High Speed Satellite Internet Service - How To Compare What’s Available In Your Area

Before you sign up for a high speed satellite internet service, here's what to look for. 

Because there are many rural and remote areas in the country that cannot be serviced with other broadband internet services, such as DSL, cable, or fiber optics, it’s important to know that there are other options. Your basic choices are dial-up internet, a mobile stick through your cell phone provider, or a high speed satellite internet service.

Dial-up is no answer for high speed internet; the mobile stick is expensive with a limited coverage area. That leaves broadband satellite internet as a real answer for many who want a high speed service. And since it’s available practically anywhere that there is an unobstructed view of the southern sky, it's a good option.

The larger internet service providers are beginning to offer satellite internet packages. Here’s how to compare satellite internet services that may be available in your area.

1. Service Providers
 Satellite internet is going to be mainly available through larger providers, with installation being handled by a local company. Note that not every satellite internet provider offers service to every region. So, you may want to check out the main websites of satellite internet service providers in order to see what’s available in your region from each of them.

2. Service Plans
Most providers offer several tiers of service plans. So be sure to compare packages. Prices are determined by two main factors- connection speed and amount of bandwidth used.

The lowest cost packages are those that have slower speeds and lower usage caps. Even at slower speeds, satellite internet meets industry standards for broadband, but what you will be happy with will really depend upon your usage. If you mainly use the internet to browse websites and check your email, a lower priced package will likely work for you.

But if for example, you regularly need to download larger files, like to watch videos, play games online, or run a business that is dependent on the internet, then you will probably need a different package. Your best option may be one with faster download speeds and a higher bandwidth allowance. These are going to cost more.

3.  Fair Access Policy
Satellite internet users are usually subject to a “Fair Access Policy,” This allows all users to share the bandwidth fairly. The idea is that those who use more bandwidth should pay more.

Different providers handle this in different ways, but generally if you exceed your bandwidth in a given period of time, your speed decreases temporarily for a period of time. Some work over a 24 hour period, while others work hour to hour. It’s important to have this explained so you can decide which option is best for you.

Many providers do recognize that there are going to be times when you need download a file or update a program that requires more bandwidth than you are entitled to. In this case, they may have time set aside at less than peak usage periods, like the middle of the night, which will not be subject to the “Fair Access Policy”. This is definitely a worthwhile feature to have, so you may want to be sure that the package you go with has this included.

4. Equipment
Find out if you have the option to lease or purchase the equipment. Although most times, equipment is leased and added to the cost of your package, if satellite internet is a long term solution, you may want to consider purchasing the equipment. This will be more costly in the short term but cheaper in the long run.

Whether you are buying or leasing, carefully compare the costs but be sure you are comparing equal pieces of equipment. Look also at the length of warranty being offered, as this can affect costs.

On the other hand, mobile satellite internet equipment is generally purchased and may even be installed right from the factory in some recreational vehicles. If you are looking for a portable satellite broadband solution to take with you and set up, know that there is available from some providers.

5. Length Of Contract
Compare the length of the contract that is being offered. The longer the period of time you commit to, the better the deal you should get. Also find out what penalties come into play if you decide to cancel early.

6. Installation 
Satellite internet must be installed by a qualified technician. Satellite dishes are usually installed on a roof and are somewhat larger than the dish used for satellite TV. You’ll want to find out the cost of installation and how long you will have to wait for an appointment.

Since, installations are usually done locally, before committing to a contract, contact the company that will be doing the installation to find out how long you will have to wait. This time can vary considerably from company to company.

It’s not unusual to be able to get free installation as an incentive to sign a contract with a service provider. Often installation is included or you may even be able to get a lower cost for a period of time.

For more information, you may want to read the article "High Speed Satellite Internet Service - Your Questions Answered - Part1".

If you are considering a high speed satellite internet service, it’s worthwhile to take some time to compare what is offered by each satellite service provider in your area. That way you can get the best package to suit your needs and get it at the best price.