A Powerline Satellite Solution?

[Chris Blount]

For those hoping to boost the range of satellite broadband, one of the oldest technologies on the block may prove an entree into long-sought after multiple-dwelling unit contracts.

In response to a column by our international guru, Paul Budde of Australia-based Budde Communications, Telkonet vice president Blair Gilbert called to say his company has devised an inexpensive solution to using existing powerlines for high-speed Internet distribution. That, of course, would allow MDU owners to install services such as DirecWay, WildBlue, ViaSat and others in their buildings, thus adding HSI without even entering residents' units.

Known primarily for its work in the hospitality industry, Telkonet currently can offer DirecWay via powerline distribution (plus the Internet service and modems) to properties with 50 rooms or less for $495 per month with a 36-month contract. Building on its work with hotels and motels, "Telkonet has developed programs for satellite VARs and the traditional DBS satellite distributor/dealer network allowing them to market these solutions to end users," says Gilbert.

http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)

[tpbrady]

I don't see satellite making any inroads into MDU's served by cable modems/DSL/Wireless. Nothing works quite the same over satellite due to latency and the price per unit of bandwidth is lower for the terrestrial world. The upward migration path from entry level to higher levels of bandwidth is not clear as the individual satellite terminal is limited in what it can provide outbound by its inherent design (power output). The power distribution method will certainly work with any source of bandwidth, but satellite will probably be in last place in providing it as it will be the bandwidth of last resort.

[Geeke19]

only reason people dont go with direcway or starband is cause the install is to dam high almost 700 dollars or more to install nobody is going to pay that much just to install broadband!

[SimpleSimon]

only reason people dont go with direcway or starband is cause the install is to dam high almost 700 dollars or more to install nobody is going to pay that much just to install broadband!I must disagree. Direcway can be had for $99 up front plus $99/month for 15 months, after which the monthly drops to $59, and you own the equipment (after paying $600 for it over the 15 month period).

Wireless installs can be $300 up front and $50-100/month.

A BIG reason for not going with satellite is the propogation delay. Ping times will ALWAYS be over 500ms - because that's how long the signal takes to go 88K miles at the speed of light.

[Argono]

I must disagree. Direcway can be had for $99 up front plus $99/month for 15 months, after which the monthly drops to $59, and you own the equipment (after paying $600 for it over the 15 month period).

Wireless installs can be $300 up front and $50-100/month.

A BIG reason for not going with satellite is the propogation delay. Ping times will ALWAYS be over 500ms - because that's how long the signal takes to go 88K miles at the speed of light.

And it's mostly these 2 reasons why I've chosen not to get it. The overall outlay is very high for what you get. I can't justify that much for upload speeds as low as dial-up and not being able to do online gaming.

[Jacob S]

It would be my luck that something else would come out that would be cheaper and better after I spend all the money on something like this. I might as well pursue sending a signal 5-8 miles from town where I can get high speed internet than doing this unless the hardware is a bit more expensive than I was thinking.

[jrrdy1380]

I for one would like to be able to get HSI as soon as possible. I find it frustrating that I either do not qualify for service based on where I live or it cost too much to setup and pay for each month. Anyone that can offer a solution that is cost effective and efficient for the needs of consumers is worth looking into.

[SimpleSimon]

Jacob: Depending on LOS, a point-to-point WiFi might be feasible for you. 200mw cards with high-gain directional antennas can go a long way.

jrrdy: How many people around you are in the same boat? Would a neighborhood WiFi be an option? Direcway (at least the business package) allows sharing, although the FAP and TCP connection limits limit it's usefulness, it's a heck of a lot better than the low-speed (26K) dialup that many rural areas are stuck with.

[Jacob S]

We have lots of trees and hills here, thats West Virginia for ya. What websites can I go to for the hardware and some information regarding WiFi?

[SimpleSimon]

Start at http://www.seattlewireless.net (not .com !) - that's what I did back in the day. There's literally hundreds of web sites on the topic, and most of them have something useful to say.

[Paul Secic]

For those hoping to boost the range of satellite broadband, one of the oldest technologies on the block may prove an entree into long-sought after multiple-dwelling unit contracts.

In response to a column by our international guru, Paul Budde of Australia-based Budde Communications, Telkonet vice president Blair Gilbert called to say his company has devised an inexpensive solution to using existing powerlines for high-speed Internet distribution. That, of course, would allow MDU owners to install services such as DirecWay, WildBlue, ViaSat and others in their buildings, thus adding HSI without even entering residents' units.

Known primarily for its work in the hospitality industry, Telkonet currently can offer DirecWay via powerline distribution (plus the Internet service and modems) to properties with 50 rooms or less for $495 per month with a 36-month contract. Building on its work with hotels and motels, "Telkonet has developed programs for satellite VARs and the traditional DBS satellite distributor/dealer network allowing them to market these solutions to end users," says Gilbert.

http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)

Dr. Bill Wattenberg who is a scienctist & a talk host on KGO in San Francisco, says this won't work. He worked on the A-Bomb.