Satellite ISPs

Satellite is usually a last resort

Satellite Internet service is typically seen as the poor cousin to DSL and cable. Satellite service is consistently rated as costly, slow and unreliable, making it the broadband variety of last resort. Service is improving somewhat but isn't keeping up with other alternatives. Satellite broadband is best for users like RV owners, who can take a satellite dish with them -- mounting it on the roof of the RV or carrying a portable tripod for it.

Most satellite ISPs, including AT&T and EarthLink, use the satellites launched by Hughes Network Systems. These satellites are using more sophisticated technology than earlier networks, and it's no longer necessary to use a dial-up connection along with satellite. Download speeds are comparable to rural mobile broadband, at 1 to 2 Mbps, but as with mobile broadband and some cable broadband, usage caps are imposed.

Hughes Network offers a wide range of plans, from download speeds of 1 Mbps (*est. $60 per month) to 3 Mbps (*est. $190 per month) or even 5 Mbps (*est. $350 per month). WildBlue, another satellite ISP, provides slower speeds, with the maximum speed 1.5 Mbps (*est. $90 per month) and the lowest 512 Kbps (*est. $55 per month). WildBlue is clear about its usage caps. They vary with the package you choose, but all of them give you more data per month than the 5 GB limit that mobile broadband imposes.

Even so, satellite broadband is really only a worthwhile option if you need more speed than dial-up, but can't get good cable, DSL or mobile broadband coverage. Often the satellite dish and installation costs are offset when you sign a contract, but we found many complaints about poor reception, service and seemingly arbitrary usage limits. Some satellite users are quite satisfied with it, but most are not -- and a two-year contract can seem very long when you're unhappy.

Mobile wireless broadband -- offered by several cellular providers -- is another option if you can't get cable or DSL, but do get good cell-tower coverage. Some laptop computers come with a mobile broadband card embedded, while others have a slot for a PC card. You can also use a USB modem or a router designed specifically for wireless broadband. (The router lets two or more computers connect to the Internet on the same subscription.) Usually after a 30-day trial period you sign a contract and pay a monthly fee (*est. $20 to $80 per month). Some providers let you rent the adapter and service, and others let you pay for just a day of service at a time, as you need it. We have a separate report on mobile broadband.