Originally Posted On: https://www.earthlink.net/blog/what-is-satellite-internet/

Is Satellite Internet a Good Option for You?

Summary: Satellite internet is available virtually everywhere in the country, but it’s still got a bad reputation. Did you know that satellite internet offers speeds up to 100 Mbps? Or that it takes less than one second for your data to make it to outer space and back? Learn what else satellite has to offer.

If you live in a rural area, chances are you know what satellite internet is. But if you’ve never used it, you might associate satellite with TV subscriptions. So let us break it down for you.

How Does Satellite Internet Work?

Satellite internet creates an internet connection in your home by using satellites that orbit the Earth. Other types of internet, like fiber or DSL, use wires that are buried underground. Because the data has to travel so far for satellite internet, there are several steps to this process.

• Data Transmission from Your Device: The process starts with your device, such as a phone or laptop, sending and receiving information. This data flows through a modem in your home.
• Connection via Satellite Dish: Your modem sends the data to a satellite dish installed on or near your property. The dish acts as a communication bridge.
• To Space and Back: The satellite dish transmits your data to a satellite positioned thousands of miles above Earth in geostationary orbit.
• Ground Station Coordination: From space, the satellite sends the data back down to a ground station on Earth, also referred to as a Network Operations Center (NOC). This station manages and processes the incoming and outgoing information.
• Data Return Journey: Finally, new requested data takes the reverse path—from the ground station, to the satellite, then to your dish, and back to your device.

This incredible round trip takes less than a second, offering you online connectivity that’s literally out of this world!

Because satellite internet doesn’t rely on underground wires being laid, it’s available in virtually 100% of the United States. As long as your residence has a clear view of the sky, satellite internet will probably work for you. That said, depending on where you live, it might not be your best option. Let’s look at the pros and cons of satellite internet.

According to John Horrigan, Senior Fellow at Technology Policy Institute, “Satellite broadband has become a crucial stopgap for millions of Americans who lack access to wired internet infrastructure. While not yet a replacement for fiber, new constellations are closing the performance gap.”

Pros and Cons of Satellite Internet

One of the biggest advantages of satellite internet is just how available it is. According to the FCC, 98.4% of Americans have access to two or more satellite internet providers. Beyond coverage and options, satellite also offers:

• Broadband-level speeds possible
• More cost-effective than mobile hotspots
• Quick recovery after outages

So, if you’re accustomed to using your phone’s hotspot at home, satellite is definitely the way to go. That said, there are some disadvantages to satellite internet, like:

• High lag times
• Expensive up-front costs for equipment
• Vulnerable to bad weather
• Long contracts
• Data caps

If fiber internet is available at your home, that’s always what you should go with — especially if you can find a high-speed internet provider with no data caps and no credit checks. But satellite does offer faster speeds comparable to cable and broadband internet, so you won’t feel stranded.

Who Should Use Satellite Internet?

Now that you know the pros and cons of satellite internet, who should be using it?

Satellite is ideal for people in rural areas (or internet deserts) that have limited or no cable or fiber connections. Areas without wired internet are the perfect candidates for satellite internet because all you need is a clear view of the sky.

Satellite internet is also great for customers in regions that are prone to natural disasters, like earthquakes and hurricanes. These types of disasters can sever underground wires, which can take a long time to fix. But as long as your satellite dish is working, you’ll be able to stay online (or quickly reconnect to the web).

What Should I Look for in a Satellite Internet Provider?

If satellite internet sounds like a good fit for your life, here are the top three things to consider.

First, what speed do you need? Different providers offer different speeds. If you tend to use the internet for data-heavy activities, like streaming, gaming, or videoconferencing, you’ll need more speed than someone who is simply checking their email or doing some light online shopping.

Second, what data limit do you need? You should be able to view your current monthly data usage on your internet provider’s statement if you need a rough estimate. Those data-heavy activities that influence your speed? They also take more data and will contribute to your data cap. If you’re worried about speed throttling or fees, you can take steps like streaming in HD instead of 4K (or SD instead of HD) to use less data.

Finally, are you planning to move soon? Many satellite internet providers require multi-year contracts, and the initial installation of the dish equipment can be costly. If you frequently move — or are planning to soon — it’s worth considering other options or asking about early termination fees.

Satellite internet has come a long way, and some providers even offer speeds up to 100 Mbps. It’s one of the best options for rural internet users and is the most widely available type of connection in the country. No matter what internet is best for you, EarthLink can help. From satellite internet to fiber, we’ve got the solution you need. Learn more about our rural internet options or get in touch with one of our Internet Experts today at 866-618-0264.

Key Takeaways

• Satellite internet is a reliable option for areas without access to cable or DSL, covering virtually all of the U.S.
• It works without physical cables, using a satellite dish to connect with orbital satellites, making installation feasible even in remote areas.
• While innovative, satellite internet comes with certain limitations like latency, weather vulnerability, and data caps, which users should account for.

Satellite technology has come a long way, and modern services deliver speeds comparable to broadband in many cases. If satellite internet suits your connectivity needs, it’s time to enjoy online access wherever you are.

Why EarthLink?

From satellite to fiber, providers like EarthLink offer internet options tailored for you. Learn more about our rural internet solutions or speak to one of our Internet Experts today at 866-618-0264.