Satellite Internet is slowly becoming more affordable and accessible. With the advent of some high-profile companies getting involved in satellite internet provision, more and more people have a chance to join the online world.
In this article, we outline the pros and cons related to satellite internet to help you decide whether it is a good option for you.
Pros of Satellite Internet
Global Coverage
The main benefit of satellite internet is its potential for global coverage. With the right gear to connect to the satellite, there would not be many places on earth where you could not access the internet.
This seems simple but is a mind-blowing concept when you consider this and consider the positive implications this could have for many remote communities.
No Phone Line Required
An extension of its global reach, the fact that you now have the ability to connect to the internet via satellite means that a phone line, or cable, is no longer a prerequisite for internet access.
Historically, not having a phone line, would have meant that rural internet access was impossible for you. In many cases, phone lines and the relevant cabling could have been installed but this is a very expensive process. Once the excavation costs, as well as the cabling and tradesperson fees, are added up, it costs thousands of dollars per meter.
The fact that internet access is now possible without the need for such intensive capital works opens up the possibility of internet access for many who thought it would never be possible in their location.
Reliable Network
Satellite Internet connections tend to be more reliable than cable-based internet networks. Though it is possible for the signal to be interfered with, the actual reliability of the signal being transmitted is very good.
With a typical cable internet network, there is so much physical infrastructure, that there is a lot of opportunity for outages at any point along the line. Then once there is a problem they have to find the problem, and then physically get to the problem, and then fix the problem. You can easily lose hours or even days of the internet in some cases, depending on the nature of the fault. Not with satellite internet.
Cons of Satellite Internet
Though the global reach of satellite internet is hard to paint in a negative light, if you are ever in a position to choose between satellite or cable internet, here are some of the downsides of satellite internet to be aware of.
Satellite Internet Is Affected By Weather
Though satellite internet is very stable from a transmission perspective, changes in the atmosphere (including weather) can disrupt the ability of the signal to get to your receiver. As a result, if there is a long period of inclement weather you may experience difficulties connecting to the satellite dish, or the signal strength and speed could be compromised.
Poor Latency/Ping
Latency measures the speed at which data can go back and forth between two different terminals. Poor latency is synonymous with a slower internet connection. Given the distance, the signal is traveling (from you to the satellite) the latency is poor for satellite internet connections.
Though slow internet is better than no internet, if you do have the choice between satellite or cable internet from a provider like Broadlinc ISP, you may want to opt for cable.
Expensive
Satellite internet connections tend to be more expensive on a monthly basis compared to traditional internet services.
In addition to the higher prices, a lot of satellite internet services ask users to agree to long-term contracts. Though contracts are not uncommon in cable-based internet services, satellite providers are more prone to push for long-term contracts.
You Cannot Use VPNs
Given the issues with speed and latency, it is hard, if not impossible, to utilize Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with satellite internet connections. Many people like to use VPNs when surfing the internet to obtain a measure of privacy and conceal their internet activity. With a satellite internet connection, this is a lot harder, and in many cases, not possible.
Obstructions Can Interfere With Signal
Similar to the potential for interference by weather, it is also possible for satellite internet signal to be obstructed by other objects. For example, if you live in a forest, and your signal receiver is underneath trees and branches, there is the potential for the signal to be interrupted. If you want your satellite internet signal to be strong and uninterrupted then you need to ensure you can establish a clear line of sight, between your receiver and the satellite.
Final Thoughts
If you are in an area, where cable internet is not available then there is no reason not to consider using satellite internet. It is an incredible example of the way technology can improve the lives of many.
However, if you have the chance to choose between cable internet and satellite internet, then you will have a faster, cheaper, and more reliable internet experience.