Ok all you computer guru's...

I was recently on a road trip and had a lot of time to think. I have satellite radio and love it. What is stopping XM or Sirius from offering internet access? Is it even possible? Seems simple enough to me! Why can't we plug a laptop into the modulator (or anything that would work) and receive the signal from a satellite? I mean, come on, with wireless internet access and everything else we have now, what's stopping them?

I don't have much technical knowledge, but a lot of you do.

Is it a possibility? What would be involved in getting this into a laptop? Just something else to plug into?

Let's take it to them! We could make a gajillion dollars a day! I'd sign up for it, what about you?

:writes to XM:

 

The issue is with upstream traffic. I'm sure they have bandwidth to spare downstream, but how do you send infomation?

In laymens terms, you open up your touchscreen web-browser and request f150online.com. Your car needs to be able to SEND that request to the satellite, the satellite relays that back to XM HQ, they process the request and server the data back to the satellite and it bounces back to you. Sounds great, right?! Except for that pesky minor detail of YOU transmitting a signal into orbit to an XM satellite while moving... D'oh! You need a fix on the satellite to send data...

I'm not saying it isn't impossible, but it ain't gonna happen with XM. If you really want mobile satellite internet (and TV!), check this out & pony up the $$$$$

For Internet: http://www.kvh.com/Products/Product.asp?id=60

For TV: http://www.kvh.com/Products/Product.asp?id=79

 

It's just 7K!! Sign me up!

 

That thing must have a great gyro system.
I wonder how it handles trees and overpasses..
Satellite radio operates on a few second delay buffer to compensate for loss sugnal due to over head blockage. That delay would not help the upstream (which is probably 128k)

I work for a Satellite communications company. I worked on the original DirecPC two way for home and commercial use (now DirecWay). I had to certify it's uplink capability and analyze it's interfence characteristics.
With this small of an antenna for uplinking.. the possibilities for interference are enormous.
We have had tremendous headaches in the past with Maritine operators (especial cruise ships).

This sytem was designed for boting operations.. wonder how well it translates to road use.

Anyone get one.. let me know

 

Well they say it is for RV use as well. I assume it's been road tested in order for them to make that claim. The only downside is that huge dome on top of your truck . From what I understand, it does have one hellofva gyro system on it to keep it in view of the satellite. I think the flat directTV reciever would be sweet - it's nice and flat! Satellite TV on the mornin' commute - now THAT'S what I'm talking about!

 

No comment.

 

I think Verizon is coming out with a cellular phone high speed connection very soon. Don't expect it to be no where close to broadband. I have satellite internet thru direcway and it requires a stationary dish. It pretty good though for $40 dollars a month.

 

Verizon and many others have had cellular Internet access for years, but your lucky to get 128kbps out of it... not bad, but not the best either. I still miss my Ricochet...