I have had WildBlue satellite internet for over a year. It isn't perfect, and it's not cheap, but it sure beats dialup! Be aware that it is not for gamers or for VOIP since there's lag in sending and receiving the signal (remember the satellite is some 22,000 miles up there), but for normal browsing it's just fine. Downloading is good also. I find in my area that is does slow down during the evening hours, but I understand cable and DSL do likewise. No way does it approach the speeds of wi-fi, but as I said, it's so much better than dialup. When you have no other choice, it's the best you can do. WB is a little bit less costly than HughesNet, by the way.

Right now, I have completed my initial one year contract, so I'm month to month, but until something better comes along (if ever), I'm staying with WildBlue.

Be advised not to go wild with downloading just because you have higher speeds as there is a limit on the amount of bandwidth you can use, depending on the plan you have. Don't download everything in a couple of days, but spread out your downloading because WB uses a rolling 30 day FAP. I am on the Value Plan, and I have never used even half my allowance, but then I don't download videos all day long, either.

Thanks for your answer and I do apologize for not doing a search before I posted-won't do that again. I have read the 45 answers from the first post and I'm still not sure if I will need special security measures-I have had aol and have let them provide what I thought I needed-was that dumb? Also, I do alot of online banking and I read something about secure sites having problems-any problems or suggestions with that anyone?

There are no differences in security measures using satellite, dialup, dsl, cable, or any other form of service. You do need a good anti-virus program (several good free ones recommended here), several anti-spyware programs, and a good firewall. All of these can be had for free. No matter what you're using as your Internet service, good protection is essential. The problems you probably read about secure sites involve the lack of speed on those sites. WB has been configured for good general surfing and e-mail service. The https sites open rather slowly, but I do online shopping, use my bank's site, did my income taxes using Intuit's online site and had no problems whatever. Security is not a problem at all. If you set up a home network using a router, that needs to be made secure regardless of the service you use. So no concerns with security. The main thing is a good installer who does not cut corners. I would avoid going through Dish Network or AT&T because their installers forget they are not installing satellite TV, but something more sophisticated.

This service is expensive, I think, both equipment wise and monthly charges for service, but if you have no other choice for higher speed, well. . . .

Mine is through hughs net. Like you i had no other choice.
Is rather expensive but to me it sure beats the slow dialup.
The installer was great and took his time to make sure it was right. Glad i have it.

Thanks for the info. My WildBlue is thru our local rural electric co-op so I guess they use a certain installer but thanks to you guys I'll know to ask a lot of questions and the type of questions to ask. I had to sign up for a 2 year contract in order to get it thru them and it's $100 cheaper than thru ATt&T. Anyway I've checked out as much as I can and I'm going into it expecting high speed and good things.
Thanks again

I'm a direct customer with no coop, AT&T, Dish Network, or anyone else involved. I don't know which is better, but I only had to sign up for 1 year.

There is a users' forum you might enjoy visiting. Sometimes the discussions get a little technical and sometimes a little heated, especially when some want to do a lot of "bashing" or complaining, but it is a good place to learn about these systems.

Here is a link that might be useful: users' forum