been 3-4 months ago we covered this area. I'm actually under a lot of pressure to get a faster download for my son's music so that he doesn't continue to tie up our internet service for hours at a time.

Wingnut · Jul 7, 2002

<font color=blue>to get a faster download for my son's music </font color=blue>

buy him the CD's ... man ... it's cheaper and legal! So little of the MP3 or file trading stuff out there now is still legal ... and not great quality ...

the idea of spending several hundred dollars for equipment and then $70 a month ... well, I see pictures of that estate rake I wanted or power beyond, T'n'T, new helmets for the bike ... money to fix the motorhome ... well ..., anyway, until the price comes down to something justifiable - or I need it to make a living (and can therefore write it off) ... there just ain't no way!

mikim · Jul 8, 2002

My boss has rebuilt his PC 3 times in 2 years from the destruction his son has caused downloading music and the crap that comes with it (viruses, corrupt files etc)
mike

mbsil · Jul 8, 2002

I recently moved to the country and no longer have my DSL line. I investigated and found the following:

1. Two-way satellite is available, however it is costly ($90+/month PLUS up-front equipment $ of up to $600) and has quirks (delays between send and receive).

2. ISDN should be available most anywhere that you can get dial tone and is about 4 times faster than a standard modem. Be aware that long distance rates apply to ISDN, so be sure your ISP has a local number.

BillG_in_TX · Jul 8, 2002

Yet another option that's available at my property in Central Texas, and which several neighbors use, is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tstar.net/html/services-wireless.html> wireless internet </A>. Several speed options are available, starting at $60/mo and $300 total installation.

I can't report on any experience with this, but they are adding customers all the time. May be coming to your area soon.