High Speed Satellite Internet: Myths Debunked and Facts Discussed

Satellite internet is another form of broadband internet which you may be familiar with. However, instead of cables that usually deliver service, high speed satellite internet has the ISP broadcast the signal into space, which is then relayed through satellites to a receiver dish, after which the signal is interpreted as internet service. We’ll go deeper into the process later in the article.

And when did satellite internet reach the public, and what is the history of the service? While satellite technology was first developed in the 1950s and 1960s, it wasn’t until 1993 that the ideas for satellites used in conjunction with the world wide web were strongly considered. HughesNet was first on the scene in 1996 to offer services to consumers, which became successful over time. In 2005 the FCC wanted more companies to get on board, so now we see more companies available. Others still are trying to get on board, though it takes time. Currently, the primary trend in satellite internet is improvement and expansion, as new initiatives try to find a footing while established giants in the satellite internet market try to improve their infrastructure and launch more satellites.

Yet while satellite internet has become quite popular, especially in certain regions and among certain populations, not everyone is sure about how it works and what its capabilities are. That’s what this guide is here for. We’ll talk about how satellites transfer the data that becomes your internet connection. We’ll also talk about everything you need about high speed satellite internet. While we can’t get too technical, you’ll know everything you need to make an informed decision about internet service in your home.

The Basics of High Speed Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is slower than other forms of service; however, it is available in some form in all 50 states. This makes satellite internet a good fit for people living in rural and remote areas where other types of internet service are scarce.

On top of these facts, here are some corrections to some common misconceptions, additional bits of information, and how satellite internet compares to other service types:

Common Misconceptions About Satellite Internet

For the most part, people have these main misconceptions about satellite internet. While some of these issues have improved over the years, they might be flawed. Therefore, situations might vary based on location, expectations, and household. 

Misconception #1 – Satellite Internet is a Slow Internet

Satellite internet used to be slow. It often maxed out at 25 Mbps. On top of that, upload speeds were very slow.

While this can still be true for some service providers and plans, it isn’t a universal problem. Improved satellites and equipment allow for faster speeds on average. Some plans can reach either 150 Mbps download speed with high orbit service or 500 Mbps with low orbit service. And while these speeds are maximums and rarely achieved, the average speed among better plans is perfectly fine for the average household.

Misconception #2 – It Takes Too Long to Receive Data

One of satellite internet's biggest problems is the terrible latency. Latency measures how long data takes to be requested and received on a given network. It can vary based on a few factors, including where a user is requesting data, but the internet service type ultimately means a great deal. With satellite internet, latency is the time it takes for information to go from your device to your satellite dish, then to an orbiting satellite, then to a separate dish run by your ISP, then to the server you are requesting from. And then the return trip needs to be made. Signals travel extremely quickly. However, the journey is noticeable and can affect the internet user experience.

Due to lag, it can lead to online gaming and video calls being difficult if not impossible. It might not affect downloads or streaming too much, but it can affect situations where a constant connection or back-and-forth are required.

Yet while latency was crippling for satellite internet users before, that is no longer always the case. Many satellite plans have issues with latency. However, they are better than they used to be. Additionally, low earth orbit satellite internet services such as Starlink have mostly solved the latency problem. This keeps it within reasonable limits, if not as low as a fiber connection. High latency is not a clear-cut rule anymore. Instead, it is something you need to look up.

Misconception #3 – Satellite Internet Won’t Work on Cloudy, Rainy Days and Snow

One of the biggest concerns people have about satellite internet (and most anything regarding satellite communications, for that matter) is that it won’t work on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days. And while there is some slight truth to this, ultimately, the fears are exaggerated.

The problem is “rain fade,” in which microwave radio frequencies that satellite internet uses get affected by the weather. The waves must travel in a straight line and cannot pass through solid objects. This means that heavy moisture can affect the signal. However, the better the received signal, the less impact that rain fade will have on service. That means an optimized equipment setup can mitigate rain fade to a great degree. It would take quite a storm for service to be blocked entirely, though even a distant storm can affect service depending on the signal's path.

