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#1 2003-03-12 4:09 am
- Zyprexa
- Member
- From: Kelsey,CA
- Registered: 2002-08-29
- Posts: 45
broadband in rural America
Does anyone have any ideas about broadband solutions in rural parts of the country. I have Direct TV and they are always advertising for satelite internet, yet it is not for the Mac. Is there a workaround for this? Any other companies offering satelite solutions for the Mac? My dial-up runs at 28000 bps at best due to old lines. Please help. 
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#2 2003-03-12 6:01 am
- smd3
- Member
- Registered: 2002-10-24
- Posts: 385
Re: broadband in rural America
One work-around would be to build an inexpensive PC box and use WindozeXP's internet connection sharing feature. You could get a capable AMD box for $100.
That price includes Case, Motherboard with integrated sound/video, Powersupply, Network card, AthlonXP 1500 (1.33ghz).
You would have to add a hard-drive, cdrom, another network card, keyboard, mouse, monitor.
HD 20gb - $50
network card (10/100) - $3
keyboard - $8
mouse - $1
cdrom - $19
monitor (15") - $80
WindowsXP (pro) - $131 
-- that's a full version OEM, comes with a mouse. 
All prices are quoted from pricewatch. Prices will vary, but already include shipping as quoted.
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#3 2003-03-12 2:26 pm
- test
- Member
- From: Collingwood, Ont., CANADA
- Registered: 2002-12-13
- Posts: 5300
Re: broadband in rural America
Holy crap! If you have to build a Windows box just to access the 'net then WTF is the point? I don't know abouth the rest of you, but Windows is the reason why I use a Macintosh. Anything that only works with Windows just doesn't matter.
Patience is a virtue of the weak for it makes them stand still long enough for the strong to crush them with ease.
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#4 2003-03-12 2:50 pm
- Old Time Hockey
- The Iron League
- From: Kingdom of Loathing
- Registered: 2003-02-02
- Posts: 303
Re: broadband in rural America
One guy put on a directional antenna and stuff on a church that he attended and beamed the signal across the lake he lived on.
"In the heat of battle, my father wove a tapestry of obscenity that, as far as we know, is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan."
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#5 2003-03-12 3:11 pm
- Short Circuit
- authorized airduct engineer
- From: UESC Marathon
- Registered: 2002-05-17
- Posts: 4739
Re: broadband in rural America
One guy put on a directional antenna and stuff on a church that he attended and beamed the signal across the lake he lived on.
What did the reverend say to him downloading pr0n ? 
W
Frog7blast the ventcore!
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#6 2003-03-12 5:41 pm
- smd3
- Member
- Registered: 2002-10-24
- Posts: 385
Re: broadband in rural America
Yeah, using a PC as a router isn't an ideal solution. But if you are desparate for high-speed internet and satellite is the only way to go it may be your only answer.
maybe there's some hardware routers out by now that will work with the modem type device of satellite internet.
it'd be nice if they set it up so you only needed DHCP, like cable.
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#7 2003-03-12 6:58 pm
- mtpalms
- plz stand by
- From: Telstar
- Registered: 2002-09-16
- Posts: 4534
Re: broadband in rural America
I feel your pain, my internet connection at home gets worse and worse, I can't connect any faster than 28Kbps on average, although I got a 38.8 connection Sunday. Our phone line is so bad, the fax machine spits out bad line condition errors!
I have dsl here at work, but we're closing our store in July, and I don't know what I'll do then; I am soooo spoiled now. I've looked into satellite, but the company
http://www.net2dish.com/
that supports Mac is B2B, and their setup costs $100s and $80 a month. One caveat:
Can I directly connect a Macintosh or UNIX machine using DIRECWAY?
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#8 2003-03-12 9:14 pm
- MacBoy4139
- BHA
- From: Big Hair Anonymous
- Registered: 2000-10-31
- Posts: 10911
Re: broadband in rural America
I wonder if it is possible to just use a PC/Mac router as the gateway - it is what really connects to the net for the Mac. Or is my logic totally out of whack because I shouldn't have had that second margarita?
