"We've built HSI from the ground up to make it easy, fast, and most of all helpful for you. It's our goal to make sure you get the best internet service, wherever you are." - Tanner Christensen, HSI Strategist
Satellite internet service is one method of accessing the internet in areas where ground-based connections (cable, digital subscriber line, etc.) are not available, such as rural communities, at sea, or while traveling. Most satellite internet access is at a high speed.
Satellite internet access is provided by geostationary satellites (allowing access virtually across the globe) and occasionally by satellites in low earth orbit. For the latter, coverage is extended into the highest latitudes, including the polar regions, but the connection speed is not as high as that for the geostationary satellite access.
For the user, depending on the application, they will need some sort of receiver or satellite dish that will allow them to connect with the satellite. The stationary consumer usually chooses to purchase or lease a small satellite dish, which is aligned to the satellite. Sometimes the consumer can do the alignment but usually the internet service provider (ISP) sends an installation specialist. The satellite dish is then connected to a satellite modem through a coaxial cable. From the modem, the consumer connects their computer directly to the modem or installs a wireless hub.
Also available are portable satellite modems, which are frequently small rectangular boxes that need to be loosely aligned with the satellite; most of these satellite modems assist the consumer with the alignment process though contained signal strength meters. These portable satellite modems are expensive and they have limited connection speeds. However, they do provide internet access when there are no other feasible options.
Although satellite internet access is available across the world, it tends to offer a lower bandwidth and a slightly slower connection to the internet than cable or DSL technology. In addition, there is a lag, or delay, between data transmitted two and from the satellite and the receiver. Because of this latency in the connection, some internet-based applications, such as live streaming video or live gaming, may not work properly and the consumer may experience hiccups in their viewing or game play.
Another challenge with satellite internet access is something called rain fade. Satellite connections are sensitive to moisture (including snow and rain), as the signal is degraded by the atmospheric interference. One means of overcoming such interference is to install a larger satellite dish, which reduces the amount of bandwidth that is lost during periods of precipitation.
In the United States, there are four primary satellite Internet providers: HughesNet
Satellite Internet, WildBlue Satellite Internet Service, SkyWay USA, and StarBand
Satellite Internet Service. All of these companies offer different service and connection
packages, so you're able to choose a high-speed Internet connection that works for your
individual needs.
There are currently several companies providing high speed Internet satellite service
across the United States. Broadband Internet connections are in increasing
demand across the country, as consumers find themselves frustrated with the slow
access offered by dial-up Internet service providers, and realize that they cannot fully
enjoy all the Internet has to offer if their connections are at slower speeds.
The most popular means of high-speed Internet access, cable and digital subscriber line (DSL)
technology, are not available in rural areas and remote communities. The only remaining option,
outside of slow dial-up, which operates at a maximum of 56 kilobits per second (Kbps), is
satellite-based high-speed Internet. There are now several ISPs that provide broadband satellite
access.
High-speed Internet connections via satellite, like most other types of broadband connections, are
faster with download, or downstream speeds (i.e. from the Internet to your computer), than they are
from the upload or upstream speeds (i.e. from your computer to the Internet).
Due to connection / transmission latency, which is inherent in all high-speed Internet connections via
satellite, satellite Internet does not work well for real-time online gaming or for Voice over IP (VoIP)
telephone services.
For all of the satellite Internet providers, the consumer will need to lease or purchase several pieces of
equipment, including a satellite dish, mounts and a satellite modem. Some of the ISPs will allow for
self-installation of the equipment but others require that a professional technician perform the installation and
alignment. All of the satellite ISPs offer different pricing and speed tiers from which the consumer can select,
based on their individual needs.
Six tiers from which to choose ? Home plan, Pro plan, ProPlus plan, Elite plan, ElitePlus plan, ElitePremium plan
Download connection speeds from 1.0 megabits per second (Mbps) to 5.0 Mbps, depending on the plan selected
Upload connections speeds from 128 Kbps to 300 Kbps, depending on the selected plan
Coverage Area: 48 contiguous states, does not offer service in Alaska or Hawaii
Installation: Professional installation is required
Four tiers from which to choose ? Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Download connection speeds from 256 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps, depending on selected plan
Coverage Area: 48 contiguous states, does not offer service in Alaska or Hawaii
Installation: Equipment can be self-installed or professionally installed
Three tiers from which to choose ? Nova 500, Nova 1000, Nova 1500
Download connection speeds from 512 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps, depending on selected plan
Upload connection speeds from 100 Kbps to 256 Kbps, depending on which plan is selected
Coverage Area: 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Installation: Professional installation is required
Three tiers from which to choose ? Value, Select, Pro
Download speeds from 512 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps, depending on selected plan
Upload speeds from 128 Kbps to 256 Kbps, depending on which plan is selected
Coverage Area: 48 contiguous states, not including Alaska or Hawaii
Installation: Professional installation is required
"We've built HSI from the ground up to make it easy, fast, and most of all helpful for you. It's our goal to make sure you get the best internet service, wherever you are." - Tanner Christensen, HSI Strategist
