If you are one of the millions of U.S. Internet users still connecting through a dialup Internet Service Provider due to regional limitations, there is a light at the end of the tunnel just for you. High Speed Internet Access Is Available To You! Even if your local telco and cable companies have forgotten about you, you can still receive High Speed Internet via Satellite. Using similar equipment to what is used for satellite television, high speed Internet can be brought to you anywhere in the U.S., provided you have a clear view of the southern sky. While satellite Internet Service used to be cost-prohibitive for most people, times are changing. Satellite DSL is now available for prices comparable to other types of residential high speed Internet access.

HOW IT WORKS

Unlike traditional DSL or Cable Internet connections, Satellite Broadband is provided via a small satellite dish, similar to those used for television. The dish is a two-way device, being used for both sending and receiving of the satellite signal that provides Internet access. A satellite modem (similar to the modems provided by local DSL and cable companies) connects your computer(s) to the broadband signal provided by the dish. A router can also be added to share access among several computers in the same location.

PRICING

Like telco DSL and cable-company provided Internet, there are different service levels available for different prices. Prices are slightly higher than those of DSL and Cable companies, but if you don’t have any other options, satellite DSL is a great alternative. Speeds from 512k to 5Mbps are available from most providers. Even at the lowest offering (512k), the speed is approximately 15-20 times that of dialup (at an average dialup connection speed of 33.6k).

Below is a price comparison of 4 different services – 1.) An average “high-speed” dialup connection, 2.) An average cable company connection, 3.) An average residential telco DSL connection, 4.) A WildBlue Satellite DSL connection, and 5.) A HughesNet Satellite DSL connection.

1.) “High-Speed” dialup (* high-speed dialup is “compressed” dialup – while it can be slightly faster, there is a trade off in terms of visual quality, and at times the content will not be “fresh” – i.e. a cached copy)

Starting at $12.95 / month (on average) for a 56k connection (assuming your phone lines are high enough quality to support 56k – most aren’t)

Cost / Speed (kbps) = $0.24 / kbps

2.) An average cable company connection at 4Mbps (cable companies almost always require at least basic cable television service along with internet service)

Starting at $80 / month

Cost / Speed (kbps) = $0.02 / kbps

3.) An average residential telco DSL service at 768k

Starting at $35 / month (after their “introductory” offering)

Cost / Speed (kbps) = $0.05 / kbps

4.) A WildBlue Satellite DSL connection at 1Mbps (middle of their service offerings)

$69.95 / month

Cost / Speed = $0.07 / kbps

5.) A HughesNet Satellite DSL connection at 1Mbps (lowest of their service offerings)

$59.99 / month

Cost / Speed = $0.06 / kbps

As you can see, from a cost vs. speed standpoint, every type of Internet access is far less expensive than dialup. In areas where cable and telco DSL aren’t available, using satellite DSL is about 1/4 the price (cost vs. speed). With the added benefits of not requiring the use of your phone line, and having instant-on Internet access, it’s really a great deal.

THE DRAWBACKS OF SATELLITE INTERNET ACCESS

Every silver lining has a cloud. Satellite Internet access has two main drawbacks that you’ll need to consider.

First and foremost is called latency. Because the satellite equipment must send a signal from your location to an orbiting satellite and back, the round trip time is greater than that of other connection methods. Normally this won’t present a problem. Cases where it will cause problems are 1.) VOIP or “Internet Phone” service – these will not work properly with satellite Internet, and 2.) online gaming – the latency (or Ping) times are likely high enough to cause considerable lag while gaming.

Second, and of lesser impact, is weather conditions. Severe weather can cause connection problems, loss of speed, or lack of a connection all-together. This generally only happens under very severe weather (thunderstorms). On the other hand, computers (and most electronics in general) shouldn’t be plugged in during severe thunderstorms, to prevent damage from lightning strikes (and no, surge strips DO NOT protect you from lightning strikes).

For more information about Broadband Satellite DSL service, availability, and pricing, please visit [http://www.BroadbandSatelliteDSL.com]

By: Jason A English

Free Laptop Offer – is it a good deal?

A free laptop offer is just one of the ways that various companies are trying to win your business, especially in the broadband industry where competition is fierce. How can they afford to do this?

Well, as I say, competition is fierce. Once the company has broadband set up, they need customers. It’s better to have 10,000 customers at a small profit margin than none at all. All of these deals tend to make you take another service with the company as well, so they in effect get 2 customers for the price of one. So this works in our favour, its good news for you and me.

This is how I see things, bearing in mind that most broadband companies offering a laptop make you take a phone service as well.

