High Speed Satellite Internet Service – Your Questions Answered - Part 1

Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about high speed satellite internet service.

If you live in a rural or remote area you have probably already experienced the frustration of having to deal with dial-up internet. No DSL or cable internet because the cost of the infrastructure is too high. Your alternative is a high speed satellite internet service and you will be happy to know that it is a viable option.

Here are answers to a few common questions about satellite internet.

1. Can I use the same dish for both satellite TV and satellite internet?

Unfortunately, you will need one dish for satellite TV and another dish for satellite internet access. That's because each application is slightly different.

2. Am I limited as to how much can I download each day?
 
All broadband providers have what is called a Fair Access Policy that determines how many MBs you are limited to on a daily basis. The FAP is designed to prevent a few people from hogging the bandwidth that is used by everyone. Exceed the limit and you will find that your speed becomes similar to using dial-up, for a period of time.

Typically, the amount allowed by satellite internet providers is much less than the amount allowed by other broadband providers. For instance, it would not be possible to download a feature length film if you're on satellite internet as this would greatly surpass the limit allowed. As you know this is normal activity for many DSL or cable users.

However many satellite plans allow a few hours daily where the FAP is not in effect, so if you have a large program to download, it will be possible. Usually this time period is during the night or early morning hours.  

3. Where does the dish have to be mounted?

It's important that your dish is mounted in the right spot. The southern sky must be clearly visible because that is where the satellite orbits. Other than that, you can mount your dish in various places, like on your roof or on the side of your house, or it can be mounted on a pole stuck in the ground.

Just be sure the dish is easily accessible. If for instance, ice or snow collects on it, service can slow down or even come to a complete stop, until the dish is brushed off. If the dish is on your roof, be sure you can reach it easily through a window or deck area. Otherwise you may want to opt for a dish closer to the ground.

4. How about keeping dial-up as a back-up?

Many people wonder if they should hang onto their dial-up internet when they get satellite internet. At first this may give you a level of comfort knowing that you always have a back-up. Realistically, it's probably not really necessary unless you live in such a remote area that service calls are hard to come by. You can maybe judge this by how long it took for the installation to be completed when you ordered.

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In Part 2, of High Speed Satellite Internet Service - Your Questions Answered, we will talk about equipment and maintenance.