If you plan to use satellite Internet, then you need to understand all the terms that the satellite Internet industry uses.

Satellite broadband: One of several high-speed Internet options, which is made available from satellite technology. Satellite Internet is always on and doesn’t require that a user “connect,” unlike dial up Internet.

Bandwidth and satellite Internet: The amount of information that can be sent over the Internet at one time.

Broadband Initiatives Program: Also called the Broadband Recovery Act and the Internet Recovery Act Program, the U.S. Government established this special program to bring satellite broadband to underserved regions to help stimulate the economy.

Learn more about the Broadband Recovery Act.

Fair Access Policy (FAP): Instituted by each satellite Internet provider that limits the amount of uploading/downing for each individual subscriber. The policy makes sure all subscribers have the same bandwidth.

Rural Internet service: Many rural residents and businesses depend on dial-up because cable and DSL high-speed Internet is not available. Today, many rural Internet users can choose between wireless Internet and satellite Internet for faster Internet.

Satellite Internet dish: This small dish mounted on or near a building can receive and send information from an orbiting satellite. In order to get online from a computer, a modem must be connected to the satellite dish and the computer.

Satellite Internet ISP: Technically, ISP means Internet service provider. Businesses and residents would work with a satellite ISP to get broadband Internet by satellite.

Southern Line of Sight: There are satellites in space (above the equator) that the terrestrial satellites must communicate with in order to get you online.

Wireless satellite Internet: A router will let you create a wireless network from your satellite Internet connection.

A single satellite in space cannot meet the demands for rural satellite Internet. Twenty-one percent of the population lives in rural United States, which means the satellite Internet industry has to have the technology (satellites) to meet the growing satellite Internet demand. That means there is a need for multiple satellites in orbit at once.

Do you need fast satellite Internet?

How satellite broadband works, a brief overview
Fast satellite Internet starts at your house. A satellite Internet technician will install a satellite Internet dish on or near your home to begin the communication between one of the satellites in space. But these two satellites do not complete the satellite Internet communication cycle, the orbiting satellite must also send and receive data from the satellite located at the satellite Internet provider’s location. All three locations are required to make satellite Internet work.

The orbiting satellites rest about 22,000 miles above the equator. In order to get satellite Internet you must have a clear view of the southern sky near where the satellites reside. If the mini dish can’t communicate directly with the orbiting satellite, there will be disruptions in satellite broadband service.

Orbiting satellites
One satellite dish has enough power to give an entire U.S. region satellite Internet access. For example, the AMC-15 provides high speed internet in rural areas in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Arkansas. And with each passing year, satellite technology continues to expand.

Take for example the ViaSat-1 launched by ViaSat, Inc. in October 2011. This is the highest capacity satellite dish ever. Once fully operational, the satellite will provide Ka-band spot beam high speed Internet in rural areas throughout North America and Hawaii.

Learn about getting high speed internet in rural areas.

Global demand for satellite Internet currently requires the use of more than 400 satellites in space. It seems like the number of space satellites will grow exponentially, but maybe not. Because satellite technology is advancing and one satellite today can provide more power than one satellite could years ago, it’s possible we won’t need as many satellites to do the job.

Sources:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/census_issues/metropolitan_planning/cps2k.cfm
http://www.satsig.net/sslist.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/technology/16satellite.html?pagewanted=all

Wondering if rural satellite Internet is right for you? The following 15 reasons to sign up might help you make your decision.

1. If you’re waiting for DSL or cable broadband high speed Internet to come your way, you could be waiting a long time. These broadband companies cannot justify the cost to do so.

2. Satellite Internet is significantly faster than dial-up-about 30 times faster.

3. The Broadband Initiatives Program is a great opportunity. If you live in a rural area, you could get satellite Internet at a reduced price for many years to come.

Get some details on broadband high speed Internet.

4. Sign up with one of the rural satellite Internet providers that gives you extras such as email addresses, document storage, antivirus protection, free equipment leasing, and more.

5. These days satellite dishes are small. That means you can have the satellite Internet dish installed on or near you home very discreetly.

6. The price of cellular wireless Internet is something to prepare yourself for. Unlike cellular Internet, satellite Internet prices should be consistent each month.

7. Be on the phone and on the Internet at the same time.

8. You don’t have to “log on” to rural satellite Internet, because it is always on.

9. Benefit from working with a smaller broadband company (many of the cable and DSL Internet providers are much bigger). That means you’re more likely to get personal customer service with satellite Internet.

