[X4U] Over satellite

[Steven Rogers]

Phil Robar wrote:

> On Nov 25, 2005, at 4:40 AM, Paul Moortgat wrote:
>
>> Family in Italy can have internet connection over satellite. They
>> then also don't need a telephone line anymore they're told. They
>> telephone over the satellite via the Mac.  Can all this on an iMac?
>
> You really need to ask the seller of the service as the answer varies
> depending on which service they get. At the worst they might have to
> find or buy a cheap used PC and use it as a router via something like
> Internet Connection Sharing. Here is the US you can buy a good enough
> used PC for $20-30.

If they're talking about VOIP phone services like Vonage, the service  
comes with a box that the phone plugs into, which is essentially a  
router with some added functionality.  Or, they might be talking  
about a service like Skype, which runs directly on the computer and  
allows you to call regular "land line" phones. These are not quite as  
reliable as a regular telephone, but good enough for most people.

You can do all that with a Mac, but here in the US, satellite service  
is quite expensive compared to other ways to get online. So I would  
investigate to see if that is the most cost effective way to get  
online. You can use those alternate telephone services with any high  
speed connection.

SR