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How does a satellite internet service provider operate?

Satellite internet has grown in popularity over the last few years due to the increased interest in using the internet for both personal and business interests. In rural areas of the country, internet subscribers have traditionally been forced to rely on dial-up internet service, which was not only frustratingly slow but tied up the telephone line for the duration of a session. The availability of high speed internet coming from satellite technology has made it easy and pleasant to be online for personal reasons, to conduct business or even to telecommute. The development of satellite technologies has made it possible for thousands of people to enjoy increased bandwidth at prices more affordable than ever.

As long as you have a clear view of the southern sky with no large obstacles such as mountains in the way you can access satellite internet. The satellites that send internet transmissions to the earth are "geosynchronous" or "geostationary". These are simply ways of saying the satellites orbit the Earth at the exact rate of the Earth's rotation, keeping them at the same position relative to the surface of the planet at any given point in time. You simply need to have your satellite dish pointed at one of the satellites, all of which are located in the southern section of the sky and you will receive the signal.

The most recent method of communicating with the satellite is over the Ka band. This is a set of frequencies between 18.3 GHz and 31 GHz that provide the power to carry the data through the atmosphere. This high frequency range is what permits you to receive high speed broadband. You have a satellite dish installed typically on your roof or near your home that faces the satellite overhead. The dish gathers the compressed signal and breaks it down into information that can be handled by your sensitive computer equipment.

The dish focuses the data and sends it through a coaxial cable that goes through the exterior wall of your home and connects to the modem inside. A certified installer sets up your equipment and configures the entire system to the satellite. It is considered a wireless form of internet because it does not require the use of cable networks or telephone lines to transmit the data.

You have the option to plug your computer directly into the modem using an Ethernet cable or you can purchase a wireless router and connect using a wireless card. Most new computers automatically come with wireless cards installed as do all new laptops. When you start up your computer and open a browser you are instantly connected to high speed internet, no dialing in or waiting. It is also possible to have a small dish installed on your RV that allows you to have high speed satellite internet while you are travelling.

You pay for the quality of service you have, meaning faster speeds are more expensive. Depending on the type of internet applications you normally use there are packages available to suit your needs. For example, if you use the internet for simple tasks like emailing or viewing webpages you don't need more than a basic plan with less broadband. On the other hand if you intend to stream music and videos or build websites you need much more bandwidth and this costs more. Satellite internet has made it possible for subscribers that travel or live in remote rural areas to have the same high speed advantages as their urban counterparts.