There are two main types of Satellite Internet systems currently available.

One Way Access will only allow you to receive data from the satellite, therefore the equipment cost will be low. Because there is no way to upload data to the satellite you will need to have it installed in conjunction with a dial-up, cable, dsl or other broadband link. Because a wired connection is still necessary the most important benefit, namely wireless access, is lost. The only scenario in which one way access comes in useful is when a slow dial-up or isdn connection is your only wired option. In that case it will allow you to achieve higher speeds reaching about 3Mbit/s.

Two Way Access will allow a bidirectional connection. Users will be able to send data to the satellite. Because the current mainstream satellite dishes need to be manually directed to a satellite this technology can only be used in combination with geostationary satellites. These satellites remain at a seemingly fixed point hanging above earth. Because of that they need to be further away from earth to escape gravity. This high distance is the main reason for the high latencies that goes paired with current Satellite Internet subscriptions.
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