Call Us For Low Rates 1-866-921-6077
Internet That's Available Everywhere
Satellite internet service is one method of accessing the internet in areas where ground-based connections (cable, digital subscriber line, etc.) are not available, such as rural communities, at sea, or while traveling. Most satellite internet access is at a high speed.
How it Works
Satellite internet access is provided by geostationary satellites (allowing access virtually across the globe) and occasionally by satellites in low earth orbit. For the latter, coverage is extended into the highest latitudes, including the polar regions, but the connection speed is not as high as that for the geostationary satellite access.
Satellite Internet Equipment
Setting up Satellite Internet
For the user, depending on the application, they will need some sort of receiver or satellite dish that will allow them to connect with the satellite. The stationary consumer usually chooses to purchase or lease a small satellite dish, which is aligned to the satellite. Sometimes the consumer can do the alignment but usually the internet service provider (ISP) sends an installation specialist. The satellite dish is then connected to a satellite modem through a coaxial cable. From the modem, the consumer connects their computer directly to the modem or installs a wireless hub.
Portable Satellite Modems
Also available are portable satellite modems, which are frequently small rectangular boxes that need to be loosely aligned with the satellite; most of these satellite modems assist the consumer with the alignment process though contained signal strength meters. These portable satellite modems are expensive and they have limited connection speeds. However, they do provide internet access when there are no other feasible options.
Satellite Internet Challenges
Satellite Internet Latency
Although satellite internet access is available across the world, it tends to offer a lower bandwidth and a slightly slower connection to the internet than cable or DSL technology. In addition, there is a lag, or delay, between data transmitted two and from the satellite and the receiver. Because of this latency in the connection, some internet-based applications, such as live streaming video or live gaming, may not work properly and the consumer may experience hiccups in their viewing or game play.
Weather Conditions
Another challenge with satellite internet access is something called rain fade. Satellite connections are sensitive to moisture (including snow and rain), as the signal is degraded by the atmospheric interference. One means of overcoming such interference is to install a larger satellite dish, which reduces the amount of bandwidth that is lost during periods of precipitation.
Satellite Internet Access Providers
Satellite Internet Options
In the United States there are four primary satellite internet access providers: HughesNet Satellite Internet, WildBlue Satellite Internet Service, SkyWay USA, and StarBand Satellite Internet Service. All of the companies offer different service and connection packages, so the consumer is able to choose a high speed internet connection that works for their individual needs.
Satellite Internet Companies
There are currently several companies providing high speed internet satellite service across the United States. Broadband internet connections are in increasing demand across the country, as consumers find themselves frustrated with the slow access offered by dial-up internet service providers (ISPs), and realizing that they cannot fully participate in the internet if their connections are at slower speeds.
Accessibility
However, the most popular means of high speed internet access, cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, are not available in rural areas and remote communities. The only remaining option, outside of slow dial-up, which is at a maximum of 56 kilobits per second (Kbps), is satellite-based high speed internet. There are now several ISPs that provide broadband satellite access.
Download vs. Upload
High speed internet connections via satellite, like most other types of broadband connections, are faster with download, or downstream speeds (i.e. from the internet to the user’s computer), than they are from the upload or upstream speeds (i.e. from the user’s computer to the internet).
Limitations Due to Latency
Because of connection / transmission latency, which is inherent in all high speed internet connections via satellite, satellite internet does not work well for real-time online gaming or for Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone services.
Lease or Purchase
For all of the satellite ISPs, the consumer will need to lease or purchase several pieces of equipment, including a satellite dish, mounts, and a satellite modem. Some of the ISPs will allow for self-installation of the equipment but others require that a professional technician perform the installation and alignment. All of the satellite ISPs offer different pricing and speed tiers from which the consumer can select, based on their individual needs.
Satellite Internet Providers
- Six tiers from which to choose – Home plan, Pro plan, ProPlus plan, Elite plan, ElitePlus plan, ElitePremium plan
- Download connection speeds from 1.0 megabits per second (Mbps) to 5.0 Mbps, depending on the plan selected
- Upload connections speeds from 128 Kbps to 300 Kbps, depending on the selected plan
- Coverage Area: 48 contiguous states, does not offer service in Alaska or Hawaii
- Installation: Professional installation is required
- Four tiers from which to choose – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
- Download connection speeds from 256 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps, depending on selected plan
- Coverage Area: 48 contiguous states, does not offer service in Alaska or Hawaii
- Installation: Equipment can be self-installed or professionally installed
- Three tiers from which to choose – Nova 500, Nova 1000, Nova 1500
- Download connection speeds from 512 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps, depending on selected plan
- Upload connection speeds from 100 Kbps to 256 Kbps, depending on which plan is selected
- Coverage Area: 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Installation: Professional installation is required
- Three tiers from which to choose – Value, Select, Pro
- Download speeds from 512 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps, depending on selected plan
- Upload speeds from 128 Kbps to 256 Kbps, depending on which plan is selected
- Coverage Area: 48 contiguous states, not including Alaska or Hawaii
- Installation: Professional installation is required