OT: FINALLY -- high-speed internet

The satellite typically runs at 770 kbs or so. This means that its 32x faster than dialup, but not nearly as fast as roadrunner. I am more than happy with the speed. Cruising the internet is now a fun and quick affair. I can stream video and audio, and the Foxnews homepage no longer takes 4 minutes to load.

For those considering satellite internet, I'll warn you about two things:

1. It is expensive. Our total cost with installation was $700+. And the monthly bill is $60.

2. You really do need a clear view of the southern sky. We ended up having to install the unit in a field across the creek.

But, ahhhh, the speed is great.

There is no cable service available but I was able to get DSL. I needed a phone line anyway since my cell phone didn't work there either.

I took my Starband back down to the campground in SC and let my buddy use it and he paid the monthly charge. After 8 months he decided to give it up and went to the Verizon internet.
Since then the campground here in SC has installed WiFi but they are having real teething problems with it everywhere but the office.

The whole time that I had my Starband I was the only person in the campground that had any kind of internet save a high class motorhome with a Direcway setup. We still have no phone lines or cable access in the sites.

Initially I paid $485 for the dish, modem, and installation. Then a 3 year contract started with $99/month for the first year, $69/month second year and $49/month the final year.

I ran more than one computer on it from the start and used the old lady's computer as the server. When I got this laptop I decided that wireless would be the ticket and ended up supplying my close friends with WiFi for $10/month.

We are required to move to a different site every month in the summer and they always moved next to me so that they could receive the WiFi.
I relocated my dish with every move and it always worked flawlessly except when the satellite disappeared for about a month in Nov 2004. The signal would drop out during a bad thunderstorm but that's to be expected. However, I had the LNB's for my Dishnet on the Starband dish and I rarely lost my TV.

Recently I bought two more lots in NC and have a clear view of the southern sky but I don't have any plans to reinstate the Starband even though I still have all the equipment. I am going to reinstate my Dishnet and will probably use the Starband dish for that to minimize any weather related drop outs.

CaptRon

I just can't discuss those things out here in the public. :>(

Allan

I jabber 'bout everything else. I just don't wanna talk about my income. It's my business. :>)

Allan

However, report back what ya think after it snows. :>)

Allan

Does hughesnet have an option for installing on bigger dishes? Because with more gain, you can usually go through light obstructions with no problem. I've boosted 802.11 with a BUD, and used a BUD to pull in out-of-state FM radio stations too. Amazing what a BUD can do. Shame they seem to be disappearing.