Communications and broadcast satellites orbit in a geostationary orbit 22,236 miles directly above the equator. Therefore, a satellite aimed at one of these satellites will always be pointed towards the sky above the equator--to the south if you're in the northern hemisphere and to the north if you're in the southern hemisphere.

On the equator, satellite dishes will be positioned like upside-down umbrellas (you'd better not need to orient yourself in Quito! ). In the extreme northern latitudes, they are almost completely vertical--in fact, depending on the design of the dish, some are even pointed slightly down (towards the ground)!

Check these out:
http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/sa...1-pictures.htm
http://blog.timrettig.com/2009/07/03...aska/p7020162/