You are probably moving houses and contemplating all your available options. Your friends must have told you how amazing they find the services of satellite internet while some might have been inclined towards cable connections. Perhaps you are moving to an area that hardly gets any network and that has started to make you concerned and you have begun contemplating your options. If this is the case then rest assured, the best thing about satellite internet is its wide availability throughout the US. This is also one of the reasons why it is still so popular, especially in rural areas. But it all comes down to your preference and choices. Is satellite really the right choice for you? Let’s explore the answer to this question by digging deep into it.
Well, in order for you to determine whether satellite broadband is right for you or not, we have put together a list of the pros and cons of satellite internet so you can make a wise decision that is definitely going to benefit you in the long run.
Advantages of Satellite Internet Connection:
If you are moving to a place where fiber-optic or cable internet is not available, then you can count on a satellite to be accessible. In this part of the article, we are going to look closer at some of the benefits of satellite internet.
1. Availability
Do you know what is the one thing that this broadband service requires in order to be available in any area? It is a clear sky. This means that satellite internet connection is available literally everywhere in the country or even across the world.
Another great advantage that comes under it is that this internet connection does not require traveling through any wires or phone lines, which means that it offers you mobility. All the RVers out there, don’t hesitate this summer because you can pack your bags and start moving if you simply shit your installation to your travel trailer.
2. Better Than a Dial-up Connection
The general notion about satellite is that it is not a fast connection, and to some extent it is true but when we compare it with a dial-up connection, which is still typically what people in rural areas use, satellite internet is way more reliable and faster.
3. Expected Improvements in Satellite Internet
The good news is we expect some big improvements in the satellite internet industry as Elon Musk has also started working on it. There will be some progress and we can expect bigger and better things with even more improved quality for the consumers of this broadband service.
4. Hassle-free Installation
The installation and whole setup of satellite internet are pretty quick and hassle-free. It does not require construction of any sort as it only needs a few pieces of equipment. The good news is you don’t even need professional help for it. If you already have technical knowledge then you can install the equipment yourself.
5. Quick Recovery Time
As already mentioned, this broadband service only requires a clear sky to become workable and to communicate with the satellite in space. It does get affected by poor weather conditions. However, satellite internet connection also recovers pretty quickly as soon as the weather
becomes all right.
Disadvantages of Satellite Internet
Every broadband service has its pros and cons and the same is the case with satellite internet connections. This section digs deeper into all the disadvantages of satellite internet so, in the end, you can make the right choice for yourself.
1. Costly
Even though this internet connection does not offer superfast speed, still it is one of the most costly options you can find in the telecom industry. There have been some instances where satellite internet turned out to be even more expensive than cable and DSL connections.
2. Slower Speeds Than Some
Other Broadband Services Without any doubt, satellite internet is faster and more reliable than dial-up connections but when it comes to its comparison with other services such as fiber optic and cable internet, satellite falls behind in the race. It can be very slow sometimes, to the point that even online activities like streaming a movie can become frustrating.
3. Does Not Support VPN
Most of the time, this broadband service does not let you build a connection using a virtual private network (VPN). In this regard, sometimes you will have to seek permission from your internet service provider (ISP) so that you can use VPN.
4. Weak Signals During Poor Weather
Since the antenna for the satellite is mounted on the roof or side of your house, bad weather conditions can easily affect it. Although the recovery time is quick and satellite internet is reliable yet it is susceptible to losing its credibility during poor weather such as storms, heavy rainfall, thunder, or snow. If there is a snowstorm in your area, you may not be able to connect with the satellite in space.
5. Comes With Data Limits
One of the drawbacks of using satellite internet is that in most cases it places a data limit on the subscriber. For this, you will have to keep a check on your data usage throughout the month so you don’t have to pay overage fees for it. This also means that your internet may get throttled by your internet service provider once you begin to cross the data limit.
Final Verdict:
Now that you have read all the pros and cons of satellite internet, you must have a pretty good idea if this is the right choice for you or not. For all those of you who are moving to a rural area and cannot find cable or fiber optic, the satellite is the perfect choice for you, or even if you are someone who is constantly on the road, then give this connection a try. All in all, we hope that now you have made your decision.