Choosing a Satellite Internet Provider
By Joseph
Cranston
When you live in the sticks, far from the chaos that makes
up metropolitan life, there's really only one choice when it
comes to internet: satellite broadband. The reasons are
plentiful. For one, satellite reaches where cable and DSL do
not. Satellite internet can also go where you go, if you choose
to get a mobile setup. Secondly, satellite broadband is
definitively faster than any dial-up service could ever be. It
gives you access to the internet as it was meant to be used;
dial-up, is notoriously slow, and many of today's modern
applications simply do not work with it. Thirdly, satellite
internet, of the two-way variety, does not monopolize the phone
line. In fact, with satellite internet, you are always on,
always connected.
Most importantly, satellite internet is available at
competitive pricing and it may even be cheaper than both cable
and DSL, depending on what type of package you choose to get.
So, once you do decide to get hooked up with satellite
internet, the question becomes, how do you pick the right
provider? The ramifications of choosing the best internet
provider for you and your family are quite serious. Pick a
doozy and you may regret it. Here are some things you should
consider before agreeing to any service.
First, shop around. Compare plans. Specifically look at
speed, reliability, download capacity, and customer
service.
Speed: Speed is all important. Make sure that if you plan on
using the internet for downloading, for playing games, for
working or even for all three of the above, that the provider
actually provides the speeds they guarantee; sometimes the
phrase 'up to..' will become all too pronounced.
Reliability: Your internet service needs to be reliable,
especially if you need it to get your work done. Next to speed,
reliability is essential; if you plan on watching streaming
news videos, for instance, an unstable connection could render
most programming unwatchable.
Download Capacity: Although many satellite internet
providers offer unlimited bandwidth, this isn't always written
in the contract. Some providers do impose limits, capping the
amount you can download. Even those that offer unlimited usage
do have Fair Use policies and if they find you in breech, they
can cut off your limit. So, do be conscious of how much
bandwidth you really will need and find a service that can and
will in fact meet that need.
Customer Service: This is important because, inevitably, you
will need to contact the company. If the customer service reps
on the line cannot offer you the help you need, you may be
caught in limbo. It's no good if they give you the wrong info,
after you've been sitting on the line for minutes or even
hours.
Before you sign any papers read customer reviews and
ratings.
Other things you should consider: activation fees,
contracts, equipment deals and availability. Some deals are
limited to certain regions and are only offered for a limited
amount of time. Be aware of their terms of service and
remember, always do your homework.
Are you ready to experience the Internet the way it was
meant to be? Don't let dial-up get you down. HughesNet can connect you at speeds
up to 50 times faster. There are lots of great Hughes internet packages currently
available.
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