Like many people who live in rural areas, I do not have access to cable or DSL internet connections. I don't even have cell phone service where I live. So my choices were affordable dialup or expensive satellite service.
In January I will be on Medicare and that changed things. What does Medicare have to do with internet access, you might ask. Well, I will have between $5000 and $10,000 more in disposable income next year due to savings in premium (about $5000) and deductible ($5000) so we decided to spend part of that on satellite internet access.
The good news below.
We called the local Hughesnet dealer last week to sign up. We thought it was going to cost $400 up front (a $199 rebate would be available to send in to reduce the cost to $200 after they get around to sending back the rebate money) and $60 per month for service. We were very pleasantly surprised to be told by the woman at Mid-state Satellite that there was stimulus money for those of us who do not have DSL or cable options. There are no upfront costs and the monthly fee is $40. This is part of the Recovery Act which expands broadband to rural areas. Who knew?
Actually, you may already know, because you may have seen the ads here and at other internet sites. But I had not noticed these ads before we were told about the program. I don't know if they have just begun advertising or I just ignored them because I tend to ignore ads. But in case you are like me and did not know this program exists, let me tell you that it does.
You can find out if you qualify by going to this web page on the hughesnet website and plugging in your address. I"m sure there are other satellite companies with similar pages, but I do not know what they might be.
We placed the order last week, the installers came Monday, and I am no longer playing multiple games of computer solitaire while waiting for a page to load up. I can even see video clips now.
So, thank you President Obama and the stimulus for bringing a few more of us into the 21st century.