Satellite Internet is widely available now around the world however just like most other broadband technologies there are certain requirements that must be met before satellite Internet can be used, one of these being line of sight as just like any other satellite technologies is essential.

Line of Sight

This concept is best described as being the ability to draw a straight line between two objects without any other objects interfering or getting in the way. If this can be done then line of sight exists and it this theory that is required by satellite technology. To illustrate this imagine a dish placed on top of a building or in field which points into the sky at an orbiting satellite. The satellite is placed in what is termed a geosynchronous orbit which basically means that it moves at the same speed that the earth rotates and as remains at the same point in space relative to the earth. The precise positioning of satellite and dish enable a direct line of sight to be achieved and hence a link can be established.

What Would I Need?

You will need a PC running Microsoft Windows95 or later with a processor of at least a 200mhz accompanied with a minimum of 32MB RAM and enough hard drive space to store the software that your ISP will provide. These specs are not official, and will vary from different ISP requirements. In most cases the satellite ISP will provide the rest, these are: