Monday 30 August 2010

Wireless Broadband (high speed) Internet Comparison

Wireless Type

Advantage

Disadvantage

Cost *

Satellite
Small dish antenna installed on user residence.

1. Universal coverage of Canada
2. In theory easily scalable
3. Can connect to LAN

1. Latency/delay
2. Limited data Speed
3. Inconsistent data Speed
4. Impaired by weather
5. High initial user cost
6. Fair Use Policy limits

MRC: $59.99
Speed: up to 1 Mbps down
Activation OTC : $99.00
Annual Licence: $75.00
Hardware: $199.00 (Can be waived)Installation Cost: Varies

Fixed Wireless
Small panel or yagi antenna installed on user residence.

1. Relatively inexpensive to install
2. Consistent data speed
3. Medium range initial user cost
4. Can connect to LAN

1. Limited data speed
2. Line-of-sight to base required
3. Subject to terrain masking

MRC: $47.95
Speed: up to 4 Mbps
Activation OTC: $75.00
Pop-up Tower (if needed) $300.00

HSPA
Data stick or Data hub connected to computer. Can use external antenna for better speeds

1. Greatest data speed
2. Broadband and cellular capable
3. Expensive initial user cost without contract
4. Can connect to LAN

1. Line-of-sight and 5 km to cell tower
2. Expensive if basic data caps are exceeded
3. Subject to terrain masking

MRC: $35.00 – 1 GB
$60.00 – 10 GB
Speed: up to 7Mbps rural; 21Mbps urban
Hardware: Hub: $400.00
Data stick: $175.00

     
  • Taken from ISP websites. Packages and bundles can affect the actual prices a user pays. Does not include taxes or regulatory fees.