Satellite Internet Reviews - Do Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages of a Satellite Internet System?
If you are considering a satellite internet system for your home, you should know that satellite internet reviews are mixed. You will find that there are some advanTAGes as well as some unique disadvanTAGes. Let's take a look at some of these.
When you live in an area where you are unable to get cable or DSL internet, then internet via satellite can be a huge upgrade over a slow dial up service. There is no contest here. That is a definite advanTAGe.
Being able to Watch a YouTube video online, share pictures between family members and friends, and even do some online shopping are options that are almost impossible with dial up. Again, a definite advanTAGe for a satellite internet system.
Many satellite internet reviews discuss the disadvantages that come into play when you compare internet by satellite to cable or DSL. Because even though it's sometimes referred to as broadband satellite, the speeds are far slower than regular broadband internet.
Even as a stand alone service, there are some unique disadvantages. In simple terms these disadvantages are mainly related to how much data can be downloaded and the speed of the downloading. As you may guess both of these have some limits.
Satellite internet users face what is referred to as a FAir Access Policy. This refers to how much data users can download in a 24 hour period. Exceed this limit and your internet becomes as slow as dial up for a specified period of time. (However most satellite internet plans have a period of time, usually in the middle of the night when you will not be subject to the FAP.)
During peak periods of use, you may also find that the speed of downloading can slow down. As fewer users access the service, speed will pick right back up, but there is no way to really guarantee how Fast your download speed will be. This is not a lot different from regular broadband services which also suffer from reduced speeds during peak times.
Weather affects a satellite internet system. Poor weather can result in interruptions of service and even a temporary loss of connectivity. Heavy rain or Snow seem to create the most problems. In these cases, you will have to be patient. If Snow covers your dish, you will have to clean the dish to restore your service.
Cost is a factor that has to be considered as a disadvantage. Compared to other internet services, internet via satellite costs more in monthly service fees. However you can often get free installation when you sign up for a package. Your monthly cost will be directly related to the size of the data plan you choose as well as the download speed you go for.
Even though satellite internet reviews tend to focus more on the disadvantages, it's important to look at the advantages as well. Because if you are stuck with dial up, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages.