(866) 996-2797What is Satellite Internet? – A Complete Guide
Navigating the internet landscape can be incredibly challenging, especially when you live in a remote area that does not provide any reliable broadband services.
This is where satellite internet comes to the rescue with its unique advantages designed to connect even the most isolated locations to the digital world.
Take Stephanie, a 72-year-old widow from Willow Creek, California, for example. For her, satellite internet has been nothing short of a miracle. She shares:
“Satellite internet has been a life-changer. It’s a comfort to see my grandchildren's faces and hear their laughter, even from miles away. All I need is my computer, and I don't feel so alone anymore."
The true value of satellite internet goes beyond just connectivity. It brings us closer to our families, fills our days with endless entertainment, and helps our businesses grow one day at a time.
What is Satellite Internet?
As the name suggests, satellite internet refers to a type of wireless internet service that is delivered directly from satellites orbiting the Earth to devices in your home.
Unlike traditional broadband connections that rely on ground-based infrastructure such as cables or fiber optics, satellite internet uses radio waves to transmit data directly to your location.
This unique method of delivery allows satellite internet to provide connectivity in some of the most remote and hard-to-reach areas where other forms of internet services might be unavailable.
How Does Satellite Internet Work?
If fiber internet is a 100-meter sprint - think of satellite internet as a relay race, where several components have to work together to bring internet to your home.
The process involves sending a data request from your computer to the dish, up to the satellite, down to the ground station with the ground station acknowledging the request and sending data back up to the satellite, and finally down to your dish and computer. Just like a giant relay race in space!
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it all happens:
Sending Requests: When you want to visit a website or watch a video online, your computer sends a request. This request travels to a small satellite dish installed in your house.
Up to Space: The dish then sends this request up to a satellite that is orbiting the Earth.
Back Down to Earth: The satellite receives the request and sends it to a ground station on Earth also known as Network Operations Center (NOC). This station is connected to the internet and finds the information you need (like a website or a video).
Returning the Data: The information is then sent back up to the satellite in space.
Back to Your Dish: The satellite sends the data down to your satellite dish at home.
To Your Computer: Finally, the dish sends the data to your computer, and you can finally see the website or video you want.
What is Satellite Internet Best For?
You're a digital pioneer living in a cozy cabin deep in the mountains and you want to browse the web or attend an important client meeting, but there's no cable internet for miles.
Enters satellite internet - your high-tech connection to the digital world!
Despite its slow speeds and latency issues, satellite internet is the primary means of connectivity for people living in rural areas where fiber, cable, and DSL internet are unavailable.
Whether you're sending emails, crafting engaging content, or simply enjoying casual browsing, satellite internet got you covered. Here’s a sneak peek of real-world use cases of satellite internet:
| Small Business Owner: Dave | Full-Time Traveler: Lisa |
| Remote Researcher: Tom | Retiree in a Vacation Home: Susan |
| Digital Nomad: Alex | Family on a Farm: The Johnsons |
| Outdoor Adventure Guide: Mark | Adventure Travel Blogger: Jessica |
| Remote Worker: Mary | RV Travelers: Sarah and Mike |
Satellite internet is a dependable option for various mobile activities, particularly those needing high-speed connectivity while traveling. For more insights, check out our guides on the best internet options for RVs, boats, and trucks.
Types of Satellite Internet
Geostationary Satellite Internet
Stay over one spot above the Earth to provide continuous coverage.
- Orbits at 22,000 miles
- Slowest satellite internet
- High Latency
- Providers: Hughesnet and Viasat
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
Does not stay fixed over one spot and covers larger areas
- Orbits at Faster 5,000 to 12,000 miles
- Faster than geostationary satellites but slower than LEO
- Moderate Latency
- Providers: O3b
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Moves quickly and covers smaller areas
- Orbits at 1,200 miles
- Offer faster speeds and lower delays
- Low Latency
- Providers: Starlink and Project Kuiper (Upcoming)
How Much Does Satellite Internet Cost?
Compared to other broadband options, satellite internet is generally a more expensive option, which involves equipment costs.
The total cost can range from $120 to $500 per month, depending on your chosen provider and plan.
Initial setup fees for the satellite equipment can also add several hundred dollars to your overall cost and some providers may charge additional fees for professional installation or data overages.
Data Overages: Extra charges you will end up paying if you exceed the data limit of your internet plan. With satellite internet, there's usually a limit called priority data. If you exceed this limit, your internet speed may drop to standard data (slow speeds), and you might need to pay extra to get faster speeds again.
Here is a list of associated costs based on one year review:
| Prices Overview | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Plan/mo. | Installation (One Time, DIY, or Free) |
| Taxes/mo. | Equipment (Buy, Rent, or Lease) |
| Post-Promotion Price Hikes | Data Overage Fees |
Satellite Internet Download & Upload Speed
Typical download speeds of satellite internet range from 15 to 150 Mbps. However, some providers like Starlink are capable of providing speeds up to 220 Mbps. However, upload speeds tend to be slower, generally ranging from 5 to 10 Mbps across most providers.
Use our speed test to review the best satellite internet options near you:
Satellite Internet Coverage
The best thing about satellite internet is that it’s almost everywhere. It’s the only nationwide internet connection in the US. The only drawback is that it allocates limited bandwidth to certain locations.
What does this mean for you?
Well, same as coverage issues. You might have satellite internet availability in your area but the maximum speeds in your area may not exceed 10-20 Mbps.
Test bandwidth before signing up: A single satellite typically provides 260 Gbps of bandwidth shared among thousands of users in a single location. If demand exceeds this number or there isn't a dedicated satellite for your location, expect your speed to drop significantly during peak times.
Fixed Broadband vs. Satellite Internet
One thing we need to get straight right off the bat - there is no point in comparing satellite internet with fixed broadband (fiber, cable, and DSL). In terms of speed, reliability, and data allocation, it’s like comparing minor league to major league baseball.
| Fixed Broadband | Satellite Internet | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1 Gbps or more | 12 – 220 Mbps |
| Availability | Requires Physical Connection | Global Coverage |
| Reliability | Unaffected by External Factors | Impacted by External Factors |
| Cost | Less Expensive | Expensive |
| Data | Unlimited | Limited Priority Data |
While fixed broadband excels in speed and reliability, it does have its blind spots. It’s often unavailable in most remote and rural areas in the US. And where its reach falls short, satellite internet becomes the only good option to digitally recharge your homes and businesses.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Satellite Internet
![pros]()
Things We Like
Things We Like- Global Coverage
- Flexible Plans
- Quick Installation
- High Mobility
- Cheaper than a Mobile Hotspot
- Reliable Business Backup Connectivity
- Consistent Availability
![cons]()
Things to Consider
Things to Consider- Frequent Outages
- Weather Disruptions
- Network Congestion
- Slow Speeds
- High Latency
- High Equipment Cost
- Fixed Contracts
Broadband providers offer faster speeds at more competitive prices. So, consider exploring the best internet options for rural areas before committing to a long-term satellite internet contract.
Best Satellite Internet Providers of 2024
1. Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. Enroll before the 2nd billing cycle for continued savings. Service plan availability varies based on geographical area. 24-month commitment required.
2. Hughesnet plans come with unlimited Standard Data, but a set amount of Priority Data
1. No contract means there is no minimum service term commitment. If your data usage is trending to exceed the "typical usage" of a residential user on our network, you may have reduced priority during times of network congestion resulting in slower speeds. Typical usage currently means usage trending to not exceed 850 GBs in any 30-day period. The typical usage amount will vary based on network demands. Please visit www.viasat.com/legal and review the Viasat Unlimited Data Policy for more details.
2. Speeds are "up to," are not guaranteed and will vary.
Starlink offers the best speeds out of the three but its high subscription and equipment cost make it the most expensive option. Hughesnet is a more budget-friendly plan but offers limited data.
Viasat is the best option out of the three, bringing the best of both worlds together with great speeds, more data, and no contract.
Amazon’s upcoming internet service, Project Kuiper, will potentially be joining the satellite internet market by the end of 2024. Bringing tough competition for existing LEO networks.
Speeds are as low as dial-up internet
Speeds are notoriously slow but at par with Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Too expensive
Equipment lease options and new plans have made them all the more affordable
Extremely Unreliable
It’s better than having no internet at all
Not suitable for multiplayer gaming
While latency can be higher, improvements in technology have made satellite internet more viable for gaming than in the past.
Only for remote areas
Satellite internet is available in many rural and underserved areas but is also used in urban and suburban locations.
Difficult to set up
Newer satellite internet systems are increasingly user-friendly and often come with easy DIY and professional installation options.
Top Things to Look for in Satellite Internet Providers
Choosing the best satellite internet provider depends on two things:
- Knowing your internet requirement based on your daily usage.
- Checking if the provider's plan works well for your location.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you strike gold:
Assess your Speed Requirements: Speed is not a plus point for all satellite internet providers. For activities like streaming or online gaming, go for plans that offer higher speeds.
Evaluate your Data Usage: Satellite internet providers provide limited data. So, make sure you assess your typical data consumption needs to avoid extra charges.
Calculate Monthly Cost: Satellite internet is one of the most expensive internet options out there. Compare the pricing and plans of different providers in your area to find the best option for your budget.