1 Most people have broadband and they pay for it.

2 Most people have a home phone and they pay for it.

When you add it up, you probably aren’t paying anymore, just transferring your spend to gain a laptop. So what do you need to look out for?

I would always recommend checking that the spec of the laptop is more than good enough to last you for at least a couple of years. You can’t expect to get a free laptop and run after one 1 month. No, there is usually going to be a contract term of around 2 years. Anymore and I wouldn’t take the deal because things change so fast.

I would also check the company is reputable, i.e. a good brand name, or trading on the stock exchange for example.

Check what happens if the laptop breaks down within the contract period. There is one supplier offering a free laptop that actually gives you a lifetime warranty for the laptop as long as you are a customer on the same service.

Is the broadband equipment free or is there a setup fee? These days you shouldn’t really be paying, as the cost is usually spread over the months of the contract.

Are there any hidden extras? For example, the best laptop offer in my opinion makes you take out one energy utility with them (gas or electricity). Luckily enough the services come with a guarantee, and sure enough I save money on that as well. It is worth checking though as I hadn’t realised initially.

Check the speed of the broadband and download limits. I wouldn’t accept less than 2MB speed and 20GB of download limit. 40GB would be my preferred choice.

How long does it take to get your laptop? No use of they take 28 days for delivery but you need it tomorrow.

For those of you interested in a free laptop offer, I hope this has helped. Good luck.

By: Paul Turner

For decades, one of the biggest challenges in merchant services was providing efficient, user-friendly, and low-risk ways for a business to process credit card sales outside of the main location. Certain common business types-limousine drivers, repairmen making house calls, and craft fair artisans to name a few-needed to accept credit cards without access to a landline, or in many case, a power outlet. For years, the only option was the manual imprinter-also called the knuckle-buster by those merchants who have had the pleasure of using it with any frequency. This is that archaic device that makes a carbon copy of the face of the card. The customer signs, and the goods or services are handed over.

But what if, when you return to your home base (and punch in the transaction on your point of sale device), the card is declined? The goods have been delivered, the service has been provided… but you have no money.

The risk of running into this scenario looms over many mobile merchants. But what options does a business have if they are selling from a table in the middle of a grassy field, or from a convention center with no reasonable access to a phone jack?

The solution may be to cut the cord, so to speak, and find a point of sale device that doesn’t need to be anchored to its wired connections.

In recent years, several POS (point of sale) manufacturers have developed wireless credit card machines. These machines are very similar to their countertop cousins, but they include a rechargeable battery, a SIM card (just like your mobile phone), and an antenna for reception. You can take it with you and process transactions wherever you go.

Wireless PROS: These all-in-one handheld units usually include an integrated receipt printer, magnetic strip reader, and internal pin pad for processing ATM debit cards-all the luxuries of a countertop POS without the need for a wired connection.

Wireless CONS: Reception can be an issue. You are at the mercy of your signal strength. If you are transacting in a remote area, if there is local interference, or you’re in a bunker-like basement, you may have trouble connecting to your processing network. This may prevent you from accepting credit card sales.

The other non-wired option that emerged even more recently is Wi-Fi credit card processing. Wi-Fi is a wireless, high speed internet connection that can be accessed by a laptop or other portable devices with Wi-Fi capability. Handheld POS devices that can communicate via Wi-Fi are just now coming to the marketplace, but it has been possible for a few years now to process sales on your computer using a virtual terminal. Virtual terminals are web-based POS programs that can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection. Simply log into your virtual terminal website and process your sales. Many of these programs allow for a USB-connected magnetic-stripe reader, so that you can swipe your customer’s card (as opposed to manually punching the numbers in). Wi-Fi is generally not a viable option for outdoor fairs or tow-truck drivers running transactions along the highway, but for vendors hitting indoor convention centers, it can be an attractive option – especially the part where you can use a web-based POS for a small monthly fee, as opposed to laying down a thousand dollars or more on a wireless credit card machine.

Wi-Fi PROS: Virtual terminals are available from any computer on the web. Wi-Fi reception issues are easier to predict and manage. Large up-front equipment costs are usually avoidable.

Wi-Fi CONS: Wi-Fi access only benefits certain types of mobile merchants (indoor convention vendors, etc.). With Wi-Fi all-in-one POS devices still emerging, you may need to lug around peripherals with your laptop, like a separate card reader and a printer for receipts.

