Satellite Internet: Yay or Nay?

Satellite Internet: Yay or Nay?

Those living and working in an isolated location have limited internet connection options; they can either opt for dial-up or go for satellite internet.


Those living and working in an isolated location have limited internet connection options; they can either opt for dial-up or go for satellite internet.

Satellite internet is essentially a wireless connection that uses 3 satellite dishes; one is located at the hub of the internet provider, one floats around in space and another one is positioned on your building and is connected to a modem with cables.

When the modem and dish are set up, an internet signal is sent to the dish in space, which then transfers it to you.

Each time you click on a new page, send an email or download something, the signal first goes to the dish in space and is then relayed to the ISP’s hub and vice versa.

Wondering if satellite internet is right for you?

Check out the pros and cons here:

The Cons

 

It’s affected by the weather: As opposed to other types of internet connections, the weather does impact satellite internet connections. During rainstorms, users should expect either really weak connections or no connection at all.

Poor latency: Latency refers to the speed at which the ISP hub, modem and the computer communicate. Satellite internet connections aren’t the fastest and users can expect slow file-transfers, downloads, etc. If you’re into online gaming, a satellite internet connection isn’t for you.

Minor obstructions will impact the signal: The dish set up on your premises will have to be pointed south at all times. Any item obstructing the signal’s path will impact the quality of the signal.

Incompatible with VPNs: VPNs require high-bandwidth and low latency, which isn’t possible with a satellite connection.

Satellite internet is expensive: A month of satellite internet of speeds of just 2mbps can cost you around $100. This is double the amount you’ll usually pay for internet in the city.

The Pros

Faster than dial-up: Satellite internet is a much faster option than dial-up; when dial-up and satellite internet are your only options, then satellite internet connection is the better choice.

Handles high bandwidth usage: Satellite internet can handle high bandwidth, which means that the internet speed remains unaffected by “peak times.”

They don’t require phones: Unlike in a dial-up connection, you won’t require a working phone line to set up a satellite internet.

Satellite internet isn’t the best option for those living in the city, however it is the better option for people living and working in remote locations.

Looking for the best satellite internet provider near you?

KonnectEaze allows users to compare different internet service providers near them based on packaging and pricing details. Using our information, users can make informed decisions when choosing an internet service provider.