There are many rural areas where DSL (direct subscriber line) or cable Internet service is not available. If you live in one of those areas and want fast, reliable, high-speed Internet service, satellite Internet is what you're looking for.
Though not as fast as DSL or cable Internet service, satellite Internet service is much faster than 56K dialup service, and is available to anyone in the United States who has a clear view of the southern sky.
Satellite Internet Service Features
* Satellite Internet service is up to 10 times faster than dialup service, so you can surf the web and download files in a fraction of the time it takes with dialup.
* Satellite Internet service is always on, so you don't have to wait to connect to the Internet.
* Satellite Internet service is separate from your phone line, so you can surf the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time, plus you won't miss any telephone calls.
Satellite Internet Compared to DSL and Cable
To give you an idea of the differences between high-speed services, here's a comparison of satellite TV service from DirecWay, versus DSL and Cable service from EarthLink. For more information on these services click on the links below.
Speed
* Satellite Internet service: Up to 10 times faster than dialup service (700 Kbps download speed and 128 Kbps upload speed.
* DSL Internet service: Up to 70 times faster than dialup service (up to 3 Mps download speed and 128 upload speed).
* Cable Internet service: Up to 100 times faster than dialup service (up to 5 Mps download speed and 384 Kbps upload speed.
Monthly Service Fee
* Satellite Internet service: From $59.99 per month.
* DSL Internet service: $19.95 for the first six months, then $39.95 thereafter.
* Cable Internet service: $29.95 for the first 6 months, then $41.95 thereafter.
Equipment Cost
* Satellite Internet service: $499.98.
* DSL Internet service: Free.
* Cable Internet service: Free.
Installation
* Satellite Internet service: Free.
* DSL Internet service: Do it yourself or pay an installer.
* Cable Internet service: Free.
Activation Fee
* Satellite Internet service: None.
* DSL Internet service: None.
* Cable Internet service: None.
Email Accounts
* Satellite Internet service: 5 accounts.
* DSL Internet service: 8 accounts.
* Cable Internet service: 8 accounts.
Virus, Spam, and Spyware Protection:
* Satellite Internet service: Yes.
* DSL Internet service: Yes.
* Cable Internet Service: Yes.
Customer Service
* Satellite Internet service: 24/7 toll-free telephone and Internet service.
* DSL Internet service: 24/7 toll free-telephone and Internet service.
* Cable Internet Service: 24/7 toll free-telephone and Internet service.
DirecWay Satellite Internet Service
DirecWay is the largest and most reliable satellite Internet service. Most other satellite TV providers are actually DirecWay affiliates, meaning they use DirecWay's equipment and satellites, but offer different services.
DirecWay offers two satellite Internet plans:
Plan A -- You pay $99.99 per month for 15 months, then $59.99 per month thereafter.
Plan B -- You pay $499.98 for your equipment and installation, then $59.99 per month for service.
Bottom Line
Because DSL and cable Internet services are faster and cheaper than satellite service, I recommend clicking on the links below to see if they are available in your area.
If not, then satellite is the way to go if you want high-speed Internet service.
Click on the following link for more information on satellite Internet service, or these links for ordering information and the latest offers from DISH Network satellite Internet service or DIRECTV satellite Internet service.
Brian Stevens is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on satellite Internet service.