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What is satellite broadband?
Satellite broadband is promoted to people who can't get a normal broadband service. Here we explain all you need to know about satellite broadband.
Is satellite broadband the right choice for you? Our expert guide will help you decide whether you should invest in a satellite internet connection.
Most of us have standard broadband that uses a traditional wired connection. However, if you live in a rural area, it can be very difficult to access the internet through this sort of wired connection. Fibre broadband services may not be available, and even if slower ADSL/standard broadband packages are an option, they're often so slow that they're virtually useless.
One possible solution is to use a satellite internet service. Read on to find out more about this type of connection and to discover whether it's right for your needs.
We surveyed thousands of broadband customers so we can reveal the best broadband providers.
How does satellite broadband work?
Rather than relying on a network of broadband wires or cables, satellite broadband is transmitted wirelessly via a satellite dish. It works in a similar way to satellite TV, except those services just receive information. With a satellite broadband connection you also send out – or upload - data to the satellite.
The main advantage of satellite broadband is that it can be provided virtually anywhere in the world - generally as long as you have a clear line of sight to the southern sky (where the satellite will be).
How much does satellite broadband cost?
Satellite broadband is usually much more expensive than standard and fibre broadband.
As well as paying a monthly package fee, you'll also need to pay for installation, both of which can be very pricey – costing upwards of £300. Some satellite providers let you rent their equipment. This can be cheaper in the short term, but you'll be held responsible for any damage to the equipment - and you may end up paying out more than if you'd just bought it upfront.
As well as the upfront cost of a dish, prices tend to start at around £20 a month, rising to more than £100. However, the cheapest packages come with very small data allowances – often as little as 10GB a month. This won't allow you to do much more than web browsing or emailing and the occasional bit of streaming.
Prices start at around £20 a month, rising to more than £100.
Spending more will give you more data to use, although most packages have Fair Access Policies (also known as traffic management). This means that heavy users may have their browsing speeds capped.
How fast is satellite broadband?
Speeds can vary considerably. Older satellites could only offer speeds from around 12Mbps, but more modern alternatives can reach up to 300Mbps. That puts it on par with modern fibre services, although you also need to consider the latency of satellite services, which means the lag or delay caused by transmitting data thousands of miles to the service's satellite.
Latency won't be a concern when simply browsing the web, but would be a real problem if you're playing online video games, which demand instant reactions. It could also be a little annoying on Skype or other Voip calls.
Check how fast your internet connection is with our free broadband speed test.
Should I get satellite broadband?
The high costs, latency issues and small data limits (most ADSL and cable packages include unlimited allowances) mean that satellite broadband isn't likely to appeal to many people. There are other factors to consider as well, such as the impact of bad weather on a connection,
If you live in a rural area, there's a good chance you'll be happy just to be able to get online – and a satellite service makes that possible. But for most people, a mobile internet connection with a 4G or 5G dongle could be a better bet.