ISP Satellite Internet Replace Costly UK Setup Fee with Rental Payments

Broadband provider Satellite Internet, which delivers its service via the SES (ASTRA) platform of spacecraft, has followed the example of some rival ISPs and launched their own optional “low-cost equipment rental scheme“. The new method effectively replaces the large one-off setup cost with a monthly rental payment of £12.50 on a 24 month contract.

The providers related terminal equipment set comes complete with a Dish with Az/El mount, Transceiver, Satmodem, 30m RF cable between Transceiver and Satmodem, Ethernet cable to connect to a computer or router, 240v mains power supply and CD documentation.

In other words, you still have to pay for the kit but instead of doing that in a lump sum you can now spread it out over the course of two years, which makes for quite a sizable service rental when added to the package cost. Crucially the standard activation and installation costs still apply, which means there’s another one-off cost of around £200 or more to setup.

Mike Locke, SI’s Managing Director, said:

“With our new equipment rental scheme we hope to make satellite broadband more accessible to new customers and get more of the UK connected. We pride ourselves on offering a fast and reliable service harnessing the power of Astra Connect from SES Broadband Services.

Our service can be used anywhere in the UK, as long as the user can have a dish installed to their property with a clear view of the southern sky in much the same way as you would expect with TV services. It’s a great alternative solution for those who live in remote locations where terrestrial broadband isn’t a viable option. Our new, affordable rental scheme is another step towards finally breaking down the digital divide which still very much exists in the country.”

It should be noted that £12.50 * 24 Months = £300, which means the service is now even more expensive because you could otherwise take the equipment for just £229 on a much shorter 12 month contract. We imagine the extra cost is to cover the ISP’s risk in handing over expensive equipment on a rental basis.