I have had Direcway for just over a year now and am currently using it. I have had only minimal problems with it, and most people seem to be relatively happy with it. There are, however, exceptions to that, primarily those who want to do online gaming and get pole axed by the inherent latency in a system with a transmission path of some 45,000 miles, just for the space segment, and by the heavy downloaders who get zapped by the infamous FAP (Fair Access Policy -- a policy in place that prevents a few users from monopolizing the shared bandwidth).
I suggest you visit: http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/sat and read through the postings for at least the last month or so, and also peruse the forum FAQs. The latter contain a real trove of information as to what is and is not possible/allowed with satellite systems, as well as specific how-to directions on specific topics. You asked specifically about Direcway and Starband. I personally would stand clear of Starband; they have been in and out of bankruptcy a couple of times and I don't recall their current status. Direcway is the current Big Dawg in the field but when you visit the site above, you will see a lot of discussion about a newcomer to the game called Wildblue. Wildblue just started installation of user earth terminals about a month ago and is proceeding apace. For now, they are doing all installs in conjunction with electrical cooperatives and are doing so at about half the cost of Direcway. So far the systems speed, latency and tech support reports have been significantly better than Direcway too. Recurring charges a a bit better than Direcway's for comparable service too. Specifically to tech support, Direcway, as have many, has outsourced its Tier 1 support (India) but about all the folks there are qualified to do is read from a script, and generally after much wailing and gnashing of teeth, occasionally refer you up to Tier 2. The latter is here in the US but from what I read, in many cases is no more qualified to actually DO anything than is Tier 1. With Tier 1, a common complaint is the language barrier too. Fortunately for me, in the year I have had the system, I have not had to call them. Wildblue still has its support functions in North America and the reports I see indicate they are knowledgeable and competent. Bear in mind though that Wildblue only has some 2 or 3 thousand terminals installed so far while Direcway has several HUNDRED THOUSAND. It gets to be a LOT more difficult when you have that many often technical illiterates calling in... Wildblue was not available when I got my system a year ago, but were I just now getting into it, there is no doubt that is the way I would go. There is probably more information concentrated on that site (above) than just about anywhere else on the pros and cons of satellite internet for the home user so it will be well worth your while to read through the forum. If you have specific questions, there are some very knowledgeable and helpful members there and I occasionally am able to offer a suggestion or two also. It isn't true broadband, but if you educate yourself as to what it IS and what it ISN'T, you will be going into it with realistic expectations and stand a much better chance of being a satisfied customer, no matter which of the 3 companies you go with. Again, it looks to me like Wildblue is the way to go, but one MUST realize that they are pretty much an unproven quantity right now. If it turns out to be a dud, on your head be it! ;) Would I go back to dial-up? H*** NO! Would I rather have REAL broadband? H*** YES! (but not enough to move back to civilization in order to have it, especially now that I have the satellite connection!) - Bill Hatcher [EMAIL PROTECTED] - -----Original Message----- From: Windows Home/SOHO [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Jim Dykes Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2005 19:58 To: [email protected] Subject: [WINHOME] Satellite Internet Hi All, About 8 or so months ago I inquired about this and was convinced to go with a local microwave wireless network. Not good!! My speeds were never very good and mostly down around or below dial-up. Sometimes wireless didn't work and I had to dial up. Fastest every dial-up connection was 36K with my 56K modem. Usually, though it was less than 30k. Anyway, I'm inquiring again about DirecWay Satellite and another one called StarBand. Anyone have any first hand experience? Second-hand <smile>? I'm out in the cacti, so DSL isn't an option.... -- ---------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is your picture included in the Official Win-Home List Members Profiles Page? http://www.besteffort.com/winhome/Profiles.html If not, write to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
