Satellite Internet for Streaming: Speeds, Data, and More

Streaming on satellite internet? Totally doable!

Although satellite internet services hardly compete with fiber or cable internet in terms of speed, latency, and stability – it’s still good enough to keep you entertained with your favorite streaming services.

Satellite internet is a leading choice for people residing in rural and remote areas where wired broadband is inaccessible. While it may not be ideal for some bandwidth-heavy activities involving real-time interactions, it performs well on other fronts.

Even so, learning about satellite internet options and limitations will allow you to enjoy seamless video streaming sessions. So, let’s usher in!

Streaming with Satellite Internet – How Does It Work?

You stream on satellite internet the same way you stream with other types of internet connections.

Here is a step-by-step process of how satellite internet allows streaming:

• Your device sends a request to a satellite dish for data when you click a streaming platform.
• The satellite dish sends requests as radio signals to a satellite in geostationary orbit.
• The satellite receives the signal and relays it to an Earth-based ground station(gateway), which then forwards the request to the streaming service’s server.
• The streaming server processes the request and sends it back to the ground station, which transmits data to the satellite.
• The satellite sends video data to the satellite dish
• The modem processes the data and sends it to the router or your device.
• Streaming starts on the screen!

What Internet Speeds are Required for Streaming?

The internet speed requirements for streaming depend upon your preferred video quality or resolution. Streaming in high quality will naturally consume more bandwidth and demand greater speeds.

The typical speeds you can achieve with a satellite internet service fall between 12 – 140 Mbps, which are acceptable for online streaming (even if it’s along the lower end of the spectrum). It’s safe to say that watching videos in SD or HD quality won't be a problem – at least not until more than a few users are streaming simultaneously.

Does Low Latency Impact Streaming?

Satellite internet has quite a high latency or ping compared to traditional internet types. The typical latency range is 500 – 700ms, which can delay loading/response times, cause buffering, reduce graphics quality, and disrupt audio.

While high latency doesn’t sit well with real-time applications like video conferencing, multiplayer gaming, and live streaming, the impact on other activities is negligible; hence, streaming in 480 – 720p would go smoothly.

Do Data Caps Affect Streaming?

Another aspect of satellite internet that may influence your online streaming experience is data caps. Many internet providers impose data usage limits on low-tier plans, and some apply a fixed cap across all home internet plans.

Exhausting your data cap may result in bandwidth throttling or overage charges. Now the question is how much data do you need for streaming on satellite internet?

As you can see, streaming content in higher resolution consumes data more quickly. In view of that, signing up for a satellite internet plan with a generous data cap or unlimited data option is the best bet for heavy streamers.

Which Is the Best Satellite Internet for Streaming Video?

Hughesnet and Viasat are two satellite internet providers that offer services all over the country; likewise, Starlink residential internet is available in most areas. All three are solid choices for streaming, given their flexible data options and decent speed range. The best option for you is subject to your unique streaming habits, budget, lifestyle, etc.

Download Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps¹

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Download Speeds: 25 Mbps - 150 Mbps¹

• Accessible nationwide
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Download Speeds: 25 Mbps - 220Mbps

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¹Stated speeds are not guaranteed.
²Speeds are "up to," are not guaranteed and will vary.

Slow Satellite Internet: Reasons and Fixes

While satellite internet isn’t the fastest or most reliable, it should be enough to cater to your day-to-day streaming sessions. If a time comes when you feel like it isn’t performing to its potential or is falling short of its capabilities, there’s probably something wrong.

As a wireless connection type, satellite internet is highly susceptible to various environmental factors. Here are some of the common reasons for poor performance along with their possible solutions: