If you can get the emerging terrestrial wireless service in your area, it's better than satellite.
There is also another satellite company worth checking out - wildblue.com.
"There is also another satellite company worth checking out - wildblue.com."
I have WildBlue service. All of the satellite services are expensive! They restrict the amount of download bytes as a Fair Access Policy (FAP). Read some of the forums that center their comments about each service. I did before I subscribed.
I purchased the Pro package from WildBlue and got hit by their FAP within two months. It is NOT FAIR or regulated. You are at the whim of WildBlue. They keep the information secret and you have no recourse. I am still using POTS until I can download data again.
A pro is that my downloads are fast. And there is nothing else around if you live in a remote area. I believe that once WiMax reaches remote areas with their towers, than the satellite service will be history. It is beginning, not fast enough.
Here is a link for you to investigate about WildBlue:
http://help.servicecenter.wildblue.net/display/2n/_index1.asp?tab=faq&r=0.9921381
There are adjustments going on with the HughesNet. It was DirectWay by DirecTV, however Hughes is DirecTV! So, I do not see much of a change, except for the earnings bottom line with DirecTV.
Good luck, you will need it!