Chapter 1 The Reality of Rural Internet Access

When I relocated to a rural area in Oregon, I was unaware that reliable internet service would be a challenge. To my astonishment, the first three providers I contacted informed me they did not offer service at my location. Even though I live just eight miles from the nearest town, my options were limited.

One of the providers directed me to HughesNet for satellite internet. After reaching out to them, I was assured that I could enjoy streaming television, browsing the web, and attending my Peloton classes online. The sales representative suggested a monthly plan with 100 GB of data, claiming it would meet my needs. Unfortunately, this turned out to be untrue.

Streaming TV shows and participating in Peloton classes have proven to be nearly impossible. Even simple internet browsing is painfully slow on many occasions. I have reached out to HughesNet’s tech support multiple times, only to be told that they cannot control weather-related disruptions, leaving me frustrated with their service.

One technician recommended that I invest in a Wi-Fi extender, leading me to spend $100. While this extender has improved connectivity for devices like my Peloton, which is over 15 feet from the modem, it does little to help with an already poor internet connection. The service is so unreliable that I feel a sense of relief when I can successfully stream anything on my television.

The first video, "Why does my Starlink Internet Suck Now? Elon...what's going on? Price up, service down?" delves into the challenges and frustrations faced by users of satellite internet services like Starlink, highlighting issues such as rising costs and declining service quality.

Section 1.1 Unexpected Data Limits

This morning brought another unwelcome surprise as I attempted to buy tickets online. My internet was slower than usual, prompting me to check the HughesNet app, where I discovered that I had exceeded my 100 GB data limit with 11 days left in the billing cycle. I was baffled, especially since I struggled to stream anything most days.

Reflecting on my recent activities, I recalled that we had downloaded a new game for the Nintendo Switch. Could this single download account for my data overage? I reached out to HughesNet customer service for clarification. Unfortunately, the representative, based in India, had an accent that made understanding him quite difficult. While he seemed knowledgeable, I struggled to grasp most of his explanations.

Subsection 1.1.1 Plan Upgrades and Misleading Information

The outcome was clear: I needed to upgrade my plan from 100 GB to 200 GB monthly. The representative also informed me that satellite internet is not ideal for streaming or gaming—contradicting what the initial sales rep had assured me. I expressed my disbelief at needing to pay double for such inadequate service.

Currently, my bill sits at $150 per month for satellite internet that fails to allow me to game, stream shows, or participate in Peloton classes. Even basic internet tasks like checking emails or managing bills are a struggle. The worst part is that I have no alternative options, forcing me to endure these steep costs for poor service.

Chapter 2 Coping Strategies for Poor Internet

To cope with the limitations of my internet service, I have reverted to purchasing DVDs and CDs to avoid streaming. I’ve attempted to download TV episodes during off-peak hours and have restricted my Peloton workouts to once a week. While I draft most of my writing offline, I rely on Grammarly for editing, which necessitates an internet connection.

Additionally, I'm contemplating upgrading my Verizon phone plan to use the hotspot feature more effectively. While this could assist with online business tasks, it won’t improve streaming or Peloton sessions. I find myself at a loss for how to adjust my dependence on the internet.

A word of caution: if you're considering satellite internet and have any other service options available, I highly recommend choosing those alternatives. Satellite internet is costly and underwhelming, ranking as the worst internet experience I've had—even worse than dial-up, which speaks volumes.

The second video, "Making the Best of Your Satellite Internet Speed," offers practical tips for optimizing your satellite internet connection, including strategies for managing data usage and improving overall performance.