Remember back in the day when you would hear a connection noise on the line if you wanted to use the phone while someone else was on the internet? Well with traditional broadband it’s still the same today. Data is transmitted back and forth from your property using the same copper telephone lines that enable you to make phone calls, the only difference is that a DSL (digital subscriber line) splitter is used to allow this single telephone connection to provide both the ADSL service and voice calls at the same time.
ADSL can generally only be distributed over a short distance from the telephone exchange, typically less than 4km, and the further away you are from the exchange, the worse your connection speeds will be. The upload and download speeds on ADSL broadband tend to differ greatly due to a desire to avoid ‘crosstalk’ creating interference on the line where multiple lines meet, for example at the exchange.
In comparison, satellite broadband sends your broadband signal to a satellite 35,786km above the equator and due to its location in orbit; it can provide equal quality of coverage to every home or business within its footprint. It doesn’t matter how far away you are from the satellite, or how remote your property is, as long as the receiving dish can get line of sight to the satellite.
Traditionally, ADSL broadband is promoted as being faster and more reliable, however we looked into the service provided 
by France based providers and found that on average, subscribers are receiving download speeds of between 1-15 mbps, with only 512 kbps guaranteed and upload speeds less than 1 mbps unless you are within 1km of the exchange.
With satellite technology improving exponentially, satellite broadband customers can now expect download speeds of 22 mbps and upload speeds of 6 mbps for less than the lowest packages from Orange. Whilst the initial outlay is more expensive, the reliability and speed more than compensates, especially for multi-dwelling properties or those in remote locations.
Astrasat.tv is offering up to 50% off* the cost of hardware on Tooway ‘own your kit’ packages this autumn. With a wide range of tariffs, flexible packages and no long term commitment satellite broadband is an excellent alternative to anyone struggling with ADSL broadband.
Visit www.astrasat.tv for more information.
*customers account must be active for a minimum of 6 months from the activation date. Downgrading not permitted in the first three months.