Thanks to all who have responded.

I found Web group devoted to DirectWay. Not too many "horror"
stories, lots of good information. The "bottom line" seems to be that
if you can't get anything else for a reasonable price, this service is
OK. Not great, mind you, but OK. :-)

Regarding cost, the differential is really not all that bad. A new
ISDN modem will run $250; the satellite box from DirectWay is $600.

Monthy fees are very intersting. My BellSouth bill for 128k was
$48.69. My ISP bill was $42.00. That compares to $59-$69 per month
for DirectWay.

With DirectWay I am tied to them as an ISP; with ISDN I have a choice
of three or four in our area who provide the service.

I tried to find a WiFi provider around me, but "no joy." Even if I
had I'm not sure I would have liked the numbers. The one in TN I did
find (near Nashville) wanted a $250 setup fee, another fee for
equipment, and $150/mo. for service.

After a lot of research we have decided to give the DirectWay a try.
I am going to keep a dial up account (one of the $10.95 specials) as a
back up. I'll probably use the same ISP that I have for many years
(vic.com) so I can keep my e-mail address.

I did run accross a new service that's supposed to start up in Jan of
'05 called "BlueSky." But I have only seen a couple of passing
references and don't want to wait for possible "pie in the sky." ;-)

Bill Kambic