Dive in the Pool!
I'm still trying to figure out if you're a girl posing as Macboy4139, or a boy posing as a girl, and a bit confused sexually. <shrug> laughinol
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#9 2003-03-14 1:42 am
Re: broadband in rural America
I feel your pain, my internet connection at home gets worse and worse, I can't connect any faster than 28Kbps on average, although I got a 38.8 connection Sunday. Our phone line is so bad, the fax machine spits out bad line condition errors!
I have dsl here at work, but we're closing our store in July, and I don't know what I'll do then; I am soooo spoiled now. I've looked into satellite, but the company
http://www.net2dish.com/
that supports Mac is B2B, and their setup costs $100s and $80 a month. One caveat:Can I directly connect a Macintosh or UNIX machine using DIRECWAY?
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#10 2003-03-14 10:54 am
- mtpalms
- plz stand by
- From: Telstar
- Registered: 2002-09-16
- Posts: 4534
Re: broadband in rural America
I feel your pain, my internet connection at home gets worse and worse, I can't connect any faster than 28Kbps on average, although I got a 38.8 connection Sunday. Our phone line is so bad, the fax machine spits out bad line condition errors!
I have dsl here at work, but we're closing our store in July, and I don't know what I'll do then; I am soooo spoiled now. I've looked into satellite, but the company
http://www.net2dish.com/
that supports Mac is B2B, and their setup costs $100s and $80 a month. One caveat:Can I directly connect a Macintosh or UNIX machine using DIRECWAY?
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#11 2003-03-14 3:34 pm
Re: broadband in rural America
Lack of Mac support to me simply means that they don't want to hire someone who is Mac savvy to troubleshoot and help customers. It probably just isn't cost effective in their eyes. It doesn't mean it can't be done, or requires any special software, or hardware, especially in OS X. In OS 9, my dsl connection relies on software called MacPoet.
MacPoet is an awful application from what I heard. Fortunately it's not necessary. OSX has built in PPPoE support and most routers support it as well. Most readers of this form could probably setup a PPPoE system, even if the installers could not.
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#12 2003-03-14 3:54 pm
- mtpalms
- plz stand by
- From: Telstar
- Registered: 2002-09-16
- Posts: 4534
Re: broadband in rural America
MacPoet isn't just a nuisance, it's required for OS 9 Earthlink dsl connetcions.
I'm pretty much in OS X all the time now, and all it requires is opening Internet Connect and connecting, just like with dial up. That is what makes me wonder about the 'Mac not supported' issues, when X doesn't seem to need any special treatment; I have the same dsl modem as anyone else. Why would I need a special router or something for satellite?
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#13 2003-03-14 9:12 pm
Re: broadband in rural America
MacPoet isn't just a nuisance, it's required for OS 9 Earthlink dsl connetcions.
Not quite true. I have Earthlink DSL, and before OS X, I used MacPoET, but after the Mindspring merger, they also started providing "NTS Enternet 100", which connects without any effort on your behalf. It's much better.
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#14 2003-03-14 9:15 pm
- sparkn
- Conspirator
- From: South of Canada
- Registered: 2000-03-01
- Posts: 3058
Re: broadband in rural America
There isn't very much coverage yet, but some companies like www.prairieinet.net are putting up RF internet on grain towers. It provides about 6 miles of coverage from the antenna.
Prairieinet.net is currently in Iowa and Illinois. I don't know who is doing other states, but it certainly looks promising for rural folks who have a direct line of sight to the towers.
