Does anybody use Satellite Broadband?

Domster

As the title asks, "Does anybody use Satellite broadband"? If so, which service are you with, what speed is it....upload aswell as download, how much does it set you back per month and how much did it cost for installation?

I'm living on the side of a mountain in Tipp. so I can't get broadband. Just wondering if there's any alternatives to crappy dial-up.

Rabies

My parents are the same. Live on the side of a hill in Tipperary outside a small village. No hope of getting regular BB.
My father was asking me today what are his options for BB. Think satellite is the only way because of the location.
Would be interested in what people reply with Domster

Dooom

You'll get a better response here I'm sure.

TerrorFirmer

Satellite is terrible for gaming...bad delays

Capt'n Midnight

What do you want to use the internet for ?
some things just can't be done with satellite but it's good for downloading

Satellite is a last resort technology. Have you rulled out ISDN ?

SeanW

The problem with ISDN is that it costs a packet and isn't a whole lot faster than dial-up.

Again, it depends on what you are using the Internet for - if you're just going to use it to surf the web and transfer files, definately go for satellite.

The key here is that satellite is useless for online gaming, if you're going to do that, get a good dial-up package like Esat BT No Limits, which is what I had been using, and limit yourself to VERY old games such as Deus Ex.

---

I also have two notes of caution/hope.

1: Make ABSOLUTELY SURE you cannot get wired broadband before choosing another option. That means do not just assume there's no switchpoint near you, check it. Today.

I know, becuase one fine day I came across an Ireland Offline survey. Pissed off with my dial-up connection, I decided to take the survey. One of their instructions was to test my line for broadband using their link to some corporate broadband company.

"Ah but sure I'm out in the middle of nowhere, there's no broadband out in the sticks ... but I'll do the test anyway ..." entered my number and .... What the hell? When did THAT happen? Sure enough, my line got a glowing PASS out of a switchpoint in my village ... Order placed for BT broadband the next day.

2: Have you investigated wireless broadband in your area? Some places have them - they require you to have a "line of sight" to a base station in the area - where I am Lastmile Broadband is on the warpath.

crowej

satellite bb is absolute junk for any type of internet useage gaming or browsing,

i have some experience of it at work and its terrible, i mean TERRIBLE

JimmyL

www.premierbroadband.net is offering wireless broadband in some parts of Tipperary - haven't sign up yet but thinking of doing so.

www.permanet.ie will apparently be offering a service soon.

smeggle

crowej wrote:

satellite bb is absolute junk for any type of internet useage gaming or browsing,

i have some experience of it at work and its terrible, i mean TERRIBLE

Gaming is a pain because of the lag but as for anything else it's ok. I have a mediasat package, 512kdl/128kul @ 120 inc vat per mnth. Installation is expensive if you purchase there equipment but I got my gear on e-bay and saved a packet! 200 for the dish/modem and initial connection was 400 saving near on 800-1000euro.

Digi-web are slightly cheaper on equipment but wouldn't give me a connection unless I purchased there equipment. Eircom do offer it as a service but there provision really is by mediasat (Cork) who they sub-contract it to. There price is crap (As usual).

I'd recommend you do a search on e-bay - theres none there at the moment but keep checking. If it's just download speed you want - check the link in my sig - no company mainstream or otherwise can match it but it is a little glitchy at times with speed drop-off though thats rare and generally only in really bad weather, the two way has no problem in this area, in fact I find mine to be better! Bigger the dish the better though on the latter service. Think my mates is 50-60"? summit like that but I've seen 600-700mb files down in less than 15mins!

Unless your a gamer or need high upload speed - i.e. a home web-designer/webmaster then you have little reason for high upload speed. Helps if your attaching a lge image say to an e-mail or such like but not a neccessity.

Myself, I think a lot of people could benefit if they are still on dial-up and don't really need the faster upload speed. Faster download speed though would be of more of a benefit and whats more all you really need is a new modem and a spare ordinary 'Sky' satelite dish! Ok admitedly your not going to get the highest speed with the smaller dish but 2-4mbs is easily attainable and more than adequate for the home user.

It's also got no coverage restrictions - i.e. It means it's available anywhere in Ireland.

The average home user does not need high speed upload. Clicking on links or going to websites by typing the address in the address bar is no faster on 128k up or a standard 56k modem. The difference is in milli seconds and not noticible by the user.

And yet the 'BIG' tele-communications companies handling the broadband roll-out don't offer this in anyway as an alternative? Still large areas of Ireland are without the faster speed. I've seen two web business's go out in the last year or two due to this in my area. And why? Broadband capability is attainable nationwide 'Right Now'!

My questions would be what is the minister doing who is supposed to be looking after this? Why are his advisors mis-informing him? They obviously must be as none of this it seems is 'News Worthy'! Wheres 'Prime Time' now?

Sorry for my rant but it's been bugging me for 3years now - I was told we would have hard line broadband 2 years ago - we're still waiting. We've also been given next year now as the target date...

Time to shut up before the expletives start...

Over you then Mr.Minister for Communications...?

Domster

JimmyL!!! Your a star! Just had a look at both of those websites. Premier broadband is in Clonmel (I live just outside Clonmel therefore just outside the Clonmel broadband area......ummmm......big mountain in da way, ya see!!).

As good a Premier look, that PermaNet looks even better. Faster connections and they're cheaper but they're base station isn't active in this area yet but I'm makin' enquiries. Thanks to everyone that replied. A better response than I thought I'd get.