When I had cable, I rarely had a down time, but neighborhoods around me did using the same company. The thing is, when cable goes out, it stays out for hours or longer sometimes. When satellite goes out, it's only for a few minutes during an electric storm.
Fios would probably be a nice option, but Verizon hasn't laid their fiber optics here, and they probably never would. I doubt they even know we're here. In fact, I doubt God knows we're here. I have to travel 20 miles just to get decent Italian bread.