10. To get satellite Internet you really only need a clear view of the southern sky. It’s virtually everywhere now.

11. Set up a wireless network in your home and get online from a number of different computers or devices. A router lets you do this pretty easily.

Are you trying to find rural high speed Internet providers?

12. Service interruption is not what it once was. While severe weather could slow down your rural satellite Internet service, it’s less likely these days.

13. Get the most out of your iPad or other tablet by downloading apps, surfing the web, and more. Dial-up limits what you can do with your iPad.

14. Satellite Internet lets you send and get emails and instant messages much quicker than dial-up (which could take minutes).

15. With rural satellite Internet you can rely on the fast Internet connection to do work from home.

For rural residents, an investment in an iPad means an investment in satellite Internet, too. There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the games and apps on your iPad that don’t require constant Internet access, but there’s also no doubt you’ll enjoy your iPad more if you get to take advantage of the full capability that comes with high speed Internet access.

Constant online access means surfing the web from anywhere in the house at any time.

Get some details on wireless satellite Internet.

A satellite Internet wireless network makes it easy to get online from your iPad

You’ll be half way there once you get rural satellite Internet. Next you’ll need to create a wireless network using a router.

With a wireless satellite Internet network set up, you can connect your iPad to the satellite Internet connection just as you would any other computer. When your iPad is connected to the Internet you will be able to utilize all of it’s features and functions.

As a side note, be sure to password protect the wireless satellite Internet network. This will keep your neighbors from accessing your connection, which could slow down your rural satellite Internet service. Your personal information will also be protected when you password protect your network.

You can’t get high-speed Internet on your iPad using dial-up or wireless Internet

iPads do not have a USB port for an air card or modem port for dial-up, which means you can’t get Internet access that way.

Rural residents have a hard time getting high speed Internet-that’s no secret. And that’s frustrating, because slow Internet is difficult to use. For those that want to know, here is why it’s difficult to get high speed Internet in rural areas.

There is rarely cable and DSL rural Internet access

Cable or DSL Internet requires actual cable or wires to run near every home or business that wants to subscribe to the broadband. This wiring and cable rests next to water, gas, and other utilities’ equipment beneath the ground.

Get more information on rural Internet access.

Because the wireline Internet companies cannot justify the cost to build the infrastructure for only a few that want rural Internet access, many rural residents and businesses have to go without cable Internet and DSL access.

Wireless Internet can cost a lot and be limiting

Cellular wireless Internet and radio-based wireless Internet are two different types of wireless Internet available to rural residents.

Cellular wireless Internet only works with a cell phone connection. You simply tether your computer to a phone or air card and get online access that way. With wireless Internet you must watch your minutes closely or you’ll pay more than expected.

If you have a cordless phone, then you understand how radio-based wireless Internet works. It’s very similar. You hook up a box outside your home that communicates with a radio tower up to six miles away. If you live more than six miles (or so) away from a radio tower, you might not get to use this type of high speed Internet.

If you want satellite Internet, you must be able to see the southern sky from your home

Because satellite Internet technology is in place and available most everywhere, the cost is low. Satellite Internet is most likely available to you if you have a spot on or near your home with a clear view of the southern sky.

Do you need information on satellite Internet cost?

Dial up just isn’t high speed

Anyone with a land-based phone line in rural areas can get dial-up Internet, but the reality is that it’s just not high speed Internet. Dial-up usually runs at a speed around 56 kbits.

Unfortunately, many rural residents don’t have broadband satellite in their homes. This is partly because DSL and cable Internet infrastructure hasn’t made its way to most rural areas, and because many rural residents still don’t take advantage of broadband satellite-even though it’s evident that satellite Internet services beat dial-up Internet any day.

Get more information on rural high speed Internet.

Despite this fact, rural residents can still get online at fast speeds if they visit a location that offers it for free. In fact, many businesses and public facilities will create a wi-fi network (wireless Internet connection) that users can access for free or for a small fee. This is often called a “hot spot,” or a wireless Internet connection that anyone can connect to from their own computer-sometimes with a password and sometimes without.

Assuming the business uses broadband satellite for its rural high-speed Internet, then it’s simple for them to create a wireless network using a router. Once they have the network set-up, it’s just a matter of promoting the wi-fi availability to its patrons.

These businesses and organizations often offer free Internet access.

