While satellite internet is an ideal choice if you are living in rural areas or places where cable/fiber connections are not accessible, hotspots are a much better deal if portability is what you prioritize. Both satellite and mobile connections come with data restrictions, but most people opt for satellite internet for the wide availability of the service.
If you are still wondering which connection might work better for you, worry no more! This blog post covers everything that you need to know in order to make a choice between satellite hotspot and mobile hotspot.
Satellite Internet Hotspot
Satellite internet offers data signals that beam down to your mounted dish from the satellite hovering in space. Varying from provider to provider, satellite connection download speeds can range from 12 Mbps to 150 Mbps. However, the thing that you might want to check before committing to any provider’s plan is its data limit.
We know that high-speed connections like cable and fiber have become popular in busy cities, but satellite internet still has extensive coverage as it is the only internet service that is available in all parts of the country.
Such a connection that is relatively slow but also widely available everywhere is nothing less than a blessing when you have to travel around or want to stay connected at all times. Satellite WiFi hotspot connections make it feasible for RVs and other vehicles to even stay online in the middle of a desert.
Mobile Hotspot
Mobile hotspots make it easy for users to stay connected to strong cellular networks even when on the road. These hotspots can be initiated via your smartphones, laptops, and tablets through USB cables, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
If you want a clearer and faster signal, you can even invest in a hotspot device to create a network hub that can provide a strong signal to multiple gadgets simultaneously.
Cellular plans offered by different providers vary vastly when it comes to speeds, data limits, and pricing – and so you should ensure that you subscribe to a plan that compliments your needs.
Satellite Hotspots vs Mobile Hotspots
Satellite wireless hotspot connections require weather conditions to be stable. When the sky is clear, satellite connections can offer up to 100 Mbps. However, in any case, satellite internet has a significant lag time due to the distance data packets have to travel to get a response. Tasks like sending an email or Google searches might not suffer any lag, but if you want to play an intense game or download a heavy file, it can turn into a frustrating experience real soon.
Mobile hotspot connections are relatively better in terms of speed and can offer high bandwidth capacities to multiple connected devices. Due to the low latency of this type of connection, it is considered better for tasks that require high internet speeds like video conferencing and streaming.
At the end of the day, most people consider the pricing and data caps of internet plans as deciding factors. As a reference, the best satellite hotspot connections are more expensive in comparison to mobile hotspots. Even when it comes to data caps, satellite connections are a bit costlier. Moreover, major cable internet providers offer free access to millions of mobile hotspots stationed throughout the country, making it a better option, nonetheless. You can find more details about all such providers by visiting our site, localcabledeals.com.
Here is a summarized comparison between satellite internet hotspots and mobile hotspots:
Satellite Hotspots | Mobile Hotspots | |
---|---|---|
Speed Range | 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps | 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G |
Data Limit | 10 GB to 300 GB | 30 to 150 GB |
Availability | Nationwide | Varies from provider to provider |
Wrapping Up
The answer to which internet connection is best for you depends solely on your requirements. While mobile hotspots are faster and somewhat cheaper, satellite WiFi hotspots work nearly everywhere. Evaluate your needs and make sure to find the best fit for yourself.