Cable, DSL, and Satellite are the three most popular and widely available methods of obtaining a broadband connection to the internet. Other methods such as dedicated T1 lines are very costly and reserved for large volume users such as corporations.

Below is an overview of each technology available to the private user. All three offer tremendous speed advantages over a conventional dial-up connection. Be warned, once you have experienced a high speed broadband connection, there is no going back!

With their high speed, low cost, and wide availability, Cable Modems offer an "always-on" connection over the same lines used to provide Cable television services. Even if you don't subscribe to Cable TV, your provider can still hook you up to the internet although the monthly cost will usually be higher.

Speed consistency has always been the Achilles heal of Cable internet access. Since many users are sharing the same connection, the speed can drop off quite noticeably during peak usage hours. The amount of degradation is dependant upon the provider's cable infrastructure and how well the speeds are managed. Some Cable providers invest large sums of money to ensure that their infrastructure keeps pace with increasing demand, while others try to conserve money by overloading their existing systems.

All Cable providers limit the speed at which subscribers can access their systems. Typically the average speed range is somewhere between 128kbs-256kbs for uploads, and 768kbs-1.5mbs+ for downloads. Cable internet access is available in most areas serviced by Cable television providers.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), once exclusively used by businesses, is now widely available to residential users. DSL technology uses your existing phone line without affecting your current telephone service. A DSL Router is installed at your home which will provide your computer with an "always-on" connection to the Internet.

Residential DSL is commonly available in three speeds (upload/download) 128kbs/384Kbs, 128kbs/1.5mbs, or 384kbs/3mbs. There are even faster services available but their high cost prohibits a direct comparison with Cable and satellite. Be aware that these are maximum speed ratings and that actual speeds can vary widely depending upon your distance from the Central Office (CO). In fact, in order to get DSL your location must be within a distance of 3 cable miles from the CO. This factor severely limits the overall availability of DSL service.

With the introduction of DirecWay, high speed internet connectivity became a reality for the many thousands of users who are shut out of Cable or DSL service. DirecWay is the only broadband solution that is universally available to everyone in the continental United States and Puerto Rico. The only restriction is that you need a clear view of the southern sky.

It is a true 2-way system, meaning that you can transmit to as well as receive data from the space satellite. This feature completely eliminates the need for a dial-up connection and makes DirecWay an "always -on" service. At about 400-500kbs the download speed of satellite falls between that of Cable and standard DSL.

The big difference is in upload speed, where satellite is the slowest of the bunch. Typical upload speeds can vary between 50-100kbs which isn't much faster than conventional dial-up. What does such a slow upload speed mean to the average user? .. not much at all. While browsing the web, the only time you are uploading data is during page and file requests which are relatively small. The real power of broadband is required when downloading web pages and files from the internet, and that's exactly what DirecWay has been optimized for.

DirecWay is available to businesses as well. Business palns provide subscribers with higher speeds and more features than is included in their residential package.

The current DirecWay system is a vast improvement over the original concept. Satellite communication is now 2-way thereby eliminating the need for a dial-up connection. This amazing breakthrough allows DirecWay to compete with other broadband internet providers by offering a system that is not only "high speed" but is also "always on".

It Travels with you! - DirecWay is also the ideal solution for RV's and Boats. All you need is a special tracking antenna to get a High Speed Broadband internet connection while on the road or at sea!

• You must be within the contiguous 48 states or Puerto Rico.
• You must have a clear, unobstructed view of the southern sky.
• You must be able to mount the antenna at least 5 feet off the ground as per FCC regulations.
• You must have a computer that meets the minimum requirements.

The dish antenna used for DirecWay is much different than the standard DirecTV dish. Since DirecWay is a true 2-way service, the antenna must be able to transmit as well as receive. The size of the DirecWay dish is larger than the standard 18" DirecTV dish. If you are a DirecTV subscriber, you can purchase various upgrade kits that will enable the DirecWay antenna to also receive DirecTV signals both Standard and HD.

Installing the DirecWay dish is definitely not for the average do-it-yourselfer. It is much larger and heavier than a standard satellite TV dish, and must be precisely aimed in order to ensure proper operation. DirecWay insists that the installation be performed by a qualified professional. Standard installation is however included in the price.