For individuals, who reside in rural or distant regions, where cable and fiber internet is inaccessible, satellite internet is widely considered to be the only solution for obtaining a fast connection. Satellite internet involves sending and receiving data through satellite systems that are in space above the Earth. It can deliver high speeds and connections even in areas of the world that are not well-connected to the internet.
When choosing a satellite internet provider, there are a few key factors to consider:
Speed
Data caps
Latency
Coverage area
Customer service
Cost
Equipment/installation fees
The top satellite internet providers that balance these criteria well are:
Viasat
As for the internet speeds, Viasat has some of the quickest satellite internet plans to buy with the speeds starting at 12 Mbps and going up to 100 Mbps. The primary plan for the Comwave digital phone is 12 Mbps and it does not come with a data allowance hence suitable for moderate Internet users. Packages that are in the range of 25-100 Mbps come with a 40-150 GB data allowance per month. Exceeding your data allowance can lead to a significant reduction in the speed at which data is transmitted.
At the moment, Viasat operates in the entire United States and some parts of Mexico and Canada. It has latency ranges from 500 to 750 ms, something that is characteristic of satellite internet. However, there is a disadvantage Internet service through Viasat Satellite requires the customer to commit to a 3-year contract and the customer incurs a $100 fee for early termination of the contract. Installation fees are relatively low and it is between $100-$300.
HughesNet
HughesNet may be the most ubiquitous satellite internet service provider as it is available across most of the states. It provides a range of 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps across all states within the U.S. and selected parts of South America. The base plan comes with data caps of 10 GB up to the maximum of 50 GB on the highest plan. Just like other satellite ISPs that we have seen here, getting over your chosen data cap makes your Internet speed drop to as little as 1-3 Mbps.
HughesNet has a latency range of 600-700 ms HughesNet is one of the most flexible with their contracts starting from a minimum of 2-years, especially if one is using the company’s equipment. Standard installation fees can be as low as $99.
Starlink
Starlink is increasing availability at a tremendous rate and is a next-gen constellation of low earth orbit satellites for the internet. According to beta testers, it is getting between 50 to 150 Mbps with latency below 30 ms, as fast as any terrestrial Internet connection. Starlink has no data caps and is already providing internet to people worldwide, and its goal is to reach every corner of the world once the 24 constellations are in orbit.
The disadvantages are that Starlink is still in its infancy, and it requires an initial investment in the equipment of $499. A monthly fee of $99 is not prohibitive, though the service can occasionally break up momentarily as satellites move across the sky. However, Starlink has the fastest satellite connectivity with the least latency and unlimited data use.
Some of the considerations that one may need to undertake in the process of selecting Satellite Internet include the following:
When comparing the best satellite internet provider options for your area, keep the following factors in mind:
Speed
As for satellite internet download speeds, they stand at 12-100+ Mbps, and uploads at around 2-20 Mbps. These plans that operate at a faster speed are suitable for managing several interconnected gadgets and operations like the streaming of HD videos.
Data Caps
All satellite internet plans come with a monthly usage allowance ranging between 10 GB for the lowest tier plans offered and 150 GB for the highest tier plans provided. Exceeding the limit might slow down your internet to the most unbearable speed that you can imagine.
Latency
Latency is the level of delay that takes place for signals to be transmitted from satellites to the various ground control stations. Satellite latency ranges from 500 to 750 ms normally and can still work well for all purposes. The latency is also impressively low, it ranges under 30 ms in the case of Starlink.
Coverage Area
The degree of servicing North America also varies in some satellite ISPs with some providing service only to the North American region while others only to the continental United States of America. Therefore, it is wise to check on the coverage area of your chosen provider.
Customer Service
Ensure the provider has great technical support services in case you develop some problems with connectivity or with the hardware devices. Investigate the online customer service reviews and rating sites.
Cost
Satellite internet costs between $50 -$150 per month. Generally, the faster the connection and the more resources available, the higher the price paid. There are also additional costs such as initial charges for the equipment and installation that one needs to consider.
Equipment/Installation
This may range between $99-$300 for professional installation of the antenna and other accessories depending on your provider. Some target constituents are DIY self-setups in a few cases if the person is a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ kind of person.
By taking these important factors into perspective, you will be able to make the right decision in choosing the right satellite internet providers for the countryside and other remote areas globally. Satellite internet is relatively slower than fiber and cable internet, but the advancement in technology is constantly increasing satellite speeds and decreasing its latency - so, satellite internet is good enough for those who do not have a physical wired connection.
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