Satellite Internet

[Rhoadhoused]

Anybody have any experience with satellite Internet sounds Ames?

We're our in the country so mediacom doesn't come out here. I've never had to deal with this before so I figured I'd see if anyone else has had any good or bad experiences.

 

[chuckd4735]

I've never dealt with it directly, but have not heard much positive. Most people I know that do not have access to Mediacom/Century Link will just get a tethering plan through their cell phone providers.

 

[ArgentCy]

I live in the middle of nowhere and have the same choices for internet. I have used a hotspot through US Cellular. The internet works fine with decent speed via 4G but only 1-2 bars at the house. However, the data use charges are high and we don't even try to stream any video as it just won't work. I have considered satellite internet as you get better speeds and data usage but the lag has scared me away so far.

 

[abe2010]

We use verizon mifi, $50/month for 5 gigs, so no video streaming but still far cheaper than the local cable/tv/internet company.

Have used satelite internet for work before. Works ok, speed was ok but not sure if it could stream movies and was about $130 a month (for a buisiness/govt account, no idea how much a residential one is). Youtube would work but could be loading too many at once. Would go out in storms every so often and the customer service was horrible (hughesnet).

 

[hexodat64]

Haven't had it before, but this FAQ might help you out some.

http://www.dish.com/entertainment/internet-phone/satellite-internet/

Unfortunately, it's really not a great option, as it has high latency (slower to react) and is expensive. I'd try tethering through a wireless carrier like Verizon if you can

 

[Rhoadhoused]

You guys tethering or using hotspots are using your phone as a hotspot, right?

 

[ArgentCy]

No I bought a separate hotspot because, A. I refuse to buy a smartphone and B. the tablet/phone are on a business account. This works fine except when going to set it up as US Cellular could only activate the online account by sending a text message. That obviously doesn't work very well with no phone on the account.

 

[abe2010]

separate hotspot. works well for traveling too as we can take it with us.

 

[Rural]

I've had HughesNet for years, it ain't great but much better than dial-up.

 

[nfrine]

Try Excede satellite. Seems to work well for a lot of folks.

 

[kilgore_trout]

Relative to the urban landscape, there are no good speed or price points. It's one of the trade-offs you have to make for living out yonder.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

Thanks guys

 

[CYF5]

I would check to see if you can get signature wireless where you are at. It isn't a satellite...I think it is a microwave signal. I just switched from Hughesnet. Much cheaper, faster, and unlimited data compared to what I had through Hughesnet. I think it covers most of rural central Iowa.

 

[imnclone]

I would check to see if you can get signature wireless where you are at. It isn't a satellite...I think it is a microwave signal. I just switched from Hughesnet. Much cheaper, faster, and unlimited data compared to what I had through Hughesnet. I think it covers most of rural central Iowa.

I don't live in central Iowa, but I use this technology where I live. This is a great option for people in rural areas if available.

 

[schlepp571]

Satellite internet has a latency of around 750ms at best. Have seen as high as 1.4s on Wildblue's service. If your use is exclusively surfing the web and checking email it works fairly well. If you expect to stream media then those satellite services will not provide you the service you are looking for. Buffering of content sucks and bandwidth overruns would cost a fortune. First person gaming is out of the question due to latency. There are a few wireless companys out there that use 2.4/5.8 GHz technologies out there. Possibly 900 MHz still. Signature, Prairie I-net and ICS Advanced Technologies. All are limited by line of site to their transmitters for good service. Don't remember which provider is on the grain elevator between Boone and Ames on 17 (think Signature). Last I knew it was still Prairie in Story City. Think they have a couple other spots up north as well. ICS has some up around Gilbert as well as North West Ames. Best of luck. Hope you find someone.

 

[cyking]

We use Prairieinet.net and get our transmission from the elevator East of Boone. It works pretty good and cost about
$50/ month. It has no limits on data. They have other transmitters so you might check with them to see if you get a signale. This use to be Signature Blue, but Prairieinet just bought them out.

 

[cychhosis]

We use Prairieinet.net and get our transmission from the elevator East of Boone. It works pretty good and cost about
$50/ month. It has no limits on data. They have other transmitters so you might check with them to see if you get a signale. This use to be Signature Blue, but Prairieinet just bought them out.

I get mine from Cloudburst 9, but they use radio to transmit to a dish on your house. Works/cost is better than anything else I've found in the country. Videos maybe a little slow, storms never block the signal. Pretty good if you have a provider nearby.