Rural internet users who only have satellite internet available in the area would know how frustrating it can be at times. Bad weather impacts performance, priority data is limited, and speeds are slower than cable, fiber, and 5G home internet. But the development of LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) satellites has redefined the connection type.

If you’re stuck with the good old satellite internet due to geographical reasons, this blog is going to give you hope by answering the following:

  • What is the difference between LEO and GEO satellites?
  • Which ISPs offer LEO satellite internet?
  • Which ISPs offer GEO satellite internet?
  • LEO vs. GEO – availability comparison

What Is the Difference Between LEO and GEO Satellites?

GEO Satellites

GEO satellites, as the name suggests, are Geostationary satellites that orbit the Earth at a distance of around 36,000 km from the ground. At this distance, the satellite maintains a fixed position parallel to Earth, which ensures a constant connection from the ground to the satellite.

A satellite dish or antenna on the ground catches the signal from this moving satellite to transmit the internet all over Earth.

Advantages of GEO Satellites

  • Uninterrupted coverage – constant connection between the satellite and a specific area on the ground
  • Wide coverage – one satellite can cover one-third area of our planet
  • Reliable communication channel – GEO satellites are the main source of long-distance communications, live TV streaming, and voice/data transmission

Disadvantages of GEO Satellites

  • Higher latency – GEO satellite internet has a higher latency of 200+ milliseconds, which may impact the performance of your online activity
  • Slower speeds – GEO satellite internet has slower download speeds as compared to LEO satellites
  • Higher cost – GEO satellites are more expensive to launch and maintain compared to LEO satellites

LEO Satellites

LEO satellites, or low-Earth-orbit satellites, orbit the Earth at a distance of around 800 to 2000 km from the ground, creating a close proximity orbit. Due to the smaller distance, LEO satellites take around 90 to 120 minutes to complete a full orbit, providing lower latency and a faster and more reliable internet connection.

Advantages of LEO Satellites

  • Lower latency – LEO satellites are closer to the ground, which means you get a lower latency and faster response rates
  • Faster Internet speed – LEO satellite internet is known for faster speeds due to a closer orbit as compared to GEO satellites
  • Stronger signals – LEO connections have stronger signal strength due to a smaller distance between the satellite and your home

Disadvantages of LEO Satellites

  • Higher equipment cost – LEO satellite internet equipment is expensive and requires professional installation, which will add to your bill
  • Smaller coverage area – LEO satellites cover a smaller area compared to GEO satellites, as they travel closer to Earth with a limited view of Earth at each point
  • Susceptible to weather changes – Weather conditions like rain, thunderstorms, or strong winds may interrupt LEO satellite signals

Which ISPs Offer LEO Satellite Internet?

LEO satellite internet is currently being offered by Starlink, operated by SpaceX. Starlink markets its internet service as a high-speed internet option for rural America, including low-latency and reliable performance. Their internet speeds range between 25 – 220 Mbps at a starting price of $80/mo. and include unlimited data with no contracts.

Which ISPs Offer GEO Satellite Internet?

Hughesnet and Viasat offer GEO satellite-operated internet service that is available all across the country. Both providers offer unlimited standard data and limited priority data. Once you have used up your priority data, you may experience slower speeds during peak hours.

Hughesnet offers up to 100 Mbps, while Viasat offers up to 150 Mbps download speeds.

LEO vs. GEO – Availability Comparison

If you’ve been picturing LEO satellite as a clear winner, here is where the game changes. GEO satellite has this one edge over LEO satellite – wide availability. GEO satellite service is available all across the U.S., anywhere under the sky. On the contrary, LEO satellites require a constellation of satellites to deliver consistent and uninterrupted availability. So, even in areas where a LEO satellite service may not be available, GEO satellite providers will have your back and connect you to the world online.

LEO vs. GEO Satellite Internet – Which is Better?

If you compare both LEO and GEO satellite internet, it is evident that for high-speed internet users, LEO satellite internet is definitely the better choice because of its faster speeds, lower latency, and reliable performance. If you need the internet for intensive online activities like gaming, streaming, working from home, and video conferencing for multiple users, you should look for a low-Earth Orbit satellite provider.

However, if you only need internet for basic communication and online activities such as sending emails, messages, audio calls, and surfing the internet, GEO satellite internet would work well for you.

Looking for an internet solution in rural America? Check out our blog on DSL vs. Satellite internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Starlink use LEO satellites?
Yes, Starlink uses low-Earth-orbit satellites that deliver lower latency, faster speeds, and a more reliable satellite internet connection for high-speed users all across the country.

What is the latency difference in LEO and GEO satellite internet?
LEO satellite internet has a typical latency range of 20 to 50 milliseconds, whereas GEO offers a latency of nearly 200 to 600 milliseconds. 

Is Starlink better than Viasat?
Yes, Starlink is generally considered better than Viasat as it has the advantage of LEO satellites, which offer better network performance.