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Satellite ADSL
Until recently this was a vastly expensive choice. I remember pricing it for a client 18 months ago and the materials were close to €1500, plus another €250 for installation and then €150 per month for a very basic speed. There was a cheaper alternative, which I’ll mention just so that you are forewarned. It was a system (still available) where you used a satellite signal to download your information, but then had to have a dial-up connection running at the same time to send data. It is called mono-directional, and not something I’d even consider.
However, the prices for an ADSL satellite system in France have dropped dramatically as new technologies (and a little competition) become available. A satellite system, does of course have some of the same problems as a Wi-Fi system, in as far as bad weather can affect the signal in both cases and due to the vagaries of any wireless connection, there will be days when you struggle to understand why it’s not at its best. But, given a client with no way of receiving a cabled ADSL connection, I would have a preference for a satellite connection.
The major disadvantage with a satellite system is the quotas that are usually on all downloads. So if you want to download large video clips and listen to the latest installment of the Archers online, this might not be for you! However since I can’t get a cabled connection, I receive my ADSL by satellite, and after the initial "re-education" to my downloading habits, I have found it terrific. In the past year, I have had about three or four occasions with no service, and these lasted hours, not days! Pricewise satellite systems still tend to be the more expensive for the initial outlay, and costs vary depending on supplier and contract, an average price would be about €550-600 for the equipment and installation, but after that your monthly charge is between €20 and €40, which, by French standards, isn’t hugely high as a monthly outlay for an internet connection and much the same as you will pay for a Wi-Fi system.
At the moment, one of the satellite suppliers is offering to supply the equipment free of charge, so the price is €160 for the installation, plus €35 per month, so like everything, it pays to price around. So, hopefully we’ve answered some of your questions about getting connected to Broadband in France. Over the next few months, we’ll be adding more articles aimed at computer and internet users in France. Please contact us if we can be af any further help to you.
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