I've recently moved to a county in Virginia where cable and DSL service is not available. I did some research into Direcway and Starband satellite services. On the recommendation of two co-workers and my own research, I passed on the satellite option, citing its dial-up like service, latency, and the high cost of the hardware and the monthly service fee.
I must say, at this point I was a little down and out until I came across Verizon's Broadband Access. Although the new network is only available in DC and San Diego, I am pretty satisfied with the slower National Access service. See the service availability map for details. I've clocked my speed on the National Access network at 79k down and 74K up with average file download speeds of 24k. This sure beats dial up. The card I use is the AirPrime PC 5220, capable of accessing both networks.
On my way to Newport News yesterday evening, I browsed the Internet and streamed Sean Hannity's show from 770 WABC out of New York. I never lost the connection the entire 50 minute drive, even when I had a very weak signal. I even had an IM conversation with my good friend Brendan Tompkins.
Verizon says in their April 14th press release, they will begin rolling out their new Broadband Access Network beginning sometime in May. When this happens, speeds will be 300-500k up and down with bursts to 2mb.
Verizon's wireless Internet service reaches my house where other services do not. Verizon's Broadband and National Access networks allow me to take my Internet connection anywhere there service reaches. The speed is good, cheaper than satellite, and only thirty or so dollars more than DSL or cable. For those of us who live in the boonies, this is a great option.
Additional Info: http://codebetter.com/blogs/mark.digiovanni/archive/2004/08/10/21628.aspx.
*The frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page that I put together can be found here:*
http://codebetter.com/blogs/mark.digiovanni/archive/2005/01/29.aspx
--Mark