May 30, 2008 | by Ben Hardy
Satellite
DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) digital television service wowed rural dwellers by bringing the multitude of channels to the remotest of locations. Broadband satellite is doing the same thing, and though speeds might not compare to cable broadband or fiber optic, it still beats dial-up. Users can experience the same weather-related disruptions as occur with satellite television, and costs seem a little high, but such is the price for availability where other options are non-existent. Look into changing promotions, like waived equipment and installation fees (which can be $300+), and lower fees for year or two-year commitments.

Satellite

Package Name	Cost per Month	Speed Down / Up	Addresses / Storage	Extras	Availability
WildBlue Value	$45.95	512 Kbps / 128 Kbps	5	F-Secure Security service, free for one year	48 states
WildBlue Select	$69.95	1.0 Mbps / 200 Kbps	5	F-Secure Security service, free for one year	48 states
WildBlue Pro	$79.95	1.5 Mbps / 256 Kbps	10	F-Secure Security service, free for one year	48 states
HughesNet Home	$59.99	700 Kbps / 128 Kbps	5	Email defense (spam filter and anti-virus; 24/7 live support	48 states
HughesNet Pro	$69.99	1.0 Mbps / 200 Kbps	5	Email defense (spam filter and anti-virus; 24/7 live support	48 states
HughesNet ProPlus	$79.99	1.5 Mbps / 200 Kbps	5	Email defense (spam filter and anti-virus; 24/7 live support	48 states

Fiber Optic
The best of the best? Some would describe fiber optic service in such a way. The consumer will be hard-pressed to find faster internet service, though the consumer may be hard-pressed to find an area where fiber is available. The rolling-out phase of Verizon FiOS is still in progress, leaving many to pine for the blazing downstream and upstream speeds. Even if you can get it, you’re going to pay for it. $42.99 for the lowest service plan isn’t cheap, and you’ll pay more to go with a month-to-month contract, and a $79.99-per-computer installation fee may apply as well. Note: Although the Verizon FiOS website markets their “Fastest” tier at 30 Mbps downstream speed, some markets in the FiOS areas can actually get 50 Mbps downstream, enabling complete movie downloads in the blink of an eye.

Package Name	Cost per Month	Speed Down / Up	Addresses / Storage	Extras	Availability
Verizon FiOS Fast	$42.99	5 Mbps / 2 Mbps	9	10 MB for personal web page, 24/7 live technical support	16 states
Verizon FiOS Faster	$52.99	15 Mbps / 2 Mbps	9	10 MB for personal web page, 24/7 live technical support	16 states
Verizon FiOS Faster Plus	$64.99	15 Mbps / 15 Mbps	9	10 MB for personal web page, 24/7 live technical support, Verizon Internet Security Suite, 1GB Online back-up and sharing	16 states
Verizon FiOS Fastest	$139.95	30 Mbps / 15 Mbps	9	10 MB for personal web page, 24/7 live technical support, Verizon Internet Security Suite, 1GB Online back-up and sharing	16 states