Satellite Internet access + rural MN (how much, living, move)

[rayandy]

Hey Ya'll-Question...I'm going to be working on my masters degree once I get to MN...If everything works out well I may be living close to 5th Crow wing lake - I need decent internet access-and from what I understand-where I'll be staying there aren't any phone lines. Do any of ya'll use satellite internet? If so-how does in do in the more rural areas? Does the weather effect it-all the trees-etc.?

Any info would be helpful.

[Lindenin]

I have success with my internet access in most parts of the state, including northern Minnesota. However, there are more dead spots -- you know, where it works in one spot but dies a mile down the road, then works again if you move again. Not like the solid coverage in metro areas.

Your best bet is to test it from the specific spot where you would use it most.

FYI - I use Verizon for my satellite service.

[moving123456]

Originally Posted by Lindenin

I have success with my internet access in most parts of the state, including northern Minnesota. However, there are more dead spots -- you know, where it works in one spot but dies a mile down the road, then works again if you move again. Not like the solid coverage in metro areas.

Your best bet is to test it from the specific spot where you would use it most.

FYI - I use Verizon for my satellite service.

Are you sure you are using satellite internet, not Verizon EVDO cellular wireless internet service? Satellite internet should have no dead spots as long as you have line of sight to a specific location in the sky.

[tvdxer]

I used satellite for about a year before I got wireless (again; the old company folded). It should work anywhere you have a clear view of the southern sky (or in Minnesota, at least a certain portion of the southwestern sky, for WildBlue). Performance is adequate, but not nearly as good as other connections. There is a significant lag (latency) due to the signal having to travel to the satellite and back, which can become annoying for web surfing. Rain sometimes brings dropouts or even completely disrupts service. But if that's the only option you have, you have to accept it.

[rayandy]

How much of the time is it cloudy-or overcast enough to disrupt service in the winter in MN? I get the impression ya'll are overcast for several months at a time?

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by rayandy

How much of the time is it cloudy-or overcast enough to disrupt service in the winter in MN? I get the impression ya'll are overcast for several months at a time?

I don't have satellite internet but we are not overcast for months at a time, maybe a week here and there but for the most part we have fairly clear skies.

[moving123456]

Originally Posted by rayandy

How much of the time is it cloudy-or overcast enough to disrupt service in the winter in MN? I get the impression ya'll are overcast for several months at a time?

I have never had any type of satellite service disrupted by just cloudy or overcast skies, only very heavy rain.

[rayandy]

Thanks for the info! Ya'll have been very helpful.

[mile high]

Originally Posted by rayandy

Thanks for the info! Ya'll have been very helpful.

Check out WildBlue (WildBlue - Official Website - Satellite Speed Internet), and unless you're stuck with a DishNetwork account already I'd strongly recommend DirecTV for better service.

Oh, and try to lose the "ya'll" if you're going to MN, eh?

Cheers!

MH

[rayandy]

Ain't no stinking way I'm losin' the ya'll!....so where did the eh? thing come from anyway? What do you folks (hehehe) use for you all? What's your slang?

RK