[acropolite (Phil)]

The only satellite VOIP installations I've seen have been almost unusable. The two biggest issues are propogation delay and packet fragmentation.

A few years ago we pulled out an Asterix based satellite voip system for a customer and replaced it with a VOIP system running over spread spectrum radio.

On the plus side it doesn't really cost that much to try, you can get a Pennytel account for free, pay some upfront credit and test, if you're happy with the results an incoming number costs only a few dollars per month. If you have 3G mobile reception Siemens have some VOIP phones that will also connect via bluetooth and use your mobile phone for outgoing calls, either by O/G line selection while dialling or automatically using dialling tables.

If you have someone nearby within line of sight who has landline based broadband and is prepared to share then there is always the option of running a bridge radio link between your sites. There is some very nice unlicenced radio gear available at budget prices that will span up to 50km at very repspectable speeds. If you want more info send me a PM.