High-Speed Internet for Rural Locations

Satellite Internet providers are able to bypass the costly infrastructure and wiring required to deliver high-speed Internet in many urban environments throughout the US. Instead of running cables or fiber optics to each home on the grid, satellite providers bounce a signal from a remote server to your home via an orbiting satellite. This shortcut allows satellite Internet providers to connect people in locations throughout the country that would otherwise not enjoy high-speed Internet. Still, the US historically hasn't quite been up to par with a number of other developed nations when it comes to providing Internet access. As part of the 2008 stimulus bill, about $7.2 billion has been earmarked for the improvement of broadband access as a tool in the recovery of the country's overall economy. Some providers are even offering special rates and packages funded by the economic stimulus package.

Satellite Internet is billed as high-speed, but it is actually far slower than its cable or DSL equivalents. The average cable, fiber-optic or DSL provider delivers download speeds ranging from 5 to 50 megabytes per second, while satellite ranges from 0.5 to 2 megabytes per second. The difference is dramatic but, then again, the difference between satellite and dial-up is even more dramatic, with dial-up delivering only 56k. Another issue for satellite subscribers is the limit placed on downloaded and uploaded material on a per-month basis. While cable and DSL are unlimited, satellite service plans place a cap on the amount of data transferred through the system.

Both urban and rural satellite Internet providers offer a range of plans with costs based on the speed of service. The rates for rural providers tend to be on par with, if not slightly higher than, urban cable, DSL and fiber-optic providers. Urban cable and fiber-optic providers are able to bundle their Internet rates with other services like TV and phone, which may result in savings for the subscriber. This is not always possible for the rural consumer who may be forced to purchase each service separately, although some satellite providers do offer TV and Internet in one. Overall rates for the urban consumer are lower once you factor in the total services received and the quality of the connection itself.

High-speed satellite Internet is available in most areas throughout the United States. Check with the company you plan to sign up with before ordering, as there are some areas where service is not available. At least parts of all 50 states are covered, but not all parts. The coverage area is growing, however, thanks in part to the focus placed on the relevance of the Internet in today's economy and society by the US economic stimulus plan.

High-speed satellite Internet requires users to have a special antenna and a modem to connect and begin surfing.