Satellite internet isn’t anyone’s first choice for internet service, but it is a great choice for rural residents without any other options. It’s available nationwide and better than dial-up; satellite internet is getting underserved communities connected everywhere.
HughesNet, Viasat and Starlink are the leading providers to choose from, but did you know that not all satellite internet is the same? Their offerings vary greatly and not just their price, but their technology and speeds too. Here is everything you need to know about satellite internet.
How Does Satellite Internet Work?
Satellite internet providers don’t use telephone or cable lines to get you connected. They instead use satellites to send and receive information and it all starts with your internet provider’s satellite in the sky.
From there it will communicate back and forth to the satellite dish your provider installs on your property. Your satellite dish is typically placed on your roof but it can be placed on a pole too. The key part here is your new provider needs an unobstructed view of the sky between the satellite on your home and the one in the sky.
From your satellite your connection continues through a cable inserted into your modem. Every internet provider no matter what type uses modems. This is the piece of equipment you’re used to is placed in your house using translating signals sent into your internet connection.
To make your internet available via Wi-Fi, you’ll need a router too. However, you should ask your installer if the modem they’ve installed includes a router before going out to purchase one.
Types Of Satellites In Space Today
There are thousands of satellites in space circling the earth right now. But how do they stay in orbit and not collide with one another? They reside within different orbits. There are actually three types of orbits they can be in; high earth orbit, medium earth orbit, and low earth orbit.
High Earth Orbit
High earth orbit satellites are 22,000+ miles from the surface and are primarily used for telecommunications services like internet and TV providers like HughesNet, Viasat, DISH Network, and DirecTV.
Medium Earth Orbit
Medium earth satellites are 12,500+ miles from the surface. They’re mostly used for GPS and other navigation applications. Because of its limited use, there’s actually not too many of these in orbit at this time. It’s estimated roughly 10% of the total amount of satellite dishes in space are within medium earth orbit.
Low Earth Orbit
Low earth orbit satellites are anywhere from 155 to 1,200 miles above the service. The amount of them in space is growing exponentially due to its capability to provide a low latency connection. They’re used for internet service, military communications, weather reporting and more.
Satellite Internet Providers
| Satellite Internet Providers | Monthly Price | Download Speeds | Data Plan |
| HughesNet | $49.99/month to $149.99/month | 25 Mbps | 15 GB to 100 GB |
| Starlink | $69.99/month to $299.99/month | 12 Mbps up to 100 Mbps | 35 GB to 150 GB |
| Viasat | $100/month to $500/month | 50 Mbps up to 500 Mbps | 1 TB |