Guide to Satellite Internet Providers

Satellite Internet for consumers is easy to buy

Satellite Internet providers are, not surprisingly, few. Mostly, it's the existing satellite TV companies trying to bundle another service into their dish offering. There are some basic comparison points between satellite Internet service and traditional cable or telecom Internet, but cost is usually the main factor.

I recommend: Generally, satellite Internet providers give away the hardware, but not always. Take a look at offerings from  satellite internet  providers like HughesNet (which used to be part of DirecTV), DirecTV itself (now owned by News Corp.), DishNetwork and pure satellite ISP WildBlue, which is the satellite Internet provider behind DishNetwork.

Business users are an increasing slice of the satellite Internet provider market

For quite a while, satellite ISP providers were seen as just keeping telecoms honest. But they have made increasing inroads to the corporate market, where budgets are fatter and reliable high-speed Internet is integral to the business.

I recommend: Satellite ISP packages can run into hundreds of dollars a month, but they usually include much greater maximum speeds, faster uploads (for financial data, for instance), storage space, e-mail addresses and a host of other corporate needs. HughesNet is a big provider of satellite Internet service, although for satellite Internet, providers like DirecTV and DishNetwork compete, too, as well as smaller satellite Internet providers like Skycasters, V-Sat Systems and WildBlue.

In some cases, a satellite Internet service could be the only choice

The big thing about Internet service through a satellite is that you need only have a clear view of the southern sky to get a strong signal. In many parts of the country, cable isn't easy to get, and broadband via the phone company isn't much better. Enter the satellite ISP.

I recommend: Most big providers of satellite Internet service serve satellite TV and Internet customers in the suburbs or countryside. SKYfx focuses primarily on rural markets. See also the Business.com directories on related satellite Internet service topics, including satellite ISP phone services, satellite Internet antennas, and satellite radio services like XM and Sirius.