Rural dialup users, there is hope!

[NZ]

I'd just like to make those people who are in places that cant get access to ADSL internet there is now a scheme called HiBIS which basically subsidises Sat net connections. It is funded by the federal goverment.

Basically if you can get ISDN access then you are eligible for 1 way sat with an ISDN uplink (or standrd modem if you chose). If you dont have ISDN then you are eligble for a 2 way sat.

The hardware and instillation is totally free and monthly bandwidth cost is subsidised. It is really cheap (by sattellite standard). They do have add ons and these vary between differnt ISP's. The one I am looking at you can upgrade to a dual channel up,lling and buy various bandwidth addons.

Sat is a little different than ADSL. For car buffs ADSL is much like a blower - instant speed. Sat is like a turbo small wait then WHOOOSH. It can be affected by heavy rainfall but having already had sat internet a few years ago its quite uncommon.

Here is a link to one of the providers I am looking at: http://www.bordernet.com.au/hibisisat.html

It's definitly worthwhile to do some research as some places are still quite exspensive for their offerings on this scheme (cough bigpond).