A service offered by Hughes Network Systems that provides Internet access through private satellite dishes. Requests for Web pages go through a normal modem connection but pages are delivered through the satellite link at up to 400 Kbps (about 15 times faster than a 28.8 Kbps modem, and 4 times faster than an ISDN connection).
To install the DirecPC system, you need to purchase a small satellite dish from Hughes, plus an ISAcard to install in your computer. You'll also need a normal Internet connection via an ISP for upstream traffic (e.g., requests for Web pages).
Hughes DirecPC satellite information service This PC Magazine article, from June 25, 1996, provides a good description of the DirecPC satellite information service from Hughes Network Systems.
Telesat's DirecPC site Telesat's DirecPC site offers information on how DirecPC works, how fast it is, frequently asked questions, success stories, news, and pricing and ordering information. Telesat is the exclusive distributor for DirecPC in Canada.
