In my role at 80211.net I am currently
investigating satellite Internet access as a solution for some mobile
hotspots, remote locations, and rural users.  I am impressed that
years after hearing of the plans, there are several companies that are
on the verge of introducing satellite Internet access at competitive
prices.

There are several new technologies that are enabling this service, and
one of them is the Ka satellite band.  From what I understand, in
the Ka architecture, there are numerous satellites that are each
providing “spot” coverage that only covers a limited geographic
area.  In the one system that I am investigating there are 28
overlapping “spots” to cover the United States … up to 150 miles
offshore.

A user of one of these systems can expect to see decent bandwidth – up
to 3Mbps down, 1.5Mbps up – for a competitive price – somewhere around
$50-$80/month.  This is higher then in the center of a city
someplace, but that is the point … you can get satellite Internet
access anywhere!

The current generation of equipment seems to be based around fixed
dish, and “mobile” dish usage, however you can not yet use it while “in
motion”.  The completely stabilized versions are coming next year
… then things will get even better!