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Since we started RVing fulltime 12 years ago, our biggest problem has always been communications. Staying in touch with our loved ones, paying bills, banking, managing investments, researching important topics, uploading and downloading files...and the list goes on.

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We have been struggling along with cellphone modems from the beginning. They have the same problems today as they did then...lots of areas where we cannot get e-mail or surf the net...and even when you can use them, they are sooo slow.

When we first discovered HughesNet/Direcway (4000) 2-way Internet more than three years ago, it was a very complex system. Lots of software had to be loaded on your computer, and it took a phone call to set up in a new location. The portable options were awkward, frustrating to work with, and difficult to transport. We had to pass.

We researched the Motosat rooftop model, but felt that our budget ruled out the $6,000 cost. Rooftop placement also meant parking in the open, even in the summer, and avoiding the trees is hard to do while exploring the cooler climes of the Northwest. The Internet service cost was $99.99 each month. In talking with owners, we found out this system was anything but trouble-free.

We also investigated Wi-Fi. None of the parks we frequent use the same Wi-Fi system, so we would have to pay $5 per day or more when we travel. Wi-Fi systems vary widely from park to park and are often incompatible with each other, therefore getting the right card and using it before it expires becomes a constant hassle. The biggest problem with Wi-Fi is the lack of security. We did not dare use it for fear of broadcasting our personal information out to the world. Our neighbor could easily pick our credit card information out of the air, even unintentionally. So, once again, this has proved not to be a solution.

In the latter part of 2003 HughesNet (Direcway) introduced the DW6000, which managed to contain, within a single compact unit, the transmit and receive modems, and software necessary to handle the satellite end of the system. The unlimited Internet service was only $59.99 per month. We purchased one and the rest is history. Now the even faster HN7000S is available.

We were able to cut our cellphone bill in half, which was more than enough to pay for the HughesNet service. Using the 5 e-mail addresses that came with our HughesNet account, we canceled our old ISP and saved another $21 a month.

What we saved by buying brand-name items online has way more than paid for our system. We currently buy our color laser printer cartridges online and save over $100 including shipping.

You can imagine how excited we were to find this solution to our communications problem — it has changed our lives! With 24x7 Internet access we pay most of our bills online, surf the 'net' any hour of the day or night (I am a night owl), stay in touch with all our friends, run a business, manage our investments, research health solutions and issues of all kinds.

Satellite systems are also very secure from hackers.

These are just a few of the ways it has opened up our lifestyle to a new kind of freedom!

After we bought our DW6000 modem and antenna system, we spent a lot of time, money, and effort putting together a portable system that really works. (We started with a tool intensive, awkward, “do it yourself” kit provided by a portable system installer.)

While tinkering with the antenna, people would come by and ask about it. When they saw what it was, what it could do for them, and how easy it was to set up, a common reaction was “I love it! I want one.” It did not take long until we saw that it would be a good idea to get certified and start providing these systems to our fellow RVers.

All you have to do with our system is set it up and point it in the right direction. It is very similar to the familiar satellite TV system. Punch in the zip code—get the coordinates— point the dish. With the step-by-step illustrated instructions in our Training Manual, and the Outdoor Pointing Interface (OPI) included with our system, virtually anyone can do this.

The set up and take down requires no tools. All the parts are integrated to work together and engineered for durability and ease-of-use. We use only high-quality hardware.

Virtually any computer (including the Mac) can attach to the modem with an Ethernet port (or adapter) and have instant Internet. Purchase a “hub” and you can have up to 5 computers surfing the net at the same time.

You can call us almost anytime to set up your account. We ship our PortaSat systems anywhere in the lower 48 states.

See Frequently Asked Questions for more information about FCC rulings and other myths.

See Specifications for minimum requirements and other technicalities.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, see How It Works for a simple schematic overview of satellite Internet.

Glenn@MaxwellSatellite.com . . . . . (800) 860-6070