When choosing a satellite ISP, compare plans and equipment costs, read reviews, and understand limitations. Satellite technology can provide internet access in remote areas, but signal blockages may occur. ISP review websites and resellers can help with comparison shopping. Long-term contracts and usage limits are common, and satellite technology has limitations affecting all providers.
When choosing a satellite Internet service provider (ISP), it is important to make sure that the provider meets your needs and expectations. It’s a good idea to check reviews from other users in your area before you decide to commit to a service. Compare the cost of plans and equipment from multiple vendors to find the best value. Finally, make sure you understand both the limitations of satellite technology and any additional limitations imposed by your chosen provider.
A satellite ISP uses satellite technology to provide Internet access in areas with little or no high-speed Internet options. The advantage of satellite technology is its ability to provide services in areas where other services simply do not exist. Satellite ISPs serve many parts of the world, but trees, buildings or mountains may block the satellite signal in some locations.
There are a number of ISP review websites that can help you choose a satellite ISP. Some sites will pair an ISP speed test with user reviews. Many will let you search by location, allowing you to see reviews from satellite users in your area. You can also ask your neighbors what they use for internet access.
It is common for a satellite ISP to offer different plans or levels of service. The main difference between the plans is the connection speeds. In addition to a monthly fee, some satellite ISPs charge installation or equipment fees. A single satellite ISP might also have several resellers, independent companies that market services for one or more providers. Resellers sometimes offer cheaper rates or better promotions than an ISP and can be helpful when doing comparison shopping.
Satellite ISPs often encourage or require customers to commit to long-term contracts. If a customer cancels his service before the contract expires, he will be charged an early termination fee. Some providers will offer lower monthly rates or waive fees in exchange for a longer commitment.
It is also common for a satellite ISP to impose usage limits on their customers, usually known as a fair access policy or an acceptable use policy. After you exceed a certain download or upload threshold, your connection speeds are reduced. Specific vendors enforce these limits in different ways. One satellite ISP might have daily usage limits, and another might impose monthly restrictions. More expensive service plans often have more lenient restrictions.
There are limitations to satellite technology that affect all providers. In a satellite connection, data has to travel to and from an orbiting satellite, which takes longer than with other connection types. Applications that rely on fast-moving data, such as multiplayer games and Internet telephony software, will generally perform poorly on any satellite ISP.
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