Recommended Tests

I looked in the testmy.net "host" database

starband.net Download Average = 488 Kbps :: 60 kB/sec
starband.net Upload Average     = 60 Kbps :: 7 kB/s

Reviews:
"I ordered the business package, which was 1.5 down/760 UP. I have been getting about 1100 up and 1200-1500 down." - AT $125 PER MONTH

"Speeds have hovered around 450/90. Not amazing, but livable. With no other broadband options available, this is the best way to ride" - AT $69 PER MONTH

"The fastest connection (for up) on their site that I could find is 256Kbps."

You asked how others compare: I have adelphia 4000/430 (or so) I dont know the price because I have a cable TV & cable internet deal at less then $60 a month I think...

If Starband is a satellite connection then you will have to ask one of the regulars.  It gets complicated with satellite.  The tweek setup is different, thats all I know.

Hmm...

I am in California, since they redirect everthing over here would I get better speeds?

I've never been a big reliant on Customer Service. Plus, I've tried calling twice and both times I've had a nice guy help me out. They spoke english without an accent and it was easy to understand them.

but as I was saying, Once I have the satellite I won't be contacting them at all (most likely). I'm a pretty smart guy when it comes to computers and I can figure stuff out on my own.

I just want my speeds to be decent.

You won't see that on Spacenet.

Just 5 minutes ago it took 4 minutes to download 17 headers with no attachments on the news server.
And then another 7 minutes to open the headers and read the text messages.


All major websites are loading at a snail's pace.

I am giving serious consideration to not paying my bill this month or any other month.
It's really difficult justifying paying almost $100.00 for a month of service that isn't any better than my 10.95 per month people pc dial up account.

I get a chucklle when I read comments like "stay away" with no details to back it up. It all depends upon what your options are and if you have none besides dial-up. Also, the exact same thing can be said about DirecWay according to some that aren't happy either. Bottom line is you must know what you are getting going into it and not expect it to be something it's not. Plus, a LOT depends upon the package you have. Both Starband and DirecWay have better performance with their most expensive package. Bottom line is that just like everything else you pay for what you get. Granted, satellite ISP is at least 3X what you would pay for a similar DSL/Cable connection. However even paying the high-end of $150/month with no contract with Starband is still a much more viable option than a T1. For example, my ONLY choices here are dial-up, satellite or T1. A fractioned 256 T1 costs $800 per month from AT&T which was the cheapest contract offer I could get. Sprint is the ONLY other service that would run a T1 for me and their contract was not as good as AT&T.

My point is, all of this boils down to what your options are and what would be reasonable in comparison to it. For me, even $150-200 would be cheap compared to a T1 option. Others may have other choices, but you must do your own research to find out exactly what your limitations are and get CONTRACT BIDS if considering T1.

Many users are VERY happy with their Starband 484 service level. It would seem from the feedback of the users I know that have it, this is the way to go. It has NO FAP and the speeds are much better than their other packages due to it being a higher tier of service and pricing.

Here is some 484 examples:

::::::::::.. Download Stats ..::::::::::
Connection is:: 1003 Kbps about 1 Mbps (tested with 1496 KB)
Download Speed is:: 122 kB/s
Tested From:: »www.testmy.net/
Test Time:: Sun Feb 6 11:11:32 EST 2005
Bottom Line:: 18X faster than 56K 1MB download in 8.39 sec
Validation Link:: »testmy.net/id-0LUA6IO7P

::::::::::.. Upload Stats ..::::::::::
Connection is:: 198 Kbps about 0.2 Mbps (tested with 2992 KB)
Upload Speed is:: 24 kB/s
Tested From:: »www.testmy.net/
Test Time:: Sun Feb 6 11:14:27 EST 2005
Bottom Line:: 4X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 42.67 sec
Validation Link:: »testmy.net/id-0TWDP4BVJ


Until Wild Blue becomes an actual viable product on the market, I would strongly consider the 484 due to the results most are getting. Once Wild Blue takes off, it will still remain to be seen how service compares but things could be interesting if they can make their claims a reality.

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Could you please post your upload and download score with validation links and host info.... Thanks!

I get this for 59.99/month lowest package DirecWay has, equipment $500....15 month contract.

::::::::::.. Download Stats ..::::::::::
Connection is:: 1004 Kbps about 1 Mbps (tested with 1496 kB)
Download Speed is:: 123 kB/s
Tested From:: http://www.testmy.net/
Test Time:: Thu Mar 24 05:46:38 EST 2005
Bottom Line:: 18X faster than 56K 1MB download in 8.33 sec
Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 21.4 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)
Validation Link:: http://testmy.net/stats/id-5PRIL0847

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::::::::::.. Upload Stats ..::::::::::
Connection is:: 68 Kbps about 0.1 Mbps (tested with 97 kB)
Upload Speed is:: 8 kB/s
Tested From:: http://www.testmy.net/
Test Time:: Thu Mar 24 05:54:05 EST 2005
Bottom Line:: 1X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 128 sec
Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 65.85 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)
Validation Link:: http://testmy.net/stats/id-3QUA9ZNT5