How does VSAT work?

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VSAT stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal, but you probably know it as mini-dish satellite communications. These have been very popular, of course, for satellite TV operations, but they can also be used in two-way data applications as well. They can be very cost effective, especially when the only alternative is dial-up (or when there is no other alternative at all).

To use a VSAT, you'll need an unobstructed view of the southern sky -- the farther north you are, the lower you'll have to aim. Otherwise, though, you can expect throughput of a few hundred KBps -- not really that different from DSL, and just as easy to interface.