If you’re going to spend the money on an iPad, be sure that you can access the web on the device. You don’t have to have constant access to the web to enjoy your iPad, but you will get more from your apps and games if you do.

Constant online access means surfing the web from anywhere in the house at any time.

Get additional info on wireless satellite Internet.

Create a wireless network from your satellite Internet connection

An account with one of the high speed satellite Internet providers will get you half way there. Next you’ll need to create a wireless network using a router.

You’ll be able to connect to the Internet just as you would from any other computer. Being able to connect your iPad to the Internet will enable you to access all of the device’s features.

Make sure to create a password protected network. A password prevents others from jumping on your network and slowing down your connection. Using a password protected network will also help with keeping your personal info safe.

Wireless Internet and dial-up Internet is not the same as satellite Internet

At this point, iPads do not have USB or modem ports, which means it’s not possible to connect to the web via a wireless air card or dial-up.

Rural residents have a hard time getting high speed Internet-that’s no secret. Thousands of rural residents are frustrated by this fact. For those that want to know, here is why it’s difficult to get high speed Internet in rural areas.

Rural areas can rarely rely on cable or DSL Internet

Cable or DSL Internet requires actual cable or wires to run near every home or business that wants to subscribe to the broadband. If you were to see underground, you would see the infrastructure for the Internet plus gas, water, and other utilities.

Get more information on rural Internet access.

As you can imagine, cable and DSL infrastructure is expensive, which is why few wireline broadband Internet providers have invested in it.

Wireless Internet can cost a lot and be limiting

Cellular wireless Internet and radio-based wireless Internet are two different types of wireless Internet available to rural residents.

You need a cell phone connection for cellular wireless. To get access, tether a computer to your phone or insert an air card into the computer. You pay based on the minutes you spend online, and that can get expensive fast if you don’t watch your time close.

Cordless phones and radio-based wireless Internet work similarly. A radio tower no more than six miles away will send and receive radio waves from a box set up on the outside of your home. If you live more than six miles (or so) away from a radio tower, you might not get to use this type of high speed Internet.

Without a clear view of the southern sky you won’t get satellite Internet

Because the cost is low and because satellite Internet is available most everywhere, it is a popular option for rural residents. However, if you don’t have a clear view of the southern sky (toward the equator where the orbiting satellite rests 22,000 miles into space), then satellite Internet won’t work for you.

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Dial-up is slow

Anyone with a land-based phone line in rural areas can get dial-up Internet, but the reality is that it’s just not high speed Internet. However, it will be a slow connection that runs around 56 kbits.

Do your research before signing on with a satellite Internet provider to make sure you understand your options. The following rural Internet service questions are a good starting point, but you should research each of the rural Internet providers further before committing.

Who do I call when I have a problem with my satellite Internet service?

If a problem arises-like you forget how to pay a bill online or you’re having trouble logging on-make sure it’s easy to contact customer support. In addition to an online FAQ or self-help section, make sure the broadband satellite Internet service you choose has a phone number and email address you can use to get help.

Get more information on rural Internet service providers.

Do I have to buy or lease hardware and software to get rural satellite Internet service?

Most of the time this will be the same for every broadband satellite Internet service: a minidish, cables, modem, and computer loaded with the latest web browser and anti-virus software. For optimal web viewing and more memory, update your operating system.

How fast will my satellite Internet connection be?

Rural Internet providers probably get asked this question most often. Expect speeds between 512 Kbps and 1.5 Mbps, but ask anyway since every plan is different.

What if I want to end the rural Internet service contract?

You may find yourself wanting to cancel your service before the standard 12- to 24-month contract period is up.

What about special discounts and bonuses?

Not all specials are advertised online, so ask the rural Internet provider what type of bonuses or discounts they are currently offering. It never hurts to ask.

Many rural residents still do not have access to high speed Internet. Satellite Internet is available, but not widely used even though it’s faster than dial-up.

Get more information on rural high speed Internet.

Regardless of why someone doesn’t have rural high speed Internet, there are locations that offer free access for visitors. In fact, many businesses and public facilities will create a wi-fi network (wireless Internet connection) that users can access for free or for a small fee. This is often called a “hot spot,” or a wireless Internet connection that anyone can connect to from their own computer-sometimes with a password and sometimes without.

Assuming the business uses broadband satellite for its rural high-speed Internet, then it’s simple for them to create a wireless network using a router. Once they have the network set-up, it’s just a matter of promoting the wi-fi availability to its patrons.

These businesses and organizations often offer free Internet access.

Local libraries: If funds allow, many libraries give free Internet access to members. Even if you don’t have a library card you may be able to get online from some libraries.

Coffee shops – Probably the first to offer free Internet to its patrons, coffee shops notoriously offer wi-fi. Starbucks set that trend.

More and more fast food restaurants offer free Internet access. And those aren’t the only types of restaurants that do. Slower paced bars and restaurants now offer high-speed Internet access for free as well. If you prefer this option, make sure there are enough electrical outlets. Find out if your Internet access will be limited during their busy times.

Some (not many) airlines and bus and train lines offer free wi-fi. Amtrak does give its passengers free online access.

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Three ways to tell if a location has free online access

1 – On Yelp.com you can search for nearby locations with free wi-fi. 2: Simply look on the store or restaurants window for a sticker or sign that advertises free wi-fi. 3. A Wi-Fi Hotspot Detector will help you detect available wireless Internet access in the nearby vicinity.

The government is relying on many programs, including the Internet Recovery Act Program to motivate the economy. The government sees a number of opportunities that could result out of the act, including the following.

Learn more about the Internet Recovery Act Program.

Promote job growth within the rural broadband industry

The orbiting satellites required for broadband satellite in rural areas are already in use. The government sees this as an opportunity, because extra funds are not needed to get the industry up and running.

While the infrastructure is there, some of the staff is not. With more rural broadband subscribers, the providers will need to hire new installers and customer support staff among others.

Increase investment in rural businesses

The Internet Recovery Act will benefit more than satellite Internet industry. High speed Internet connections allow businesses to do work more efficiently and from any location.

For example, farmers can access the web from the field, and retailers can keep up with modern-day best practices thanks to web-enabled inventory systems. These two examples prove that when compared to dial-up Internet, satellite Internet will let rural businesses do more work in less time.

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Encourage individuals to invest in rural broadband

A total of $7.2 billion has been funneled into the Internet Recovery Act by the government. Those who live west of the Mississippi River and do not have access to wireline Internet like cable or DSL may be eligible for reduced price satellite Internet and a free leased minidish and modem.

In order to take advantage of the discounted rates (the rate stays the same for as long as they subscribe), a subscriber must commit to 12 months of service. With this commitment, both the rural resident and the satellite Internet provider benefit long term.