There are similar concerns about snow and wind. With snow, the main problem will be snow accumulating on the dish, blocking out the signal in that way. Also, the weight of the snow might misalign the dish. As for wind, the main concern is not wind blocking the signal but the wind blocking the dish out of alignment.

So satellite internet will not go down entirely from some rain. Heavy rains can indeed interfere with the radio waves that are involved in the usage of satellite internet. Snow can cause similar concerns, though it will unlikely completely wipe out a signal. Don’t believe exaggerations to these concerns, but do be aware of them if you live in a wet climate.

Misconception #4 – Satellite Internet is Too Expensive

High speed satellite internet is expensive when compared to other internet service types. Just looking at lists of plans for each provider will tell you this. However, in some ways, the matter is comparing apples and oranges. Satellite plans aren’t meant to be sold to people with fiber or cable internet plans, which are options that provide far more value from a cost-per-Mbps perspective. The value of satellite internet is accessibility, and satellite has no competition in that department.

Additionally, satellite internet has gotten more affordable or generally stayed the same in value over the years. It is becoming a more accessible option, even if it isn’t the most accessible option from a cost perspective. And given the infrastructure improvements and additional options coming to the market in the next couple of years, things will likely improve further.

While everyone’s definition of “too” expensive will vary based on their situation, there are different satellite internet plans for different households, and not every plan will break the bank. Be sure to research your options when you get a chance and balance them with what you need in your home.

In general, know that much of the above has improved, but problems can still occur. The worst weather events can knock out service. Satellite internet isn’t a bargain option. Latency can still be a significant problem for some customers. Yet they are not as bad as some publications and experts would make them out to be. If you’re concerned, do more critical research on the subject and come to your own conclusions. That can be the best way to clear up fears or misconceptions about satellite internet.

High Speed Satellite Internet Compared to Cable, Fiber, and DSL

When you look at satellite internet, the best way to consider it is in comparison to other internet service types. Therefore, here’s some of the basic information about satellite internet in practical terms and the other major competing service types:

In general, satellite internet is the most expensive, though it can do what other service types cannot.

Satellite Internet

As mentioned, satellite internet uses satellites orbiting the earth to relay radio wave signals to a receiver on the user's property. These waves are converted into an internet signal. Yet, in practical terms, satellite internet is mainly provided by three major providers (more on them later). Overall, it is the most expensive option and can easily cost hundreds of dollars per month, though it is available in some form across the entire United States. 

It can provide download speeds ranging from 15 Mbps to 500 Mbps, though on average, the range is more realistically 25-90 Mbps, depending on the service plan. We’ll certainly be talking more about how it works and what it can do later, but for now, know that there can be significant differences between providers.

Satellite internet has the main disadvantage of having high latency in most cases, where it can reach hundreds of milliseconds (it is recommended to have 50 ms or less if possible). And while there is low earth orbit satellite internet (more on this later) that has low latency, it is not so common yet, making its benefits unavailable for most.

DSL Internet

DSL internet utilizes phone lines to deliver internet service to the user. This makes DSL internet a widely available option, given that there is plenty of phone lines across the country. DSL isn’t available everywhere, but it is available in most developed places. However, the phone lines pale in comparison to most other options, even satellite internet in some cases.

DSL internet speeds range from 5-100 Mbps download speed. Upload speeds are much worse, usually hovering around 3 Mbps and, at most, 5 Mbps. And download speeds are rarely 100 Mbps, as might be advertised. The electrical signals degrade over distance; thus, only households close to the source will get a decent speed. You might get a rough estimate from a potential provider but do further research first.

Compared to satellite internet, DSL internet is on par for speed, usually less expensive, but can be less reliable in some areas. Depending on available plans, many potential customers will choose between DSL and satellite internet. The need for lower latency (DSL has decent, if not perfect, latency) and the speeds available from each provider, alongside the data caps with many satellite plans, will make a significant difference.

Cable Internet

Cable internet utilizes cable lines otherwise used for cable TV to provide internet service. Since cable is widespread across the country and the lines are as widely available, cable internet is often available in developed areas, though it isn’t as common as DSL service. It is commonly bundled with cable TV as an additional service (and a way cable customers don’t need to interact with other telecommunications companies). It has improved over the years to become the second-best and fastest option overall in the eyes of many.

The range of speeds varies greatly when it comes to cable internet. Though both are rare, there are cable internet plans as low as 25 Mbps download speed and as high as 2 Gbps download speed. On average, a customer can get a plan ranging from 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps download speed and an upload speed between 5 and 35 Mbps. However, you should know that cable internet often has a problem with congestion, which means that speeds can noticeably dip during peak hours.

Compared to satellite internet, cable internet is often the better option, but it is not always available like satellite internet is. Cable is faster in most instances regarding both upload and download speed, and latency is lower. Cable internet can be expensive, but it will undoubtedly be less expensive if similar plans in terms of speed are found. Cable has much higher or no data limits compared to satellite internet.

Fiber Internet

Finally, there is fiber internet, which utilizes fiber optic lines to provide internet service. These fiber optic lines are made of multitudes of thin glass or plastic strands (each about the width of a human hair) that can rapidly transmit information via pulses of light. The lines are generally run underground, and fiber internet represents the best internet service consumers can get. However, its main problem is that it isn’t widely available and is often limited to densely populated areas. And while there are efforts to lay more lines and expand service, it might take years for fiber to become widespread.

However, we cannot overstate how great the speeds are for users. Download speeds can range from 300 Mbps to 6 Gbps, though most plans (and all you need, really) are 1 Gbps. Upload speeds can equal download speeds depending on the ISP, though upload speeds will be about 40 Mbps, even on the low end. Latency and consistency are among the best in the business.

Fiber internet is better than satellite internet in nearly all respects and provides far better value, but it can be hard to find. Most people will choose fiber if it's available, but satellite is an option open to more people.

Other Options

On top of the above, you might find a few more niche or experimental options available. These can include:

• If you somehow run into dial-up internet, don’t use it or consider it unless it’s to make jokes about how slow and useless it is. Your phone’s data plan is better, and so is satellite internet.
• Speaking of data plans, one option that’s becoming more common is fixed wireless internet, which utilizes the same infrastructure used for mobile data plans (4G, 5G) with fixed receivers to provide internet service. It’s becoming a competitor to satellite internet but is still a niche and developing option as of this writing.
• While nothing will come out for some time, researchers are working on other forms of internet such as quantum and laser internet. This might amount to nothing but remember that satellite internet was also considered theoretical or experimental. Be on the lookout for new ventures and options.

How Satellite Internet Works

Now that you hopefully have a better idea of whether satellite internet is for you let’s go into more detail about how satellite internet works. Essentially, it’s pretty similar to how satellite TV works, though with a different purpose and a lot more flexibility in the information sent. While we can go into full technical detail, here are the main steps:

1. The satellite internet provider sends a signal from a ground station to one of their satellites (or a satellite network) orbiting the earth.
2. The satellite then relays the signal to the receiver (dish) mounted on your home or installed on your property.
3. The receiver sends the signal to your modem, which will interpret the signal to provide internet service in your home. Your modem might be connected to a router (or be a modem/router combo), which will create a WiFi network inside your home, allowing many devices to connect to the internet.
4. The signal will repeatedly bounce back and forth between your home, the satellite, and the ground station of the ISP to maintain a connection. Note that this is part of why many satellite setups have high latency.

The satellite receiver in a user’s home needs to be powered but has no other requirements. This means little to no ground-based infrastructure is required. As long as a satellite can provide coverage over an area and there is a clear line of sight to the sky, satellite internet can work in that area.

Parts of a High Speed Satellite Internet Setup

While the above might sound like a lot, and satellite internet is quite the marvel when you think about it, the amount of equipment required is notable but not crippling. Here’s what is involved:

Broadband-Enabled Satellite Orbiting the Earth

It’s hard to have satellite internet without satellites. Often referred to as a TRIA, this satellite transmits signals to and from the ground, allowing for global communication. The satellite is capable of a massive amount of bandwidth, divided between the many, many users utilizing satellite internet service at the time. 

Satellite Internet Dish

The satellite internet dish receives the signal relayed from the satellite. The satellite dish or receiver is usually placed on top of a home but may be placed in other areas in special circumstances. It needs to have a clear view of the sky, and it is generally best if it is in a place where it can be adequately secure and can best avoid things that might interfere with tuning, placement, or the signal. 

Some satellite dishes need to be larger than others to better collect and focus the signal from the satellite. This can lead to a more consistent connection. However, thankfully, the equipment has improved for people who do not want a huge dish.

The Satellite Internet Modem and Router

The signal that comes into your home needs to be distributed to devices that can connect to the internet. For this, you need a modem and a router. It translates the signal and allows for an internet connection, distributing it to other devices, including the router, if it is separate.

The router technically doesn’t need to be part of your setup, and a home can have a router and WiFi network without being connected to a satellite dish and the internet, but there’s little use to such a setup. It is also possible to skip the router if you don’t want a WiFi setup. However, users will have to connect any device they want to use via an ethernet cable (not a reasonable option when everyone has a smartphone).

Different Types of Satellite Networks

Currently, two different types of satellite networks are in use, leading to two different types of satellite internet service for all intents and purposes. Here is what you need to know about them:

Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network (LEO)

A Low Earth Orbit satellite network comprises many small satellites that orbit the earth on a few different planes. Several satellites follow each other on each plane as the satellite network orbits the earth. The planes run parallel to each other to provide service. All of this means that there is usually a satellite in serviced areas (you might be able to see one if you look hard enough). Generally, LEO systems orbit the earth between 800 to 1400 km above the earth.

LEO has a few advantages over GEO. It is faster, has lower latency, has some redundancy built-in, and has truly global coverage when fully functional. However, the satellites can often have a shorter lifespan than others, requiring replacement and that redundancy to be there in the first place. Additionally, there are concerns about space debris from the satellites, and its effects on other space ventures concern many.

Starlink is the only ISP that currently uses this setup, though other companies might be getting in on the market in the coming years.

Geostationary Orbit Satellite Network (GEO)

The satellite internet that most people are familiar with, a GEO setup involves a relatively small number of satellites to provide coverage to a fixed area of the planet. The satellites are larger and more powerful since they cover larger areas. The satellites will orbit the earth at about 36,000 km above the earth and have a reasonably long lifespan. However, more advanced satellites are regularly being developed for this network type.

This setup is more manageable for ISPs to launch (as easy as launching satellites and operating them can be). Each satellite can cover more area, and the networks can generally provide broadband speeds, if just barely, according to the current FCC standard. On the downside, these networks are associated with high latency and might not offer truly global coverage due to a lack of service in polar regions. This won’t be relevant to most people, but it is something to consider.

Both HughesNet and ViaSat currently use a Geostationary Orbit Satellite Network. However, even these providers are considering adding LEO.

Who Can Benefit From Satellite Internet

Satellite internet might not be for everyone and won’t be the best choice for every household, but some groups of people absolutely would. These people generally live in areas where traditional telecom infrastructure isn’t available. Waiting for broadband internet to become available can take a long time, and chances are that satellite internet is available now.

If you’re interested, we recommend that you find and evaluate a company that offers it, get the proper equipment either through rental or purchase, and get the right plan for your needs. And fortunately, other companies like Amazon are joining the race, making availability widen when it comes to better satellite internet.

Rural Area Residents

People who live in rural areas can have a hard time when it comes to getting internet access. Since they aren’t as densely populated, ISPs don’t place as high a priority on them when it comes to expanding infrastructure. In the worst cases, ISPs won’t even consider expanding to them, leaving them in a virtual desert.

Yet this dearth of other providers means that the best candidates for satellite internet are people living in rural or remote areas. These places generally don’t even have cable, and other wired access can also be limited. On top of this, mobile reception might not be the best, which would typically be people’s backup. While the infrastructure is improving in some respects, satellite internet remains the best and often only option.

Residents in Regions Prone to Natural Disasters

If you live in an area that doesn’t have stable wired connections due to the weather or poor maintenance, satellite internet might be for you. While earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters can sever cables and cause service disruptions, satellite internet doesn’t have this problem. You can get satellite internet service if the satellite dish is working correctly and powered.