Local libraries: If funds allow, many libraries give free Internet access to members. Even if you don’t have a library card you may be able to get online from some libraries.

The trendsetter in offering free Internet access, coffee shops usually offer a free connection. Starbucks set that trend.

Eateries and watering holes: Many quick food eateries like Panera Bread and McDonald’s offer free Internet access. And those aren’t the only types of restaurants that do. There’s a growing number of full-service restaurants and bars that offer free Internet, too. If you go this route, be sure to scout out electrical outlets before you buckle down for an afternoon of web surfing. Also be warned that the establishment may limit your access during busy times.

Trains, planes, and buses: Not many airports or other transit facilities offer free Internet, but occasionally you’ll find one that does. You may even get online from the plane, train, or bus, too.l Amtrak does give its passengers free online access.

Find a provider of satellite Internet services.

How to know if a place offers free Internet

1: Check out online review sites like Yelp to find a local spot that has free internet. 2 – Before walking into a restaurant, coffee shop, or other location, look at the door or window for a free wi-fi sign. 3: Buy a Hotspot Detector to find wi-fi networks in your vicinity.

The cost for satellite Internet ranges, but generally speaking you can expect to pay $50 to $80 a month for high speed Internet service by satellite. On top of the monthly fees, you may have to pay set-up/shipping fees plus equipment leasing fees. Factors such as your high-speed satellite provider and your eligibility for the Rural Broadband Initiative program can affect your particular rate.

Regardless of whether you consider rural satellite Internet expensive, knowing what factors affect the cost is important. After you learn about the benefits of satellite Internet service and the equipment needed for it, it may look relatively inexpensive.

Get additional information on high speed Internet service.

Rural satellite Internet technology

Geostationary satellite – Of all the components needed for rural satellite Internet service, the geostationary satellite is the most expensive, resting in orbit 22,000 miles above the equator. This satellite sends and receives the microwaves that let you access the Internet.

Communication center – The high speed satellite Internet service provider will have at least one satellite dish at its facility where it can send and receive data. Imagine satellite communications like a triangle. It must pass three locations: the satellite Internet provider, the orbiting satellite, and the individual’s satellite.

Two way satellite minidish – Your satellite minidish may be small, but it is a very powerful antenna. Its power is so great that only a professional may install it, and you should stay away from the dish once it is working.

Modem – Last on the list, the modem connects your computer to the minidish. Despite the fact that the modem is inexpensive, it is very important. Modems can be purchased at a brick-and-mortar store or online, or you can lease one from your high-speed satellite Internet provider.

Do you want a better understanding of satellite Internet cost.

Benefits of rural satellite Internet

While fast Internet speed is the biggest benefit, your rural satellite Internet provider may offer other benefits. Also offered with your monthly charge are:

- Your phone lines will always be available for voice calls; no one will get a busy signal.

- You will no longer have to wait for an Internet connection as with dial-up.

- Usually, a one-year subscription to an anti-virus software service is included, to protect your computer.

- Your own email account and document storage.

- You’ll be able to connect more than one computer to the Internet through a home or office wireless network.

Learning what equipment is needed for satellite Internet and all the benefits you get make it easy to realize it is worth the cost.

In July 2011 the United States faced a 9.1% unemployment rate and the challenge to reduce a national debt by billions of dollars. While many types of solutions will need to be on the table, it’s obvious that no one thing will be a panacea in improving the economy. Rural high-speed Internet access can, however, help improve the economy, according to the government.

The United States Government’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 initiated a way to increase rural access to high-speed Internet: The Broadband Initiative Program. Programs that promote broadband Internet access, including rural satellite Internet, are the focus of the Initiative, which has a budget of almost $3.5 billion. The rural satellite program part of the Initiative provides high-speed satellite Internet access to residents who live in the rural western United States and do not have cable, DSL, or other wireline access to high-speed Internet.

Get some extra details about the Broadband Initiative Program.

Rural companies can do MORE business with a fast satellite Internet connection

Businesses can gain efficiency through a high-speed satellite Internet connection that offers up to 1.5 Mbps download and 256Kbps upload speeds, much faster than basic dial-up. Business packages for rural businesses interested in satellite Internet differ from those offered to residents; many offer additional bandwidth in peak hours.

Everything from downloading documents to responding to customers can be affected by a business’s dial-up connection. In other words, slow Internet makes it tough to do business in rural areas, and that doesn’t help the economy at all.

