Jim:
Hughes already has a product, DirecPC, that offers internet access via satellite. Max speed is 400K on the downlink, but you have to use a regular telephone line ISP for the uplink. Reviews I have seen say it is amazing for the downloading of files etc., but for plain old surfing, the internet itself is the limiting factor. The advantages are not there. It still is slow. Probably the ultimate solution is having the info pushed to your computer via satellite. That is what Cyberstar will be able to do. So, when you get home, all these SI posts are on your hard drive, as well as stock prices, news, sports scores, e-mail---whatever interests you. Then, if you need more info, get on the web. I was told that 70% of AOL users get on and look at the same sites each time they connect. If so, they should have that info "pushed" to them rather than clogging up the phone lines. Hughes is just getting started with this type of service for its DirecPC customers. |
