Super-speed Internet satellite blasts off in Japan

CNN ^ | 2-23-08

[Snickering Hound]

Japan launched a rocket Saturday carrying a satellite that will test new technology that promises to deliver "super high-speed Internet" service to homes and businesses around the world.

The Associated Press said the satellite would offer speeds of up to 1.2 gigabytes per second.

The service initially would focus on the Asia-Pacific region close to Japan, a JAXA news release said.

[purpleraine]

Wonder if Branson will do satellite service?

http://www.pr-inside.com/quaid-considering-space-flight-r445436.htm

[HAL9000]

Except that this communications satellite is in low Earth orbit, only 175 miles up. There will be no latency problem.

According to this JAXA press release, the Kizuna geostationary altitude is about 36,000 km:

http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f14/overview/kizuna_e.html

It's too bad Teledesic failed. Their constellation would have provided much better service.

[MarineBrat]

Except that this communications satellite is in low Earth orbit, only 175 miles up. There will be no latency problem.

What happens then when it's below the horizon?

[MarineBrat]

Arg, sorry for the triple post. My satellite must have been below the horizon!

[Kieri]

One word:

Latency
Latency
Latency

(I’m looking to move to WiMAX this summer when my Wildblue contract expires).

[Reeses]

What happens then when it's below the horizon?

It's just for research. If they launch 70 more then coverage will be continuous the world over. I hope they open it up to hobbyists when it's flying over the USA.

[Republicanus_Tyrannus]

You got it in one. This is a demonstration of multiple use launching from a single booster type, as well as a demonstration of effective (and assumed active) ICBM tech. If you can orbit satellites that give highspeed comms, you can easily hit somone’s capital with a warhead. Plus, you effectively are setting up a Command & Control system that covers an entire hemisphere.

Japan can load a bomb on a plane just a week after they decide to join the nuclear club. They are quite certainly doing this for China & North Korea’s benefit.

[CarrotAndStick]

Only if these are 22,000 kms orbit geostationary sats. IIRC someone mentioned 175 kms as the orbit... that would have lesser latency than the current Fibre-Optic systems.

[CarrotAndStick]

Ok, I take that back. 36,000 km distance X 2 will have bad latency.

[cva66snipe]

I wish they could get the Uplink and cost issues for this resolved in the U.S. It’s likely the only way I’ll ever get a hish speed connection except possibly a cell tower IF they ever put one closer.

[Reeses]

Ok, my mistake. I read its orbit was 175 miles up but that must just be temporary.

[Eye of Unk]

It just means faster Japanese Manga porn downloads.

[gost2]

Probably won’t work with my Hughes dish. No matter. Hughes satellite internet is so bad I’d be willing to trash the $600 dish I got and pay up again just to get decent service. Cause for hope. #%^)

[Boblo]

I have been looking into Hughesnet. Anyone know anything about them? $249.00 equipment/$59.00 per month. 1/2 sec latency.

[dfwgator]

The Associated Press said the satellite would offer speeds of up to 1.2 gigabytes per second.

Wow, that's a lot of porn.

[bert]

I would like to have it now.... I could access from my mobile office anywhere.

We need it in the usa and get rid of the twin scourges of cable and phone companies

[bert]

France

[bert]

......What happens then when it’s below the horizon?....
I was hooked into a wireless satellite net at a campground in Canada and the satellite was so near the horizon, the signal was lost when a traqin passed e

[Kieri]

I have been looking into Hughesnet. Anyone know anything about them? $249.00 equipment/$59.00 per month. 1/2 sec latency.

You'd better be a low-usage user -- Hughesnet's FAP is about as bad as Wildblue, from what I hear.

Keep researching for alternatives such as WiMAX or EVDO through Sprint or Verizon. See if they'll do a site eval for a good signal. Satellite is a last resort ISP for VERY good reasons.

The 7500MB rolling 30 day FAP WB has is murder. With WiMAX I can get 2G down, 512up, NO FAP and for over $10 less a month.

I really sympathize with other rural folks. More options are becoming available but it's going to take time.

[cva66snipe]

I have been looking into Hughesnet. Anyone know anything about them? $249.00 equipment/$59.00 per month. 1/2 sec latency.

The only two choices now are Hugesnet and Wildblue. Both are basically the same thing. Limited download in MB's per 24 hours, offshored or nearly impossible to contact tech support and dial up speed uplinks. See if a company like Verizon or Sprint has wireless service in your area. I'm right at their edge and need a stronger cellular signal before I invest even in it though.

With Hughesnet of Wildblue you must also have an unobstructed south to Southwest view as well. Overall from what I've read not too many people who use it are highly pleased with it overall especially when trying to get issues resolved.