However, it might not be perfect for all disasters. While the satellite doesn’t need to be connected to anything except your home setup, it does need power. You are fine if you have a home generator you can rely on. Yet if you are still reliant on outside power, you will want to note that and hope the power infrastructure is solid.

Additionally, you should know that there are some things to watch out for concerning satellite internet. No matter what you do, high latency can be a common issue. In addition, no matter what plan you pick, it will be expensive when considering the equipment costs. And while natural disasters and outages aren’t as big a problem, snow buildup can interrupt service, as can extremely cloudy skies.

Choosing the Best Satellite Internet Provider

Which satellite provider might be the best option for your needs? If only a couple are available, which one should you pick? Furthermore, what do the different plans offer, and what points of comparison should you know about? You need to know a satellite provider's capabilities, speed, data cap, reliability, and cost. Thankfully, that information is readily available on this site.

Here’s your overview of the three major satellite internet providers in the United States.

HughesNet

The first major satellite internet provider for the average consumer and one of the most popular to this day, HughesNet is easy to describe and nearly universally available. You can get service in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

HughesNet can be considered the slightly slower, more reliable option that is more affordable (though still expensive) and best suited for those who need internet access but are not internet power users. It is straightforward, easy to understand, and you know what speeds you will be getting with it. The only difference in the plans is the amount of data you will be allowed to use each month without getting your connection throttled. However, for those who can schedule downloads, all plans include 50 GB of bonus data for 2-8 a.m.

Download speeds will be 25 Mbps, and upload speeds will be 3 Mbps, though this can vary slightly. Pricing ranges from $64.99/month for the lowest service tier to $175 for higher-tier options. Note that not all plans might be available in all areas. 

ViaSat

Coming in after HughesNet is ViaSat, which on average, is pricier but has higher data allowances and speeds (if you’re willing to pay for it). ViaSat is known for relative reliability for satellite plans and is available across the United States so long as you have a clear view of the sky.

ViaSat has several options when it comes to plans. Note that depending on your location, you will have a choice between the “Unlimited” plans and the “New Choice” plans, with the New Choice plans being superior. Plans start at $85 for 40GB of data allowance and 25 Mbps of download speed to $350 a month for 150 Mbps of download speed and 300 GB of data allowance. Average speeds can be a little less than what is advertised.

ViaSat is an excellent choice for those who are willing to spend a bit more to get more from their satellite service, though it can get beat out at the lower end by HughesNet. When comparing the two, consider how much data you use each month and which plans are available to you (this site can help you figure that out).

Starlink

The newest and perhaps most interesting in the satellite internet industry is Starlink, pioneer of Low Earth Orbit satellite, which you’ve likely heard about before and are wondering about. It is the pioneer of Low Earth Orbit satellite internet service, which can provide faster speeds, lower latency, and an overall better experience (once they get all the satellites up). Starlink is also the cheapest and offers the best value overall compared to most other satellite plans.

Yet Starlink currently has a significant hurdle in terms of availability. It is not available across the country, like ViaSat and HughesNet. Additionally, users may have to wait a long time for their equipment. Users with no other choice than satellite might wait for a long time without internet if they’re waiting on Starlink, which isn’t acceptable.

Looking at the numbers, Starlink’s main plan is priced at $110 per month for 50-250 Mbps of download speed, 10-20 Mbps of upload speed, and latency that should be less than 60 ms. The average download speed is about 80 Mbps. The speeds are not always consistent, though it is a step ahead of many other internet providers. There are additional plans, but they are situational, and the premium plan involves costly equipment and fees that most households won’t even consider.

Starlink is best for people who are willing to wait for the equipment and setup, generally. It is faster than other options, has less latency, and can provide faster upload speed for users (even if it isn’t perfect). Be on the lookout for it and others like it, however, as it is likely the future of satellite internet.

Conclusion

High speed satellite internet service is a fantastic service that utilizes satellites and receivers to get people internet service no matter where they live. It can be confusing at first, especially with the number of options available to you, but once you get the hang of it, you can clearly understand what you need. Know that you don’t need to do everything overnight, and just the knowledge of satellite internet can help you make a better choice even if it isn’t for you. We hope you got all the information you need, and we invite you to return to this page as you need to.