Barrow internet and online games (Anchorage: deals, company, distance)

[Wynternight]

Hello all, I'm wondering how the internet is in Barrow. I understand it's via satellite so I'm anxious to know how the latency is and if online games can be played there.

Thank you for any info.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by Wynternight

Hello all, I'm wondering how the internet is in Barrow. I understand it's via satellite so I'm anxious to know how the latency is and if online games can be played there.

Thank you for any info.

Hello! I haven't been able to participate much here for a few weeks, and might e a little intermittamt for 2 or 3 more. But I can give you a lot of info about details such as that.

Round trip latency for a C-Band satellite is just under 500 milliseconds, so every practical connection will be between 600 and 700ms minimum.

Games aren't workable over such connections, but the good news is that we are scheduled to get a submarine fiber installed next year with a link to Anchorage and then south on existing fiber. In addition fiber to Asia and Europe will be added within 3 to 5 years. When that happens Barrow will have lower latency to just about anywhere than just about anyone!

Currently local Internet access is offered by GCI (the long distance and cable TV company) and by ASTAC (local telco). Both also offer cell phone service too. Generally I would recommend GCI, but if you are particular about cell service and want a package deal you'll need to compare the cell phone deals very carefully. On the other hand if you want cable tv you'll definitely want to include everything you can in a deal with GCI.

[Wynternight]

Thank you, Flyod; a little discouraging but maybe a good way to get me off the computer every night once I arrive in Barrow.

[Jason28]

You can still play some internet stuff that doesn't require fast reaction times to play such as cards or chess or something online. Anything that needs split second reaction times is out though such as first person shooters or the new Starcraft game.

[Wynternight]

So pvp in MMOs is right out too.

[Jason28]

Originally Posted by Wynternight

So pvp in MMOs is right out too.

Yeah if you want to compete. I however did play World of Warcraft for a year with 1000 MS latency. It sucks but you can get used to it enough to play as long as you don't take yourself too seriously. You'll need better gear than most people to make up the difference your latency will provide in terms of DPS.