Satellite broadband is available everywhere in Ireland though the cost of initial equipment required to connect is high. A Skyblaster satellite modem costs in the region of €689. Digiweb Satellite broadband offer a single user service (suitable for small office/home office use also) with 512kbps download speeds and 128 kbps upload speeds (512k/128k) costing €99 per month. A 75cm satellite dish is included with the modem purchase and is installed outside your property to avail of the service.
With satellite there are no dial up charges or Internet service provider (ISP) charges on top of the monthly charge, and Digiweb have no download cap or restrictions on how much you can use the service.
Satellite connections are suitable for general Internet access, email, and web site management. However, due to the distance travelled by the signal to/from your computer and the Internet itself via the satellite, latency issues make it unsuitable for heavy uplink traffic such as using it to host a web site or doing frequent large file transfers. It’s also not suitable as a result, for on-line gaming, peer-to-peer networking, remote desktop connections, remote video conferencing, VOIP teleconferencing (using your computer to make long-distance telephone calls), and certain kinds of virtual private networks.
Advantages:
1. It doesn't depend on monopoly controlled copper infrastructure.
2. It is relatively fast.
3. It is available almost everywhere.
4. There are typically a broad range of services available and upgrading is easy.
Disadvantages:
1. Communication delays are significant. This makes it unsuitable for voice and video communications and gaming.
2. Installation can be disruptive and problematic, depending on the premises.
3. Quoted installation includes for a maximum amount of time and materials. If the premises or situation deviates from this, a higher cost may be incurred.
4. In rented or leased premises, permission needs to be sought to allow the equipment to be installed.
