I am currently on a pretty fast DirectWay satellite connection, online broadband speed tests are showing around 1.4 Mbit download (though only 42 Kbit upload) speeds, but my average ping time to common sites (google, apple, msn, gamedev) is a little over 4 seconds!!! Does anyone know if this is normal?

http://experts.about.com/q/Home-Theater-2859/satellite-vs-cable.htm

Simply due to the physical distance and the speed of light your ping times will always be on the order of seconds.

Very helpful link, viblo!

The friends who own this connection asked me about installing a wireless network so that they could re-sell internet to their neighbours (including weekly packages for the short term rentals next door). I think having read that response (especially the bit about the buffer), that it would not be a good idea, do you agree?

I know that Speakeasy don't mind if you share your connection -- I also know that most other ISPs do.

However, with 42 kbps upstream, it's unlikely that a whole lot of re-selling could happen, even with the multi-second latency.

Quote:

Collection of service fees from third party customers on behalf of a Speakeasy residential-class service is allowed only if the primary account holder has subscribed to a service package defined by Speakeasy to promote connection sharing of any type.

Yes, and if you call them up and say "me and my neighbor want to share a line..." they'll get you a subscription that allows sharing. I seem to remember an e-mail a year back or so that claimed you could get sharing on any existing account, but memory is fuzzy.