arisk
join:2001-08-08
London, ON | Xplornet vs. Rocket/Turbo for rural dilemma I've certainly seen some previous discussions on the issue, but circumstances change and I'd like up to date info.
Xplornet has a newer satellite. Does that affect the "run, don't walk" impression of Xplornet?
Turbo/Rocket download limits/cost seem better than they were in the past.
Here is the scenario:
Rural internet with NO OTHER OPTIONS but Bell/Rogers and Xplornet via satellite.
For irrelevant reasons, the current wireless solution is becoming unworkable.
Current usage is 5GB or less per month. General web browsing, email, software/OS updates, etc.
The subscriber does not do online gaming.
Voip usability might be nice, but not currently used and not a deal breaker.
Current scenario is the subscriber uses there own router and we would like to keep it that way (3rd party F/W, more control).
I'd welcome comments:
1. A nearby resident uses Xplornet satellite and seems satisfied. Signal is not an issue (Of course ... it's satellite)
However, we can't be sure of adequate cel signal.
What is that process?
Do either of those providers offer any pre-purchase testing?
Is there a trial period with a good return policy?
2. I believe it's not an issue with Xplornet to continue using the subscribers router etc. as before.
Is there any restriction on the Bell/Roger's hardware which would be an obstacle?
Is the "hub" hardware configurable by the user and can simply be used as a bridge with wifi turned off?
Any difference in that respect Rogers vs. Bell?
3. None of the services websites really provide details of restrictions (terms of use).
Not that any of these is a current consideration, but I don't want surprises.
Peer-Peer, host servers, etc?
Blocked ports?
4. Remote access is essential.
Currently Logmein works great and I see no reason why it wouldn't continue with any of the others, but once again...no surprises.
5. It's not necessarily convenient, but I believe with the cel options, the hub is portable.
If traveling, it could be taken with you and provided the signal/service is adequate, internet is available.
It's not locked down to a local gateway or something is it?
6. My general impression at this point is that with lower monthly usage, a cel option might be more economical.
It seems if you download more, the scale tips in favour of Xplornet.
7. Other constructive comments welcome.
Any caveats I'm not aware of?
Remember the NO OTHER OPTIONS situation. |
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 GuspazGuspazPremium,MVM
join:2001-11-05
Montreal, QC
kudos:20 | Keep in mind that if you go with satellite, you can expect a minimum of ~750 millisecond pings. You've given remote access as a requirement, but all remote access solutions will be virtually unusable with those kinds of latency.
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Developer: Tomato/MLPPP, Linux/MLPPP, etc »fixppp.org |
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arisk
join:2001-08-08
London, ON | Possibly important info.
How do you define unusable?
Is the connection dropped or serious issues like that?
I've dealt with pauses, slowness, stuttering before and that can be dealt with.
It is used to assist the other end with the odd issue, not for regular use as a workstation substitute. |
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 GonePremium
join:2011-01-24
Fort Erie, ON
kudos:3
 ·Start Communicat..
| A 1-2 second delay between you and the remote access site makes it virtually unusable. Trust me, we tried it with a satellite customer a few years back when I was still in IT and it just does *not* work.
It will work over an HSPA or LTE network, though. |
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| Can you PM me your address and I can see what options you have. I'm from Bluwest Wireless.
Thanks |
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| with satellite it is all the time high latency. Your remote session more then likey will just disconnect you. |
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 donoreoPremium
join:2002-05-30
North York, ON | reply to arisk
I can connect to work over a VPN, for hours at a time, using my iPhone either tethered or as a wifi hotspot.
Prior to using that we used a Bell stick shared with a router and it worked well. |
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arisk
join:2001-08-08
London, ON | said by scorpido:Can you PM me your address and I can see what options you have. I'm from Bluwest Wireless.
Thanks
Trust me.
There are no wireless options.
As far as remote access, that's good info and I'll look into it further. Thanks.
That just may prove to be a deal breaker.
Still listening.
If satellite isn't an option, any things to be aware of with the cel alternatives? |
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GuspazGuspazPremium,MVM
join:2001-11-05
Montreal, QC
kudos:20 | reply to arisk
That at $10/GB, it can get expensive really fast. |
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arisk
join:2001-08-08
London, ON | said by Guspaz:That at $10/GB, it can get expensive really fast.
I was looking at from the perspective of the end users requirements which currently are 5GB/mo or less.
»www.bell.ca/Mobility/Products/Tu···lex_Plan
A 5GB/mo plan via Bell is $55/mo
10 GB/mo plan is $70
It certainly climbs rapidly after that.
It looks like $15/GB if you go above 15GB/mo.