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#15 2003-03-15 4:42 pm
- iMoney
- Member
- From: Pendleton, IN
- Registered: 2002-07-13
- Posts: 64
Re: broadband in rural America
Ok, the old directway modem you could be hacked to work fine w/ routers, but the new modem has to have software running on the computer to do the work for the modem, the work the old model modem did inside its self. So basically you have to have a Windows XP computer running INTERNET SHARING routed out to the macs to have broadband access in the booonies. There is also a buisness version of this service which cost more, but is mac-compatible, meaning it has mac software. At my home I have the normal direct way, because I am in a house full of switchers so I have plenty of spare PC's around the house. I have to say the satellite is a bit buggy at times and the uploads suck, but with what your speed sounds like it is better than it. If you do end up getting it go over to dslreports.com into the FAQs section and the have tons of info on how to make your sat go faster.
B & O = best a/v<BR>Apple = best <BR>computers
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#16 2003-03-16 8:38 am
Re: broadband in rural America
Hey...
I had seen this Thread a few days ago, but then remembered it while checking out the latest info over at MacInTouch.
StarBand (the main competitor to DirectPC) released a high speed modem for its system that couples a four port router into the modem, making it platform independant. It works just fine with Macs.
From their press release in January:
LAS VEGAS, NV, CES BOOTH # 27171, January 9, 2003 - StarBand, America's first consumer high-speed, two-way satellite Internet provider, today announced the launch of the StarBand 480 Pro, a professional-strength, network-ready, business-grade satellite modem delivering faster speeds, instant networking capability and enhanced software embedded on the modem allowing greater connectivity and software options.
The StarBand 480 Pro provides high performance service with peak download speeds of more than one megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds two to three times faster than current StarBand service.
"Today we added another dimension to the depth and breadth of the StarBand product line," said StarBand Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Zur Feldman. "The StarBand 480 Pro is proof that StarBand listens to our customers and delivers on their needs. It showcases our commitment to be the pioneer in delivering a range of higher-speed satellite Internet solutions to the marketplace."
The StarBand 480 Pro satellite modem, developed for StarBand by Gilat Satellite Networks, integrates a four-port Ethernet router enabling instant networking of multiple personal computers to provide maximum flexibility for networked environments. With the product software and intelligence now embedded on the satellite modem, business customers enjoy networked high-speed access over such local area network (LAN) solutions as - Windows, UNIX, Linux, Macintosh and other Ethernet platforms.
"The StarBand 480 Pro is truly plug and play," said StarBand Sales & Marketing Vice President Howard Lossing. "With no software to load and no drivers to install, the new StarBand 480 Pro delivers a robust gateway. We think the new features, the faster speed and the added value built in to the StarBand 480 Pro make it extremely attractive to small businesses and corporate teleworkers."
The StarBand 480 Pro will have a limited roll out to several hundred customers in the First Quarter of 2003. Full product roll out will begin in the Second Quarter and will be offered through the StarBand network of more than 2,300 Direct Dealers located throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information about StarBand and the StarBand 480 Pro, please visit: www.StarBand.com.
This should fit your needs just fine.
CharlesJR
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#17 2003-03-16 10:03 am
- joemikeb
- Member
- From: North Texas
- Registered: 2000-04-22
- Posts: 1424
Re: broadband in rural America
This should fit your needs just fine
Yeah, if only they supported Macs. It is still a Windows only system. 
G4 dual 1.25 Ghz MDD 1.5 GB, OS X 10.4.5
G4/733 Quicksilver 1.3 GB, OS X 10.4.5
iBook G4/1.25, 1 GB, OS X 10.4.5
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#18 2003-03-16 5:38 pm
Re: broadband in rural America
This should fit your needs just fine
Yeah, if only they supported Macs. It is still a Windows only system.
The whole point is that it DOES support Macs.
Sorry to be obtuse here, but the whole reason I posted the article was that it specifically mentions that all the software and control is located in THE MODEM, making the thing a platform-independant solution.
It's no different then my Linksys Wireless Router. Good luck finding any direct support for a Mac, but the thing works flawlessly in my all Mac network. Point any web browser to it to configure.
Again, I got the link from a Mac site called MacInTouch. The link is here. It's a discussion about the same issues/questions you brought up. Specifically, someone mentions this product.
