What is the best rural internet connection?

[LeGrande]

I live in the mountains, in a bowl. We don't have cable, no line of sight wireless communication, no DSL, etc. just standard phone lines.

It seems that satellites might be the best option, but I have heard a lot of bad things about satellite connections, poor upload and download times especially as more people use the system, latency (lag time) problems, relatively high costs.

Radio communication seems touchy and slow.

I might be able to put in a tower on the mountain between me and civilization. Should I work on getting WiMax here?

What is the best solution? I have about 20 neighbors in the same boat.

[TankerKC]

I God wanted you to live out there, he would have provided high speed internet. ;)

[Crazieman]

Unless you intend on playing games over the internet, I'd say satellite.

Otherwise, I'm sure others have good suggestions.

[LeGrande]

Maybe I need to pray? Think that will give me a high speed connection?

[PajamaTruthMafia]

Good place to start your research:

http://www.dslreports.com/

[xcamel]

You and your neighbors could get together and set up a broadband DSL wireless link to an outside provider, and whomever has the best location for a "ham tower" could grab the signal from "civilization".

Then it's just a matter of a router and partitioning for each of your local network subscribers. Each could have 1 to 8 static ip's and many internal dynamic ips for each subscribers internal networks (if they want)

Long range wireless repeaters can be set up house-to-house to avoid the need for any outside cables, or a single point omni repeater if everyone is line-of-sight to the receiving tower.

[somemoreequalthanothers]

www.leroyjenkins.com

[freedumb2003]

What is the best rural internet connection?

Call Cletis over at the General Store and ask him what is happening on the Internet!! ;)

[LeGrande]

Does the broadband DSLwireless link need to be line of sight?

[somemoreequalthanothers]

www.leroyjenkins.com

[LeGrande]

Hallelujah I have been saved : ) Do I get a broadband connection now?

[somemoreequalthanothers]

Many years ago when I was young I remember this jackass named Leroy Jenkins smashing peoples crutches and they would instantly walk, so I figure maybe he could help.

[somemoreequalthanothers]

Unfortunately my html skills leave much to be desired.

[LeGrande]

I think my religious feelings are on par with yours : )

[IrishCatholic]

I live on a farm and can't even see my neighbor. I have Direct TV and Direct PC. Both are the best thing ever. I used to have a big C band dish but every time the wind blew the picture went out.
With these small dishes I can have the Internet on all the time and it goes as fast as I can. I also have TV in all but the biggest downpours and if I have power I have both. No cables to go down in an ice storm or thunderstorm.
If I ever move back to where I have neighbors and options I still will get a satellite dish. The technology really has improved (Tivo too)

[xcamel]

Yes, but it depends on where you live - if you can find a spot high enough, it can be sent 40-50 miles to you from the provider.

look here for tons of info. http://www.bbwexchange.com/

[somemoreequalthanothers]

What is the cost of Direct PC, if you don't mind me asking?

[linn37]

Earthlink, I have had them for four years with never a problem.

[IrishCatholic]

I don't recall the hardware costs up front. I also have direct bill pay. Give me a day or so to get home and I will Freepmail you, or, since you are on line now just hit their web site. Their info would be a lot more current than mine.

[HAL9000]

Try to find a "WISP" (Wireless Internet Service Provider) in your area. A good WISP should be better that satellite Internet.

If you must go with satellite - check www.wildblue.com. They have the latest technology, better than Hughes/DirecWay.