VoIP and Satellite

[Coelus]

So I had satellite broadband installed since that's our only option here; with the understanding that it would work with VoIP. Now it seems I was a bit misinformed. Most VoIP isn't recommended for use over satellite because they can't guarantee the performance. One of the reasons I justified broadband at home was that I could cut the phone bill down. to even things out.

Has anyone tried the combo anyway, or recommend one of they few companies that do support this?

[Cre8tiveVisuals]

IMO, satellite broadband internet isn't a good solution if you are going to use VoIP services such as Vonage Skype, Magic Jack etc.
The problem is satellite service don't provide customers enough upload bandwidth unless you pay for the highest tier package, and even stil, upload speeds are going to average around 160Kbps with spikes into the low 200Kbps range during off peak hours. And don't forget, you're sending the signal up to the satellite then down to it's destination and latency is going to be a hugh issue.

One thing you can do if you are using Vonage is log into your Vonage account online and adjust the bandwidth you are wanting to allocate to the service. Not sure if that will help much, but it's an option and worth a shot.

[Coelus]

I haven't signed up for any of the VoIP's yet. I'm still looking for one that will work. I found a couple that claim that they will.

[deep_creek]

try out the free skype option and see how it works before signing up for subscription. you might also have a feature on your router to give voip priority that might help it a bit.

[Coelus]

I don't know if I would be comfortable eliminating my land line and having skype. No 911 service and I can't keep my current phone number. I'll have to check and see if the satellite modem supports VoIP priority, but I don't think it does.

[nastytrucker]

I live about 1.5hrs NW of Houston and Satellite was our only option. We have WildBlue, and I was told it would work with online gaming when I signed up for the service. It will connect but the Ping is Soooooooooooooooooo slow that I cant play. I dont know how well Voip will work, I have done videochat with my wife when I have been on the road and there is a pretty good lag before she hears me or responds. Once the data goes to the sat. and then gets back down the connection speed is pretty good. Be careful of the Fair Access Policy that all sat. internet providers have. I know WildBlue is limited to 17gb a month for our plan and Hughesnet is limited to 500mb per day I believe. You can go over this is if you start downloading movies and such quick. Overall I am pleased with our service. Some people may bash satellite, but THAT IS MY ONLY OPTION. I could get a T1 line installed for about $40,000 plus $300 per month for service but ummm yeah. Satellite it is.

[Coelus]

I'm kind of in the same area, maybe a little closer to Houston. The new subdivisions in the area all get cable and DSL service. Us poor legacy family farms that have been here for over 120 years get squat. Thank you Harris county.

I'm limited to 500mb/hour, download.

[Bob_S]

Another problem with it is the latency. It just takes a long time for the signal to travel up there and back. You'd end up interrupting people all of the time. The previous concerns are valid too about the bandwidth. Also not all voip providers are the same. I had one before Vonage and it was a POS where as my Vonage sounds just like a land line even with the 3 IPSs I have used.