As more and more providers are offering a wider range of services, those making the switch from dial-up access to a broadband internet connection are faced with perhaps one more question: should they make the switch to wireless broadband, or satellite?
A mobile connection actually involves wires. The data is transmitted from the Internet Service Provider, or ISP, to one of their towers, and from there is broadcast through the air to any subscribers within range. Satellite broadband, however, involves no wires at all, just a clear line of sight to one of the satellites broadcasting the signal.
Your decision to go mobile or satellite will, in part, be answered by your location. In some of the more remote corners of the UK, satellite reception is the only option available. In most other parts of the UK, mobile broadband is available, but again, you must be within range of a provider’s tower to get a signal, similar to a mobile phone. Zero bars of reception means nothing will get to you from the internet or vice versa.
If satellite is your only option, or is the option that will work best for you then investigate what provision is available. You will need to have a satellite dish installed at your home so the set-up costs will be high. The total installation could cost around £600. Monthly costs are likely to be in the region of £30.
A primary consideration when any kind of wireless access is an option is the coverage. Most providers will allow a 15 or 30-day “trial” time period to test your equipment and their signal. With mobile broadband be sure to access the internet from all your most common locations and test both the upload and download speed, preferably several times, at different times of the day.