Satellite internet connections can handle high bandwidth usage, so your internet speed will be seldom affected by any ‘peak hour users’
Satellite internet works by sending a wireless signal from a dish to a satellite in space. By always maintaining the same position in the sky, the satellite can beam your signal back to the provider’s network access point – this wireless method makes internet available anywhere you set up a dish. It is available throughout the country and is almost guaranteed to be available in your vicinity.
Strengths
Shortcomings
Bottom Line Due to its poor latency and unimpressive speed, Cable/fiber may be better suited options for regular household use. However, it is the optimum solution for rural internet servicing needs.
Installation
You would require a satellite dish with a modem and cables running to and from the dish to your modem. Once you have everything connected, the provider will send the internet signal to the dish in space which then relays it to you. If you think this appeals to you, check out the different packages offered and choose one for yourself using our search tool below
What speeds can I expect with Satellite internet?
Satellite internet offers customers much faster speeds than a dial up connection, especially in rural areas where other connection types are not available. The download speeds offered by satellite internet range from 12 to 100 Mbps with 3 Mbps of upload speed which are decent speeds that are offered through satellite connections throughout the country.
How does Satellite internet work?
Satellite internet works the following way:
- Let’s say you click on your favorite website. Your request then goes to the modem, then through a short cable to the dish outside your home.
- Your dish beams your request up to the satellite.
- The satellite sends your request down to a gateway station connected to the ground network.
- The station relays your request to your favorite website.
- The website delivers the information you requested back to the station, which sends it up to the satellite to be beamed directly to you.
HughesNet is a satellite Internet Provider with one of the biggest coverage areas in the US. It offers broadband internet speeds to the entire nation with affordable plans that reach you no matter where you are.
Why choose HughesNet
Considerations
Should you get HughesNet?
HughesNet is a great solution for you if you live in a rural area or a location where fiber/cable internet cannot reach you. HughesNet has affordable and simple plans that will cater to your basic needs, without you worrying about any hidden fees or price changes throughout the year.
Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) is high-speed satellite internet with extensive coverage throughout the country. It provides customers with a fast internet connection beamed directly from space!
Why choose Viasat?
Considerations
Should you get Viasat?
No matter where your home is located, Viasat will find a way to reach you, even when cable can’t. Availability truly is the one area where Viasat really differentiates itself from the competition. It also offers comparatively faster speeds as a satellite internet provider compared to its competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does satellite internet have data caps?
Technically, the internet packages offered by satellite providers do not have data caps but they do give the disclaimer that after a certain data usage they may slow down your data in order to prioritize other customers in case of network congestion.
2. Can I use satellite internet for gaming?
Satellite internet has a high ping rate or poor latency because of the fact that signals need to be sent to space and then back, which is not ideal for gaming as it creates lag. So if you are looking for an internet connection that is ideal for gaming, satellite internet is not for you.
3. Can I stream Netflix with satellite internet?
Yes you can stream Netflix and other streaming services with your satellite internet connection as Viasat and Hughesnet both offer plans with download speeds of more than 12 Mbps and only a speed of 3 Mbps for SD and 5 Mbps for HD is required to stream Netflix.
4. Can I bundles TV and phone services with satellite internet?
Yes, you can as Viasat and Hughesnet both offer multiple double and triple bundles so that you can avail all of your services from the same place. Just type in your zip code in our search tool and check out all the deals available in your area!
Use our search tool below to compare between all the TV plans
being offered in your zip and make the best choice.