9. Satellite broadband continued

There are two methods in use

One way broadband

The satellite provides the download link, but a normal ADSL ground connection provides the uplink.

For example, a farm needs a good download speed for running their business but they only need a moderate upload speed. But the nearest exchange is miles away so normal broadband is not available.

A satellite link can be purchased to receive data and a telephone connection to make uploads.

This may be the only choice in a rural area for a reasonable internet experience - a good high speed satellite connection allows you to view internet streams such as video, whilst a slow telephone connection provides the low bandwidth control and upload link.

Two way broadband

For two-way satellite broadband, the equipment includes a specialised satellite modem. This both sends and receives data with the use is a satellite dish pointing at the satellite. Latency remains an issue but it does offer typically 3-4 Mbps downloads and 380 Kbps uploads.

With upwards of 3000 people on a cruise ship, their challenge is to offer a reasonable internet service for everyone on board willing to pay the daily fee for connection.