IPStar Broadband satellite
Modem
Satellite Broadband dish
Satellite Broadband
Connect yourself to the World from anywhere in Australia

Satellite Broadband is a tried and tested technology that has been around for many years, but it has always been an expensive option. However, the new advanced technology IPSTAR Broadband satellite is now offering two-way satellite Broadband at prices and speeds that place it in direct competition with ADSL.

With a massive bandwidth of 45 Gbps, IPSTAR is claimed to be the largest and most advanced Broadband satellite in the world today. Designed to connect up to 8 million consumers, it uses a system of spot beams and ground stations to deliver a reliable service, even in adverse weather conditions.

With download speeds up to 2048 kbps, the IPSTAR satellite competes head-to-head with ADSL and Fixed Wireless Broadband, but with the unique advantage that it is available anywhere in Australia.

With the assistance of the 'Australian Broadband Guarantee' subsidy program that has been a life-saver for many Australians who cannot access other forms of Broadband, prices for a 2-way satellite plans are available from approved providers from $39.95 per month for a 512/256 kbps speed with $0 installation. However, the new Labor Government has big plans for delivering high speed Broadband to 98% of Australians, so be wary of signing up for anything more than a 12 month contract.

Optus and Telstra Bigpond also offer their own satellite Broadband Services, but in my experience, the IPStar satellite offers better value and speeds.

When comparing the cost of 2-way satellite Broadband with dialup Internet, you should factor in the cost of the telephone calls each time you connect. If you only dial up an average of 3 times per day, the cost is approx. $20 per month. Add this to the $29 per month you may be paying for a standard dialup plan and the average real cost of your Internet access becomes $49 per month. With drop outs, you may have to connect several times a day.

By contrast, satellite Broadband is an 'always on' connection, so there are no dialup charges and it does not tie up your phone line.

Two-way satellite Broadband offers an excellent option for those living in more remote areas where land-based Broadband services are not available and are unlikely to become available for at least the next 18 months.

What is satellite Broadband?

Satellite Broadband technology uses radio-communications via satellite to connect to the Internet. This requires the installation of a satellite dish at the point of connection (e.g. a house or business).

What are the advantages of satellite Broadband?

Satellite Broadband is available is any location in Australia that has a clear view of the sky to the north-west at approximately a 40 degree angle.

What are the disadvantages of satellite Broadband?

A satellite connection can be affected by very thick rain cloud and obstructions such as trees, mountains or tall buildings in the line of sight between the customer's satellite dish and the orbiting satellite.

I use the IPStar satellite Broadband myself. Apart from occasional drop-outs during storms (when your computer should be disconnected from the electricity supply in any case), it is reliable and so much faster than dialup.

Satellite Broadband goes a long way towards bridging the digital divide between the people in our region who can access terrestrial Broadband services and those who cannot.

Request a free ADSL, Wireless and Satellite Broadband availability check.

Download Flyer with 'Half-price for the first six months offer from Westnet.

Paul Heymans
Westnet Internet Premium Agent
www.paulcomputers.com.au