Again, the point is that StarBand, with this product, has produced a self contained, modem, router, and gateway THAT NEEDS NOT SPECIAL SOFTWARE or DRIVERS, so its platform independant.
Plug in your Mac, configure like any other router, and go.
Should be pretty darn simple.
CharlesJR
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#19 2003-03-16 6:33 pm
- test
- Member
- From: Collingwood, Ont., CANADA
- Registered: 2002-12-13
- Posts: 5300
Re: broadband in rural America
Their web site does state the connection must be made through a Windows PC acting as a gateway, but Macs and/or Linux machines can be networked. Kinda makes it useless, as far as I am concerned.
http://www.starband.com/faq/topquestions.htm#mac
Patience is a virtue of the weak for it makes them stand still long enough for the strong to crush them with ease.
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#20 2003-03-16 8:18 pm
Re: broadband in rural America
Their web site does state the connection must be made through a Windows PC acting as a gateway, but Macs and/or Linux machines can be networked. Kinda makes it useless, as far as I am concerned.
http://www.starband.com/faq/topquestions.htm#mac
The StarBand Model 360 satellite modem must be connected to a PC running a Microsoft Windows
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#21 2003-03-16 8:37 pm
Re: broadband in rural America
CharlesJR quoted article above is refering to the new StarBand 480 Pro.
What he said.
The StarBand 480 Pro is their newest modem solution and will function as the modem, gateway, and router with embedded software. Plug it into the satellite, then plug your computers into it. Hit the router with yer trusty web browser to set it up, then go.
Couple of cavets for ya:
It was only rolled out to about 2800 people in the first quarter of 2003. By April/May it will available nationwide (that means you).
It may only be available in their Business Class pricing, though I'm not sure why they would do that (other than the money). Getting Business Class service may be overkill for you, but it would pretty much get you Broadband, though for a pretty steep price (around $150/month if I read it correctly). Their Broadband solution is set up to actually be FASTER during large downloads (like FTP sites) then casual web surfing. Though it should still be significantly faster than surfing on dialup.
Again, hope all of this helps. Try calling a StarBand provider and asking about the new modem. I really think it will be the answer to your question.
BTW: one final point. If you indeed must use the Business Class service, and the new modem is priced close to the old one, you really should consider the cheap Wintel-as-a-gateway solution. In a year, you would have paid close to $800 extra just to get this modem/gateway in increased Business fees over Residential Fees. Just a thought.
CharlesJR
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#22 2003-03-16 9:19 pm
- test
- Member
- From: Collingwood, Ont., CANADA
- Registered: 2002-12-13
- Posts: 5300
Re: broadband in rural America
Well, I stand corrected. It is nice to see a product that works with real computers.
Patience is a virtue of the weak for it makes them stand still long enough for the strong to crush them with ease.
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#23 2003-03-17 3:49 pm
- mtpalms
- plz stand by
- From: Telstar
- Registered: 2002-09-16
- Posts: 4534
Re: broadband in rural America
MacPoet isn't just a nuisance, it's required for OS 9 Earthlink dsl connetcions.
Not quite true. I have Earthlink DSL, and before OS X, I used MacPoET, but after the Mindspring merger, they also started providing "NTS Enternet 100", which connects without any effort on your behalf. It's much better.
Thanks, I'll look into that.
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#24 2005-05-24 5:12 am
- adambcohen
- Member
- Registered: 2005-05-24
- Posts: 1
Re: broadband in rural America
I have read all of your post and now realize that they are a couple years old. Anyway I will post this and hopefully it will help. Starband now has two models out one is the 481 modem which will connect directly to a router. However; make sure you go into a switch to connect all of your computers. The second is the 480 which is a modem and router in one.
Now as far as directway they say they have a new modem model out too. I think it is dw600 or 6000.
Finally in July Wild Blue will be out. They are promising speeds of dsl to cable modem. And the setup is like them both too.
I hope this helps out. Adam Cohen
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