High-speed satellite Internet in rural schools puts them on an equal footing

It may not surprise you that The National Center for Education Statistics found that virtually all public schools use computers in classroom instruction. Yet many rural schools don’t have high speed Internet at all.

It’s obvious that students in rural schools should have access to the same type of basic instruction that is offered to students in more urban areas. Students in rural areas deserve the same educational technologies, and the same educational tools – interactive white boards, online programming – as students in larger towns and cities.

Rural residents are just as much a part of the online economy

Over 50% of Internet users regularly purchase items online, according to Nielsen. Whether online or in brick-and-mortar stores, when Americans spend money, the economy improves. If online spending accounts for such a large percentage of spending, doesn’t it makes sense to give equal access to the web in times of economic hardship?

Since dial-up makes online shopping difficult and it’s too expensive to bring wireline high speed Internet to rural areas, rural satellite Internet is the answer. A stronger economy is formed when rural areas gain access to fast satellite Internet services.

See what can be done with rural high speed Internet.

Sources:
http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=46
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm
http://th.nielsen.com/site/documents/GlobalOnlineShoppingReportFeb08.pdf

Even rural residents can get high-speed Internet access now. Some of your options are obviously better than others. The information below describes most of the options for rural residents who want Internet access. DSL and cable operators have not found it cost effective to invest in the infrastructure needed for rural access to high-speed Internet, so you may not have access from these providers.

See what rural Internet access options are available.

Rural Internet access – dial-up

Most rural residents access the Internet through dial-up services, a decades-old technology. While it may be inexpensive and fairly reliable, its slow download times and phone line use can be problematic.

Wireless Internet access in rural areas

Wireless networks, cell networks, hotspots, wireless air cards, etc. – all comprise what is commonly called wireless Internet.

Cellular wireless: Both mobile phone tethers and wireless air cards are types of cellular wireless Internet access. An advantage of cellular wireless is that you will not have to deal with a rural Internet service provider, but you must have good mobile phone reception and coverage for best results.

HotSpot wireless: Some restaurants and caf?s will let their customers have access to their wi-fi network, free of charge. This is only available for rural areas that have some type of high-speed Internet access already available.

Radio-based: If you have a radio tower no more than five miles away, you can set up a radio receiver to communicate with it.

Find rural Internet service providers in your region.

Rural satellite Internet access

With a clear view of the southern sky, you should be able to get satellite Internet almost anywhere in the rural US. Even if DSL and cable Internet service providers won’t come to your area, satellite Internet providers will – they already have the infrastructure in place.

As a resident of an apartment, condo, townhome, or other type of residence that is governed by a covenant, homeowners association, or property management company, you may or may not be able to buy satellite Internet. Your satellite access may be restricted by the direction your windows face and other rules. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has adopted rules to protect apartment dwellers who want to install an antenna.

A section of rule known as 47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000 prohibits restrictions that forbid the installation, use, and maintenance of antennas for video programming.* Two-way Internet satellite dishes are specifically mentioned in this rule.

Learn more about high speed Internet access.

Understanding Exclusive Use

The FCC explains that exclusive use, or the part of your property that solely belongs to you (e.g., balcony, terrace, deck, or patio), is protected under this rule, which means you can buy satellite Internet and install an Internet satellite in your exclusive-use area. Since this area is exclusively yours to use, you are allowed to install an Internet satellite antenna there.

Don’t question exclusive use just because your apartment management company can come into your apartment for repairs and can enforce rules such as no barbecue grills on patios. They still cannot prevent you from having a satellite dish. According to the FCC, it just plain doesn’t matter. Your patio or deck attached to your unit is exclusive. This means you can enjoy high speed satellite Internet availability on your outdoor space.

What is Considered a Common Area?

Satellite dishes cannot be placed in common areas, such as walkways, roofs, etc. Drilling holes in shared or exterior walls is also prohibited. These areas fall under the definition of common areas. Finally, the rule does not include any installation that extends from an exclusive-use area into a common area. Make sure that your high speed satellite Internet access can be obtained by keeping the satellite dish on your property.

Get information on high speed Internet availability.

South Facing Direction

All rules and FCC policies aside, if your exclusive property does not face the southern sky, then you may not have high speed satellite Internet access. It is necessary for the satellite dish to face south so that it can pick up signals from the orbiting satellite above the equator.
*http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html