What is Satellite Internet and How Does It Work?
Two of the most reliable and fastest connection types, cable and fiber internet, have nationwide availability of 82% and 46%, respectively (FCC Broadband Map). On the other hand, satellite internet might not be the fastest, but no other connection comes close to it when it comes to availability (99%!).
It is the only connection type that is available in all 50 states. And, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that satellite internet is a lifesaver for people living in rural areas who don’t have many connection options.
Starting from how satellite internet works, I’ll compare it with other connection types and explain its major pros and cons in this article. So, let’s get started.
How Does Satellite Internet Work?
Satellite internet works with a dense network of low-orbiting satellites around the Earth. These satellites remain at a fixed position relative to Earth at about 22,000 miles above the equator.
Before I explain how satellite internet works, here are its three major components:
- A satellite dish; It is usually mounted on an elevated place, such as a rooftop
- Low-orbiting satellite that revolves around the Earth
- An on-ground station called as Network Operations Center (NOC)
Now, let me explain how these components work in coherence to deliver the satellite internet from thousands of miles away.
Consider that your smartphone is connected to satellite internet. Your device sends the data to the modem, which then transfers it to the dish. The dish again transfers the data to the low-orbiting satellite.
At this point, the outgoing data from our device successfully reaches the satellite out in space. In the next phase, the low-orbiting satellite transfers the data back to the on-ground NOC.
The data is processed at NOC, sent back to the low-orbiting dish, and eventually to the satellite dish. In the last step, the satellite dish transfers the processed data to the modem, and it delivers the internet to the connected devices.
Key Differences Between Satellite and Other Broadband Types
There are multiple differences between satellite internet and other broadband types. However, one of the major differences is how they deliver the internet.
Satellite internet doesn’t need help from cables. For instance, as already discussed, low-orbiting satellites deliver the internet to users’ houses. However, other connection types, such as cable or fiber, need coaxial or fiber-optic, respectively, to transfer the internet signals.
It also explains why satellite internet has wide availability. While other broadband types have to lay out expensive infrastructure to reach far-fetched areas, satellite internet just needs a dish to deliver its connection.
Also, setting up a satellite connection can be tricky when compared to other connection types. Precision is required to install the satellite dish because it must be in a clear line of sight of the orbiting satellite out in space.
Additionally, satellite internet is less reliable and slower than most broadband connections. As the signals take considerable time to travel, satellite internet users might also face great latency in their connection.
That said, service providers, especially Starlink, are revolutionizing the satellite internet landscape. Using advanced technology, Starlink is sending satellites to as low as 300 miles above the Earth’s equator.
Not only does this significantly reduce the travel time from the satellite dish to a low-orbit satellite, but it also decreases latency and amps up the internet speeds.
Pros and Cons of Satellite Internet
I’ve also mentioned some pros and cons of satellite internet in the table below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Satellite internet has wide availability | Internet speeds are relatively slower than other broadband connections |
| It is more affordable and reliable than using mobile data | Satellite internet plans can be expensive |
| Satellite internet is less prone to physical damage | The satellite dish must be installed carefully and precisely |
| It is a wireless type of broadband connection | Adverse weather conditions can affect satellite internet services |
Best Satellite Internet Providers
Multiple satellite internet providers are offering top connectivity to users nationwide. Below, I’ll give a brief overview of the top satellite internet providers.
- Starlink
Founded by Elon Musk, Starlink has been aggressively expanding its services throughout the country. They also successfully launched low-orbiting satellites, which dramatically improved their internet speeds.
- Hughesnet
It is another reliable satellite internet option. HughesNet has great nationwide availability and offers sufficient internet speeds for most online activities. Plus, Hughesnet offers a wide range of affordable satellite internet plans to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does satellite internet offer WiFi?
Yes, like other broadband connections, such as cable or fiber internet, you can also enjoy WiFi on a satellite connection.
How do bad weather conditions affect satellite internet services?
Adverse weather conditions, such as snowfall, rainfall, hurricanes, etc., can affect the internet services by disrupting the clear line of sight between the satellite and the satellite dish.
Are all satellite internet plans capped?
No, satellite internet providers like Starlink or Viasat do not impose data caps on their plans.