Read the Fine Print: Review provider broadband consumer labels carefully. These details will provide a complete breakdown of costs, speed, data, and other associated fees.
For deeper insights, visit our compare providers page to find the right choice for your connectivity needs.
Limitations of Satellite Internet
While satellite internet offers considerable benefits, it also comes with its own set of restrictions and limitations:
Bandwidth Issues
As already mentioned, a single satellite typically has a maximum bandwidth of around 260 Gbps, shared among thousands of users in a certain location. So, if the demand exceeds the available capacity, users may experience significantly reduced speeds often known as network congestion.
Weather Disruptions
Since the signal has to travel from a satellite in space to a dish on the ground, any interference or physical obstruction along this path can affect the quality of the connection. This can range from your neighbor adding another story to his house (blocking direct line-of-sight) to heavy rain, snow, and thunderstorms; ultimately weakening the satellite signal to your house, leading to slower speeds, interruptions, or complete loss of service.
Data Caps
While satellite internet providers may advertise unlimited data, their plans often have hidden caps based on priority data detailed in the fine print or broadband consumer labels. Once this cap is reached, users may experience slower speeds or incur extra charges for additional data.
Data Overage Fees
Though satellite internet providers claim to provide “Unlimited” internet. However, providers will charge additional charges to restore speed limits post-priority data usage.
Throttling
Your provider might deliberately slow down the speed when you have reached a certain data threshold or peak time usage. Throttling helps providers manage network congestion to ensure bandwidth is equally distributed among all users.
Latency
Internet latency or "ping" time, is typically 20-50 ms for DSL/cable/fiber, making real-time apps run smoothly. However, satellite internet involves a minimum 500 ms latency due to the round-trip signal travel to GEO satellites, causing issues for real-time apps, VPNs, and interactive gaming.
Considering alternatives?
Here are some of the best options for remote and rural locations.
Environmental Impact of Satellite Internet
The internet accounts for 3.7% of global greenhouse emissions, a figure likely to double towards the end of 2025.
Compared to traditional internet service providers, satellite internet services require a significant amount of energy, with consumption levels approximately four times higher than those of traditional broadband services.
However, companies such as SpaceX, OneWeb, and Viasat are exploring greener technologies to minimize the environmental impact of satellite communication systems.
Future of Satellite Internet
According to an FCC press release, “45 million Americans lack access to both 100/20 Mbps fixed service and 35/3 Mbps mobile 5G-NR service”. These numbers are alarming because while the rest of the world is moving ahead with high-speed internet; many people in rural households and tribal lands are still stuck with slow or no internet.
Progress or equitable progress in the digital age can only be achieved if everyone is getting the same opportunities. Unfortunately, that has not been the case in the US, where remote areas have limited access to high-speed broadband internet.
Satellite internet has played a critical role in bridging this digital divide. However, it has not done enough.
The speeds and services have been generally poor, and most providers have failed to meet the basic FCC benchmark for high-speed connection. With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ending due to lack of funding, satellite internet is only going to be more expensive, if not already.
But with the arrival of the LEO satellites, 5G technology, cloud integrations, and the cut-throat competitive climate in the satellite internet space, the future is on the right track and consumers can expect considerable improvements in satellite internet services, cost structure, and speeds by the end of 2026.
Let us know what you think about satellite internet.
Satellite Internet FAQs
Is satellite internet the only option in rural areas? ![faq arrow icon]()
No, satellite internet isn't the only option in rural areas, although it is often a primary choice. Other options include DSL, mobile hotspots, and dial-up internet.
If I were you, I would definitely skip the last one. Wink, wink.
How fast is Starlink satellite internet? ![faq arrow icon]()
Starlink download speeds range from 25 and 220 Mbps, with upload speeds between 5 and 20 Mbps.
Is satellite internet faster than fiber optic? ![faq arrow icon]()
No, satellite internet is much slower than fiber internet with typical download speeds ranging from 15 to 150 Mbps. However, some providers like Starlink are capable of providing speeds up to 220 Mbps.
For more insights, you can check out our extensive guide on all about internet speeds.
Is satellite internet a good option for business? ![faq arrow icon]()
Not everyone is lucky enough to live in an area that has the best broadband services. Sometimes satellite internet is the only option that can help you stay connected and keep your business afloat.
If this is the case: assess your needs, test different providers in your area, and select a provider plan that best suits your business needs.
Is satellite internet good for working from home? ![faq arrow icon]()
Yes, satellite internet is a great option for working from home, especially if you are a digital nomad who likes to mix work with travel. However, if your work requires high upload and download speeds, you may need to look for other providers in your area.
Check for services and offers available in your area