As the electronic communications landscape continues to evolve, more avenues for transacting electronic payments will become available, allowing business types that have traditionally been cash or check-only to benefit from the ability to accept credit cards-and receive on-the-spot approvals. Taking advantage of these new technologies will open new doors for sales, and reduce the risk of declines after the merchandise has changed hands. Hopefully, the information in this article will help point you in the right direction, and allow you to take payment with confidence wherever you go.

By: Dan Levitt

So you have decided that you want a wireless laptop, but you are not sure which one to get. With a large variety of choices you can be sure that somewhere out there you will find one that you like, but with so many choices the final decision regarding the best option may be difficult.

There are many choices when it comes to the wireless laptop, such as budget laptops, gaming laptops, rugged laptops, and tablet netbooks. Choosing a laptop that suits your needs is essential to make sure that it can do what you bought it for in the first place.

If you are a serious gamer and need a wireless laptop capable of playing all the latest games on the market then a gaming wireless laptop is for you. If you need something very small that will be able to do only basic tasks such as access the Internet to keep in touch with friends or colleagues a tablet netbook is what you are looking for.

Considerations For Buying A Wireless Laptop

Things to consider when buying one include, but aren’t limited to system specifications, size, operating system, input/output options, and price. If you are looking for something to access the Internet at your local coffee shop with a wireless hot spot then you won’t need very large system specifications, but you will want something small in size to make it easy to carry around; where if you are looking for something to use in presentations at the office one with a larger screen and a VGA, DVI, or HDMI port to be able to plug in either a large screen or an overhead projector should be the choice.

Make a list of things you want or need in your wireless laptop and start shopping from there. Doing so will help narrow down your search and make the final decision easier. Keep in mind that it must be able to handle large file downloads from the Internet if you are a business user.

By: Dewaldt Huysamen

When you use your online connection frequently, the worst problems you can have are slow connections, bad customer service, and frequent interruptions. Who wants to put up with that? Avoiding these issues can be as easy as choosing the best broadband internet provider (BIP) for your service.

Depending on your specific need, you will want to choose a broadband internet provider that is well known for having great rates, excellent customer service and minimal (if any) interruptions in your service. Smaller companies may have the problem of service interruption, especially during peak usage times, and bad customer service can be an issue with an entire company, or just with a specific representative. This article will help you resolve these issues and choose the company that is right for you.

Don not be confused by internet service providers (ISPs) who call their services broadband (BB) when their download speeds do not compare to that definition of download. The FCC says that a BB service is defined by a download speed of 768 kilobits per second or more, so if you find that you have purchased a service with a speed lower than that consistently, when you specifically asked for a particular service, you have the right to change your service if you are unhappy with it. You may have a traditional dial-up or DSL line that has much slower speeds.

Examples of basic DSL lines that are not broadband are Verizon DSL and Qwest DSL. In comparison to BB internet, their DSL speeds are slower at 384kbps, but they have plans starting at $19.99 per month. They offer new customers a month of free service, and with one of the largest 3G networks, you will be exceptionally happy with their service if you do not use your internet frequently.

Another good DSL service provider with comparable speed to Verizon is Qwest. For $10 more, you can have a DSL service with very good customer service and no interruptions with slower speeds.

Some actual broadband service providers that you can choose from are Comcast High-Speed Internet with speeds starting at 6 megabytes per second. This speed is very fast, and with their promotions, you can take part in this service for only $19.99 for three months. You also receive cash back incentives of $75 and your cable modem is free.

A second broadband service provider to choose from is Road Runner High Speed Online. For $15 more per month for 12 months, you will enjoy a free modem after your mail-in rebate and speeds of 5 megabytes per second.

By: Uma A Ilango

The great advantage of wireless internet, is, of course that it allows you at access the internet at different locations, giving you a mobility that the internet has never been able to offer before. So where is wireless broadband available? Well, from a wireless broadband internet provider, of course, usually through some form of hardware such as an attachable card or a USB device. This means that not only is a wireless connection extremely mobile, but it is also extremely convenient. Of course, there are certain places where a wireless connection works better than in others.

It is usually available in any reasonable Internet cafe, of course, but you can also access it at so called ‘hot spots’ – these are usually located in high-density areas in major cities, such as malls and airports. Of course there’s hardly any advantage to a broadband connection unless you use a laptop – for a simple desktop PC just about any internet connection with the requisite speed and capacity will serve. With the correct hardware attached to the computer (usually through the USB port) the laptop scans the wireless bands for a network or connection, and when it finds a compatible one, will connect to it. Of course there are handshake protocols in place so that only paying subscribers can connect to a broadband internet network. In places that provide internet access for a price, such as an Internet cafe, you might need to pay a certain fee before you are allowed to access a wireless network via the cafe.

