High Speed Internet Access

[konde]

Is there any contributors to this forum using DirecPC for 'net access? I'm talking about the one way version offered by Expressvu, not the expensive two way version. I am wondering if anyone would care to try to sell me on its benefits. From what I hear, it's great for downloading, but very poor for browsing. I don't do alot of big downloads. I really only check out 6 or 8 sites a day, including surfing the message boards here.
Unfortunately, I will never have access to DSL or cable, and I'm getting sick of waiting for another guy that's promising wireless. Are the rumors true that Nimiq 2 will offer KA band high speed access?

[sleemo]

At work, we have DirectPC at one of our remote locations. The speeds are better than straight dailup and it was a bitch to setup (for us anyway, because we had to get it to see our network and other VPN issues but that won't affect home users).

I suppose it's ok for people who have no other alternative. I don't like the download caps and it will suck for gaming. The modem is a USB modem, but you might be able to get an internal card modem.

[b_p_smith]

Head over to www.DSLReports.com (http://www.DSLReports.com) and jump into the Satellite forum. Read the FAQs and as much of the forum conversations as you can. You're interested in what's referred to as "DRS" (dial-return systems). If you do your homework, you'll know everything you'll ever need/want to know, and then some.
Keep in mind that EVu's system runs from it's own transponders on Nimiq. So in theory your throughput will be slightly better than a US-based DPC system.

I'm running the LinCsat 2-way (aka SRS) system myself and I'm pretty please. But for me the costs are a tax writeoff which makes it a bit more tolerable. :-O

[Skyway]

I'm on cable modem, but am familiar with BellExpressVu's DirecPC and DirecWay..

A couple of points that come to mind are:

With BellExpressvu DirecPC, You must take into consideration your total monthly costs to maintain your service (always on/or not)...You will be paying BellExpressVu $40-$60/month...You will also be paying a ISP ($20-$25/month?) for your phone connection for the return portion of the service, and you will be paying for a phone line (dedicated or shared it still is a cost associated with the service). So your monthly costs to maintain the service are $70-$100...

The 2way systems are a lot more costly to purchase and install.. Monthly fees start at $129, but the upload speeds are ussually faster than the phone line return speeds by 2 or 3 times...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

check with http://www.storm.ca/dialup_services/dialup_services.html
if you live in the Ottawa Area you might want tocheck "Wireless Internet" Cheaper than Satellite Internet.

[konde]

I am near Calgary, and there is only 2 wireless providers that I know of. The first is a one man company who is slowly breaking out service to small communties. Being small, it might take him another year or so before he gets all the way to my area. The other is a larger company that can probably service me sooner, but they want around $200/month.
King Ralph has got his Alberta Supernet plan in the the works, which is supposed to give every community with a school or health facility high speed by 2004. but being in the country on an acreage, I'll still have to hope for wireless to get more affordable.