Satellite Internet used to be your go-to option when cable, fiber optic, and even half-decent DSL weren’t available in your home. Fortunately, more homes than ever now have access to the Internet, and since services like Starlink have really started to take off, they have only opened up new availability for users looking to have powerful, fast Internet access in their home, no matter where they are.
There are of course still some compromises to be made. Like any technology, you might run into some issues, even with a provider like Starlink. But, depending on where you are and what services are available in your area, satellite Internet can be a very solid alternative to traditional home Internet.
As for speed, Starlink itself offers a plan supporting up to 400+ Mbps and above for residential installations, and other companies like Amazon’s Leo satellite service are expected to begin rolling out soon and will offer speeds up to 100 Mbps. But speed is far from the only benefit you can expect with satellite internet. Wide availability, solid pricing, and even the ability to take it wherever you go – depending on your plan and provider – make satellite internet a great option for many.
You can get it almost anywhere
One of the biggest and most obvious benefits of satellite internet is the fact that in most cases you don’t have to worry about making an appointment with a cable company to come and install everything. Although some companies, like Starlink, offer residential plans that are more akin to traditional ISP offerings, the company also offers a roaming service that lets you set it up wherever you are. All you have to do is take out the satellite dish, align it with a satellite, and boom, you’re ready to browse the web.
Of course, there are some limitations to the “anywhere” advantage, as buildings, mountains, trees, and other obstacles can certainly cause interference in the signal. But, generally, if you can line up the satellite dish with a satellite, you can get service almost anywhere. Additionally, if you decide to opt for one of the residential services as we mentioned earlier, then your service will be linked to your address. However, you can often add the ability to “roam” with your Internet, depending on your provider.
It’s fast enough to replace your wired connection
While satellite internet once meant slower speeds compared to traditional ISP offerings, newer systems like Starlink offer more than usable data speeds. This means you don’t have to settle for a slow internet connection just because it’s the only thing you can get in your area.
Much of the speed problem with older satellite internet systems was due to the distance between the satellites and your home. However, with Starlink and other companies using low-Earth orbit satellites instead, the data can’t travel that far. This is great for speed, because it means your Internet system is sending data back and forth at much faster speeds than satellite.
Starlink’s current US lineup starts with a 100 Mbps plan. There is also a 200 Mbps tier, while Residential Max is advertised at up to 400+ Mbps. Amazon’s Leo is already advertising speeds of up to 100 Mbps and it’s not even out yet. Of course, actual performance varies and none of today’s services measure up to fiber’s gigabit speeds. However, if you don’t need gigabit, satellite is still a solid alternative.
Continues to work even if wired connections fail
Storms, construction, and even damaged utility poles can render your wired connection useless, even when all the equipment in your home is working properly. However, with satellite internet, you can bypass all the cables because your satellite dish is connected directly to the satellite feeding your network’s data. In fact, satellite communications have become one of the best backup options for disaster areas, where it can take weeks or even months to bring wireline connections online. And now, with many options available, including satellite connectivity on smartphones, people living in disaster areas can stay in touch with family and friends even when wired connections no longer work.
Of course, satellite is not automatically a disaster-proof option. Your satellite dish still needs power and bad weather can affect the actual connection to the satellite if there are a lot of clouds in the area. However, being able to rely on satellite Internet even when traditional networks are struggling is one of the greatest advantages of these services. Unfortunately, like any technology available, satellite internet is not perfect, and using satellite internet still has some drawbacks that you should also be aware of, such as the higher initial and monthly cost. However, the benefits are definitely worth keeping in mind if you’re currently looking for new internet.