Xplornet 10GB plan is $55/mo, but setup fees are higher than Bell. |
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| reply to arisk
Just shows on your username that your in London, Ont and there are lot's of options in London. |
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arisk
join:2001-08-08
London, ON | said by scorpido:Just shows on your username that your in London, Ont
I am, and happily enjoy DSL.
The location I refer to is nowhere near London. |
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| reply to arisk
There is probably more options then you are aware of.
Where is this person located ?
city/postal code |
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| reply to arisk
How well cell based solutions depend exactly how remote you are. Just kind of remote might be ok but many of the more northern sites have big issues:
-How close to the tower are you? Do you have good reception?
-The tower's backhaul: this can be a big one you might have 4/4 bars but many of the remote towers are microwave backhaulled and suffer from either being grossly under-serviced or grossly oversold.
What it means is despite being connected at hspa+ you get terribly inconsistent speeds often 1 mbps or lower, high pings, random drops (all with 4/4 bars.) Rogers and bell pull the up-to card if you call in and nothing changes. It's an exercise in frustration as you're paying the same as someone who can get fullspeed service. |
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| reply to arisk
Having tried the Xplornet/Hughesnet package for many years and now using the Rogers Rocket Hub, I can tell you that the latency issue is real and can be a big problem. My biggest issue on satellite was that there were quite a few forum web sites (especially those using SMP forum software) that would disconnect me every few seconds and were next to impossible to use. With the Rocket Hub, there is no problem at all.
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Rogers (Ericcson) Rocket Hub, Apple Intel iMac, OSX 10.6 |
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| I do not think were going to be of much help without a actual location. Just because you think that there are no options does not actually mean their are none. You might have missed one. If you can provide the town/city of the person in question it will help us more. |
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arisk
join:2001-08-08
London, ON | said by scorpido:I do not think were going to be of much help without a actual location. Just because you think that there are no options does not actually mean their are none. You might have missed one. If you can provide the town/city of the person in question it will help us more.
I really don't get this.
I stated the facts (twice in and in caps) in my first posting to try to avoid this type of diversion.
I'm intimately familiar with the location. I know the options. You don't.
Just to quiet you a bit, it's in Grey County and don't you dare say there are other options, because at this specific location there aren't.
There have been some tidbits of useful info and to those posts I'd like to say thanks. |
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GuspazGuspazPremium,MVM
join:2001-11-05
Montreal, QC
kudos:20 | You know exactly what providers have equipment on every single tall structure or tower within a several mile radius of your location, which providers have plans to do so in the future, and also know the business plans of every small wireless provider in the country to be able to predict with perfect accuracy which of them might be willing to install new equipment to service you?
I think you're being arrogant, and unfair to scorpido, who is only trying to help.
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Developer: Tomato/MLPPP, Linux/MLPPP, etc »fixppp.org |
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| reply to arisk
Neither Xplornet nor the Rocket/Turbo hub's will give you internet anything even remotely like what you expect in the city. you will be gouged with overcharges, and your service will not preform near advertised in the peak hours.
Xplornet's new satellite gets slower every day as they pile in more users on it.
It took me 10minuets to find a wisp with google in your area. www.maximumisp.com
Maximum isp assuming you can get signal will provide you with a far more consistent fast speed as well as unlimited internet.
You will have to get a free site survey to confirm you can receive signal.
If we had some more specific location information there might even be more we can recommend. |
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arisk
join:2001-08-08
London, ON | said by Guspaz:You know exactly what providers have equipment on every single tall structure or tower within a several mile radius of your location,
Yes, as related to internet providers.
which providers have plans to do so in the future,
There are many others besides me who have already looked into the available providers.
This issue of lack of providers is many years old and has been followed and examined by many locals who are familiar with the local situation.
The proper people have already been consulted. Answers have already been given.
I think you're being arrogant, and unfair to scorpido, who is only trying to help.
I know far more about the specifics in the area.
Derailing a thread because you believe you know more about a specific locale is where the arrogance lies.
said by OHSrob:Neither Xplornet nor the Rocket/Turbo hub's will give you internet anything even remotely like what you expect in the city. you will be gouged with overcharges, and your service will not preform near advertised in the peak hours.
I never said I had any of those expectations. Did you see "NO OTHER OPTIONS"?
I simply was looking at differences between the two to make the most informed decision.
It took me less than 10minuets to find a wisp with google in your area. www.maximumisp.com
Why do you think I didn't already do that? No service to the location I refer to.
I fail to understand why I when I provide specific details and facts, the discussion gets derailed.
If I tell you my local grocery store only sells apples, oranges and bananas, don't tell me to buy pineapples.
The answers and discussions which have stayed on topic have been useful and to those posters thanks for the info.
I've learned a few things relevant to the mentioned services which warrant consideration.
I guess this all serves to demonstrate the "rural divide" as far as internet service.
Even when pointed out in black and white, some people simply can't comprehend that there are areas without good options. |
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