WildBlue is the youngest of the top three satellite broadband Internet providers. In order to access their services you will need a computer that operates on Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Window XP or Mac OS 10.4 or higher. After placing your order a technician will call you to set up a time to install your satellite and equipment. The installation process will take between 2 and 3 hours, but it will be well worth the wait. After you are connected you will be able to upload as quickly as 256 Kbps and you will be able to download at speeds up to 1.5Mbps. However, speeds are not guaranteed and they can be retarded during poor weather and peak hours.
HughesNet is another satellite internet service provider. They have many of the same system requirements and installation requirements as WildBlue have. The FCC requires satellite systems that can send and receive data to be installed by specially trained and certified technicians. This is why HughesNet provides installation costs in their equipment package prices. After your system is set up you will be able to upload at an average speed of 75 Kbps, and you will be able to download at speeds that range between 700 Kbps and 1.5 Mbps depending on what service package you select.
HughesNet’s services are intended for stationary hosts. This means that it is not an appropriate choice for RVs, boats and trucks. However, if you are interested in mobile internet service then you can contact one of HughesNet’s partners that do offer mobile internet service like MotoSat, Ground Control and MobilSat.
StarBand is the third major satellite internet service provider. This service, like HughesNet, is designed only for stationary hosts. To access the internet with StarBand you will need Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, Mac OSX, a CD-Rom drive and a free Ethernet port. StarBand offers its services to the continental U.S as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, in order to receive the signal in the non-continental areas you will need a larger satellite dish, a larger satellite mount and a stronger LNB signal receiver.