On the other hand, most major cities in developed nations provide wireless broadband internet access as a service to citizens, and if you are close to one of these broadband transmission points (termed ‘hot spots’) access is free. Of course, you can only access wireless broadband for free near one of these points, as you will lose the signal once you are a considerable distance from the ‘hot spot’. Then there are the private providers, and most people go with one of these, because they not only provide reliable access to a wireless broadband connection, but also maintain vast broadband internet networks so that you can actually travel around in your city or even in your country without your internet connection going down.

Of course, each provider has different standards, in terms of speed and coverage, and you have to compare broadband plans to see which one is best for your purposes. In general, most providers are about equal in terms of speed, because competition is intense, so you need to focus almost entirely on coverage when you compare broadband plans, and choose a provider with a transmission point and a ‘hot’ coverage area that includes all the places that you usually visit and at which you will need internet access. Once you find one that’s just right, ask about the hardware you need, purchase it, subscribe to the service, and avail of the considerable advantages of a wireless broadband connection.

By: Subramani Chinnaraj

Telstra’s Next G network covers over 98% of the Australia population. It is a high-speed network that is currently capable of speeds of up to 21MB/s. This means that we can enjoy video calling, email, Whereis maps, News, Weather, Foxtel by mobile, data services such as high-speed internet as well as superior coverage. Unlike other 3G networks where you can get Next G reception you will have access to all Next G services such as email and all the free to browse sections on your Next G mobile phone.

BigPond wireless modems, Telstra Mobile Broadband modems and Next G handsets all operate on the Next G 850MHz network. The 850 MHz spectrum provides superior in building coverage .

External antennas provide significant additional coverage for Next G mobile phones. This is important if you are using your mobile phone, BigPond wireless modem or Telstra Mobile Broadband modem in rural and remote areas or along major highways.

Most antennas have a standard fitting termination either SME or FME and different mobile phones and wireless internet cards have different antenna connections. A patch lead is required to connect the mobile phone to the antennas standard fitting.

The range of Next G antennas help to maximise signal strength regardless of whether you are in your vehicle, boat or home. Our Next G antenna range incorporates different size, gain and different types of antennas, from temporary portable antenna solutions to permanent bullbar, roof mount and through windscreen options.

Generally an antenna’s size is proportional to its gain and is measured in decibels, dB. The higher the gain of the antenna, the greater the signal range will be. Different gains are required for different situations as noted below:

Low gain – Metropolitan city and major regional areas (0 – 3 dB) These antennas are used to increase signal strength in good coverage areas and are portable and transmit equally in all directions. These antennas also work well in hilly areas.

Medium gain – Regional use (3 – 5 dB) Use these antennas to increase in building reception and in areas on the fringe of network coverage. These antennas transmit are omni directional i.e. they transmit equally in all directions.

High gain – Rural and Remote areas (6.5 – 7.5 dB). Used in low signal areas for home and vehicle applications. The size of our high gain antennas provides omni directional signal strength gain and significant increases in signal range.

Larger ultra high gain antennas, yagis, are also available. These are used to achieve maximum signal strength for wireless broadband modems. They are usually mounted on buildings or high on fixed structures. These antennas transmit in a fixed direction and so must be installed properly so that they are transmitting in the correct direction.

It is recommend that your antenna be installed your a car, boat or house roof as this provides height and stops the roof itself from blocking the signal. Just having an antenna outside of a home, boat or car can result in an increase of around 10 times in signal strength resulting in significantly improved performance.

Telstra has awarded several mobile phone handsets within the Next G range the blue tick. These blue tick mobile phones are recommended for rural and remote use and in areas where there is low signal strength as they provide superior reception in these areas.

By: Marcus Alick

There are now more options when it comes to finding the right wireless Internet service provider. In the past, we have to choose from a very limited range of providers. I’m always annoyed when there’s some irksome monopoly regarding a specific product or service. A company that has a monopoly over a particular product can freely charge the customers a ton of cash. They can get away with it because there is nothing else that the costumers can do. Anyway, that is not the case when it comes to a contemporary wireless Internet service provider nowadays.

Are you satisfied with the overall service and monthly bill of the service provider you are currently taking advantage of? I would simply dump my wireless Internet service provider and move on to the next best thing if I am not satisfied with their service. After all, that’s the way we do things here in the United States. Business is all about who is currently pitching the best deal. We have to option of dropping our current service and moving on if someone is offering the same or more for less.

