Franz....
It could be a problem similar to the cable modem systems, I don't know what that max number is today. I do think more types of compression and/or newer higher powered satellites could solve this problem as well.
I have run into someone testing the system right now...and they like it, fast and impressed if you don't mind the click delay. They too wonder at what number of users does it start to "back up" or bottleneck.
For some info try here:
gilat2home.com
gilat.com
FAQ
What is Gilat-To-Home (GTH)?
GTH is the first two-way, always-on satellite-delivered Internet service for the consumer market. GTH uses a specially designed 24x36-inch satellite dish equipped with both a satellite transmitter and receiver for two-way satellite connectivity. The GTH system can also be configured to receive satellite television service from DISH Network – as well as two-way satellite Internet service from GTH – using a single dish. Inside the home, the GTH system currently consists of a pre-configured desktop PC that includes a satellite receiver card and a satellite transmitter card plugged into two PCI slots. In the near future, GTH will also offer an external "satellite modem" option that packages the PCI cards in a stand-alone box and connects to a PC through the USB port. In both cases, no telephone connection, no dial-up account and no terrestrial Internet service provider are needed.
How fast is the GTH Internet connection?
GTH provides an always-on broadband Internet service on par with other broadband offerings such as ADSL and cable delivered service. With GTH, the typical Web surfing experience will be about 10 times faster than standard dial-up modems when receiving content, and about twice as fast as standard dial-up service when sending information.
How much will the GTH system and service cost?
Exact pricing is still to be determined, but the GTH system will be priced to compete aggressively in the consumer broadband marketplace.
When and where will GTH service be available?
GTH expects to begin marketing its service in the fourth quarter of 2000 through a number of channels. The GTH Internet offering will be available directly from Microsoft and through MSN retailers, including more than 7,000 RadioShack locations throughout the United States. It will also be available through Echostar DISH Network's nationwide dealer network under a bundled GTH Internet and DISH Network 500-channel digital television offering.
How can I learn more about GTH product availability and opportunities to participate in GTH pilot testing?
Check this site for regular service offering updates. Click here to put your name on the list to receive more information about product availability.
If this is a new service, how can you say that GTH uses "field-proven" technology?
While new to the consumer market, Gilat's industry-leading satellite technology has been the wide-area networking platform of choice for major businesses throughout the world for many years. The technology behind the GTH system is based on Gilat's corporate VSAT technology which is used in over 200,000 business locations to support a wide variety of mission-critical applications.
How does GTH compare with other satellite-delivered Internet systems?
GTH is a true always-on Internet service that both receives and transmits Internet content over satellite at broadband speeds. Unlike its satellite Internet competitors, GTH does not require consumers to tie up their phone line or retain a separate terrestrial Internet service provider. The GTH product responds to what today's Internet enthusiasts say they want – high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet that doesn't require a telephone connection. Instead of having to deal with multiple service providers, multiple bills, busy telephone lines and slow transmission speeds, GTH offers a one-stop complete Internet service package.
How does GTH service compare to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable modems?
GTH, like DSL and cable modems, provides an always-on, broadband connection to the Internet. However, unlike DSL and cable modem service, which are extremely limited in availability, GTH is available throughout the country – even in remote areas – over satellite. As long as you have line-of-sight to the satellite, the service is available to you.
How does GTH compare with standard dial-up Internet access?
GTH provides always-on Internet service that is many times faster than standard 56 kbps service. GTH does not require users to dial-in for access and it does not tie up telephone lines like dial-up connections do.
What is required in a GTH installation?
The GTH installation process is nearly identical to the standard small-dish satellite television installation process, except that it involves a slightly larger antenna and two additional coaxial cables running from the dish to the pre-configured consumer PC or stand-alone "satellite modem." In addition, because the GTH service both sends and receives content via satellite, the dish pointing process may require slightly greater precision, as compared to receive-only satellite television offerings.
Does GTH require a telephone connection?
No. Because it uses Gilat's industry-leading satellite return-path technology, the GTH system is completely independent of terrestrial wires and does not require a telephone connection. All Internet content is received and transmitted over satellite.
Does GTH require an account with a terrestrial Interent Service Provider (ISP)?
No. Because it doesn't use a dial-up telephone connection, the GTH service does not require an account with a terrestrial ISP.
What satellite does the GTH service use?
Through its relationships with GE Americom and other leading owners and operator of communications satellites, Gilat purchases capacity on a number of different satellites for both its business and consumer satellite products and services.
From whom will GTH users receive service?
GTH and MSN will be the primary ISPs for GTH subscribers, providing all Web access and e-mail services.
How will GTH users surf the Internet and receive e-mail?
GTH users will access Internet and e-mail content using standard PC-based browser and e-mail applications.
Is GTH available outside of the continental U.S.?
GTH service will launch in the continental U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2000. Gilat Satellite Networks recently announced the creation of Gilat-To-Home Latin America, which will enter that market in early 2001. Gilat Satellite Networks will issue press releases regarding the Latin venture partners and company plans for other international market plans as appropriate.
Does GTH work with small-dish satellite television services?
Yes. With a DISH upgrade, GTH's 24x36-inch satellite antenna is capable of simultaneously receiving DISH Network's 500-channel digital television programming for reception on your TV, as well as always-on Internet service on your PC from the GTH satellite. The GTH satellite antenna will be available in a configuration that has two DISH Network satellite receivers on the antenna for satellite television reception – this in addition to a third satellite receiver for receiving Internet content and a GTH satellite transmitter for transmitting to the Internet. The GTH system is not compatible with satellite television systems other than EchoStar's DISH Network.
If a consumer already has a DISH Network system installed, how do they upgrade to GTH?
If an existing DISH service subscriber receives programming from EchoStar satellites at 110° and 119°, upgrading to the GTH service is as simple as swapping out the standard DISH Network satellite antenna for a GTH satellite antenna and mount and running two additional coaxial cables from the antenna to the consumer's PC. No modifications are required to the existing DISH Network receivers or wiring. |
