Country living is great but services really do lack. We really have only one option for broadband and that’s satellite Internet. It’s OK but definitely not the same experience as DSL or cable. It is much better than dial-up!
I keep hoping that one day we’ll have DSL or cable out this way but nothing so far. I remember from class that for DSL you had to be located within 3 miles of the switch. Not sure if that is still the case today with such advancements in technology.
It’s been a trying week with our satellite Internet as we can’t download but so much within 24 hour period. It just really stinks especially during E3 week - a video game summit held in Los Angeles each year. I’ve been covering it from home for my 451 Press blog - WiiRally.com. Between downloading screenshots, videos, and other assets, I exceeded our allotment so therefore the fair use clause of our contract was enabled for 24 hours. Basically you are back to dial-up speed. That makes it nearly impossible to get much work done.
We are back to normal, so I have a lot of catching up to do this weekend as I’ve been neglecting my other blogs trying to stay on top of E3. Next week should be calmer - oh wait, there is another gaming conference next weekend but it won’t be on the scale as this one, though.
July 20th, 2008 at 4:50 am
I feel your pain. We had Wildblue up until last month when DSL finally became available in our area. I can love the internet again. Now I can play games online from my Wii, PS3 or PC and download without worrying about the fair access policy restrictions.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:30 am
It sounds like with a 24 hour limit you are probably on Hughes. WildBlue, as Damian mentioned, has a similar Fair Access Policy but is based on a rolling 30 day limit. You can read more about it here: http://www.mybluedish.com/fair-access-policy.htm
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Its the specialty and not shortcoming of country living that its far from technologies.
August 19th, 2008 at 3:30 am
I have read several posts lately that have highlighted how rural broadband is a real issue in the states. Some have stated that US coverage is as low as 61% which would be explained by such issues.
Hopefully with the development of wifi there should be increased coverage in these areas in the future.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 am
I really enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the good work.