For many island owners being able to get a stable broadband Internet connection is vital to their business or personal interests. Given the remoteness and isolation of private islands the best option is to access the internet via satellite. The advantage of satellite internet services is that it can be accessed anywhere in the world, which is ideal for individuals living on islands. Unlike traditional internet connections Satellite Internet does not use telephone lines or cable systems. Instead it relies on a satellite dish for two way data communication (uploading and downloading). Although not as fast as Cable or DSL connections, Satellite Internet is still about ten times faster than connection via a traditional dial-up modem.

There are a number of companies that offer two-way satellite Internet. Some of the more popular choices include Express, Starband, Teledesic, Pegasus, Tachyon and Inmarsat. Inmarsat provides broadband global area network service (BGAN) which is the first mobile communication service to provide both voice and broadband data simultaneously through a portable device.

A two-way satellite Internet connection consists of a two by three foot dish, two modems (one for uploading and one for downloading) and coaxial cables between the dish and the modems. It is necessary when setting up an Internet Satellite system that the dish has a clear view to the south or north (depending on your hemisphere) since the satellites orbit over the equator. It is important to remember that much like TV satellites, trees and storms can affect signal reception. In addition, the radio power transmitted out of the feed is comparable to that from several phones and the head and eyes should not be put at the feed opening of the dish or between the feed and the dish.

Satellites cost approximately 15 million dollars to build, launch and operate. When you access the internet you are using a portion of the capacity of the satellite. Therefore costs associated with satellite Internet are proportional to the amount of the satellites power that you require. For example 1000k/250k link will cost $175 per month, and a 100k/25k link will cost $87.5 per month. Costs will also vary depending on your internet service provider and your location.

Sources and for more information visit:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question606.htm
http://www.satsig.net/ivsatcos.htm
http://internet-over-satellite.atrexx.com/

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