The way it works is that you make the request for information (download, etc) using your modem (28.8 or whatever) and the reply comes back via the dish at 400K. The window that estimates the remaining time drops from hours to minutes then to seconds in a hurry. I downloaded IE 4.0 (about 12Meg) in about a half an hour, as compared to the estimate of 12 hours or so. Anyway, after I downloaded it, I was trying to use the dish on my next access, and no go. I called Hughes (mfg) and they said, "Oh yes. The dish doesn't work w/IE4.0! You will have to go back to IE3.02!" - "But I want to run under IE4.0", I said. "Well, you will have to run a split system, then with 3.02 and 4.0!", was the answer. "Is there any plan to upgrade the software at this time?", I ask. "NOPE" - "Thanks, I said. Please discontinue my service!", I said. "OK, send an e-mail!" I did, they did, so no more dish! ( A great $850 lesson about the 'bleeding' edge. I see the cost has dropped significantly now!)
As for cost there are several levels, and since I was evaluating it I took the lowest level which was $9.95, basic + $0.80 per meg prime time and $0.60 per meg off prime for downloaded data.
If your time is more valuable, and money isn't a problem, it might be worth it to use it all of the time. (I think that unlimited access was something like $180/month, and if it was being used on a network with more than one user, it might be cost effective.)
I understand that a 3Meg link is being developed for cable access which would really be an improvement. Have to wait and see!
Ken |
