[shawv]

I live in Livermore, CA I have AT&T Broadband, expanded basic for $35.95 a month. I want to get into satellite service but don't know what is the cheapest/best service and where to buy it. Can anybody help me?

[general_re]

I can help ;)

The two main providers of DSS satellite service in the US are Dish Network and DirecTV. My suggestion is that you start by visiting the websites of both, compare the various packages, decide which one suits you, and go for it. Some links to get you started:

DirecTV packages
How to get DirecTV

Dish Network Packages
How to get Dish Network

Happy hunting, and be sure to check out both sites for their latest special offers - they both run all kinds of promotional deals that you will probably find very handy...

[daviddennis]

Last time I looked in any detail, DirecTV and other satellite services are one way - they send television programming to you, and you passively take it.

According to their FAQ, there is satellite based Internet access available, but they recommend their DSL service instead. This implies to me that their satellite Internet access is probably not very good.

DSL's a reasonable alternative to cable (it's what I use, because I can run a web server on it), but I wouldn't use a satellite connection unless it was your only option. Last time I looked, you have to connect via dialup and receive data via satellite, which is pretty much a kludge and I don't think it's popular with consumers.

In short, I'd keep your cable modem. As long as you want cable TV, it's your fastest and most economical alternative.

Hope that helps.

D

[NormsRevenge]

IF you are an NFL addict, go for DirecTV, if not, DishNetwork has done the job for us for 5 years. I have never had more then a couple of minute outage maybe twice in 5 years. Cable continues to glitch at the most inopportune times much more often then one would expect for today's technology.

[1Old Pro]

DISH network has been great for me over the past 2+ years. I highly recommend it.