You should not feel bad if you want to drop your current service provider because there is no thing wrong with it. It’s all just basic common sense. For instant, RoadRunner was the last wireless Internet service provider I had. I received an offer in the mail for a pretty sweet Internet provider package deal. I subscribed to their service but something suddenly changed after a couple months went by.

The company jacked up my deal for no valid reason. Since I had already signed up with them, I can’t stop them from trying to milk me for more money. As a result, I simply dropped this wireless Internet service provider and found the latest and greatest deal. I can do this forever if I have to. You don’t have to stay with a particular wireless Internet service provider for good because there’s no contract involved.

Are you trying to find a decent wireless Internet service provider to replace the one that did not treat you right? Then you should get on the web and check out the latest specials. There are always specials and deals up for grabs and you can get the service that will treat you right on the World-Wide-Web.

By: Morgan Hamilton

Wireless Broadband is also known as mobile broadband. Basically it allows the user to connect to the internet wirelessly. Wireless Broadband is offered by several companies. It may be used in airports, homes, on the road, or anyplace where it can get service.

If you decide you need a Wireless Broadband service you will probably be using it away from your home computer. You will find you are using it on your laptop more than you expect. You can use it as you are waiting for a plane in the airport. You can use it when you are camping. Just pull out that laptop, plug the device in and boot up. There are many places where this comes in handy.

You can use it on the road, after you pull over of course; to check on airline connections or let people know you are going to be late. Of course you could this by cell phone but this way you don’t have to carry on a conversation and waste time if you are in a hurry. And it is much faster to check airline connections via internet rather than calling an ’800′ number and being put on hold. Wireless Broadband is a very cool way to connect to the internet.

There are several different devices or Broadband Cards that connect to the computer. Whichever one you choose, make sure it will fit into the computer. Not all computers have the available slots for some of these devices. Often the older personal computers don’t have any of the slots so you might have to get an ancillary device which may not have the ability to connect without problems. So be aware of the device you purchase. Also make sure it has the capabilities you require. Does it have enough coverage for you? Does it handle all of the applications that you want to use it for?

The first one is becoming obsolete. It is a PC Card. This is a card that plugs into a PC card slot in the computer. It is larger than most of the cards and has the risk of being damaged because it really may stick out. Some of the newer ones have the ability to fold up, making it less of a hazard for destruction. They might not have the ability to work with all applications. They are being phased out and something called an Express Card is available.

An Express Card goes into an Express Card slot in the computer. There are designed to have compatibility with most applications. They are based on the USB technology. These are smaller cards that don’t stick out as much from the computer.

The latest is the USB Broadband card which will support almost all operating systems. Because of the way it is shaped it can also handle GPS applications. Of course, this slides into the USB port on your laptop or computer.

The most technological is the Personal wireless Hot Spot or MiFi. It’s all about technology.

By: Bob C Johnson

EVDO is the abbreviation for Evolution-Data Optimised or Evolution-Data Only. It is the new emerging standard for wireless transmission of data via radio signals. This technology is presently used for wireless broadband access of the internet. In the ever advancing telecommunications technology, EVDO has arrived using the multiplexing techniques such as CDMA or Code-Dvision Multiple Access and TDMA or Time-Division Multiple Access in order to enhance and maximise the thoroughput of the individual user and the overall system. EVDO rides on the CDMA network, much like the cellphones.

This 3G wireless broadband internet access service called EVDO is directly competing with Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi has limitations, EVDO transcends most of this and provides always-on internet services. Wherever your cellphone has range, EVDO will function and provide high-speed internet. The US has seen a spurt in the EVDO service providers with the emergence of Verizon and Sprint as the front-runners. In India, the state-owned communications giant BSNL has already gone ahead and implemented the EVDO Wireless Broadband Services in select Indian Towns and Cities. With EV-DV, the voice counterpart of EVDO slated to arrive, the wireless internet services scenario looks bright.

Broadband internet services in India especially has come of age only recently. But the rapid advancements in this area belie the late entry into the field by India. Already several private and public service providers compete with each other and the cut-throat competition has already seen price-reduction wars. With the EVDO being taken up by private and public players, the competition is hotting up. Tata Indicom, one of the bigger private players has already introduced the usb internet modem based on the CDMA platform. Tata Indicom was earlier upstaged by Reliance Infocomm another big private player in its race to launch the Internet Data Card or the usb-CDMA Modem. Now the BSNL has entered the arena with a flamboyant launch of the EVDO data card.

Whether it is broadband DSL or wireless broadband EVDO or WiFi, the customers are in for a real treat of surfing the net at blinding speed at virtually down to earth prices.

By: Pkp Iyer