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Is Satellite Internet the Rural Broadband Solution Weve Been Waiting for?

February 24, 2024

I have lived in rural areas most of my life. Finding fast, reliable internet has always been a challenge. Satellite internet seems like it could be the perfect solution for providing high-speed internet access in remote areas. In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of satellite internet for rural broadband.

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet works by transmitting data between my home and a satellite orbiting the earth. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

A satellite orbits the earth and relays signals between the ground station and my home.
A small satellite dish is installed at my home to send and receive signals.
The dish connects to a modem inside my house which delivers the internet connection.
I can then connect all my devices to the modem by ethernet or WiFi.

The satellite link provides speeds comparable to cable and fiber internet. This makes satellite a viable option for rural residents beyond the reach of those services.

The Benefits of Satellite Internet for Rural Areas

Satellite internet offers some significant advantages for rural users like myself. Here are some of the key benefits:

Wide availability – Satellite can provide internet access almost anywhere, as long as there’s a clear view of the southern sky. This makes it very appealing for remote rural areas.
High speeds – Satellite internet can deliver speeds of 25Mbps or higher, fast enough for most households. This is a major upgrade from old dial-up and DSL connections.
Reliability – Once installed, satellite offers reliable connectivity unaffected by weather. It doesn’t rely on above-ground cables which can go down in storms.
Cost – Satellite internet costs have come down substantially in recent years. The monthly fees are now competitive with cable and DSL plans.
Easy setup – Professional installation is quick and easy. No major construction is required like trenching cable.

For rural residents with no access to cable or fiber, satellite provides a great high-speed internet solution. The availability and performance make it very appealing.

The Limitations of Satellite Internet

Satellite internet has some downsides to consider before signing up. Here are some of the most common limitations:

High latency – The time for data to travel to the satellite and back results in high latency. This can cause lag and disruptions for real-time apps like video chatting and online gaming.
Data caps – Most plans have monthly data allowances. Going over the cap results in reduced speeds or extra fees. Data caps can make satellite expensive for heavy bandwidth usage.
Weather interruptions – Heavy rain or snow can temporarily interfere with the satellite signal. Service is normally restored quickly once the weather passes.
Line of sight issues – Satellite connectivity requires a clear unobstructed view to the southern sky. Trees or buildings in the way may block the signal.
Upfront costs – Buying the satellite dish and having it professionally installed costs $200 to $500 upfront.

The latency and data caps are the biggest drawbacks for some rural users. Performance for streaming video and gaming may suffer compared to cable/fiber. But for many basic internet needs, satellite remains a great option.

Is the Performance Good Enough for Work and School?

Satellite internet speeds have improved to be sufficient for most household internet activities.

Work needs – Satellite provides enough bandwidth for basic work tasks like email, documents, and web browsing. Video conferencing may struggle somewhat due to latency.
Schoolwork – Kids can access school web portals, conduct research, and submit assignments without issue. Video classroom sessions could experience choppiness.
Video streaming – Streaming movies and TV shows works well. High definition video may need to buffer frequently due to data caps.
Gaming – Lag can disrupt real-time online gaming. Casual single-player games work fine.
Smart home – Controlling smart home devices like security cameras has no major issues. Video quality may suffer a bit.

For rural families without other options, satellite works for day-to-day internet requirements. Performance critical uses like online gaming may require supplementing with other solutions.

Who Are the Major Satellite Internet Providers?

There are a handful of companies offering residential satellite internet in the US:

Viasat – The largest provider with over 1 million subscribers. Offers plans from 12 to 100 Mbps.
HughesNet – A major provider focused on rural customers. Speeds range from 25 to 50 Mbps.
Starlink – Elon Musk’s SpaceX provides satellite internet with a large satellite network. It’s still early in rollout.
DISH Network – Recently launched its satellite internet service with speeds up to 100 Mbps.
EarthLink – A smaller regional satellite internet provider, mostly in the Western US.

Viasat and HughesNet have been the primary options for years. Starlink and DISH are newer entrants trying to compete on performance. More options emerging is great for rural consumers.

What is the Best Satellite Internet Provider for Rural Areas?

The best satellite internet provider really depends on your specific needs and location:

Viasat – Offers the fastest top-tier speeds of 100 Mbps. Best for data-intensive use if you can afford the premium plans.
HughesNet – Has large rural coverage areas and low-cost basic plans. A good budget choice for lighter use.
Starlink – Early users report very good speeds and latency. Could be the best choice as coverage expands.
DISH – Promises speeds up to 100 Mbps. Their satellite tech is unproven so far to consumers.
EarthLink – Worth checking if available in your West coast rural area. Plan options are limited.

I recommend starting by checking availability and pricing for Viasat, HughesNet, Starlink, and DISH in your location. Compare speeds, data caps, fees, and contracts to pick the best fit.

What is the Cost for Satellite Internet Service?

Satellite internet plans range from $50 to $150 or more per month. Here are some typical pricing examples:

Basic – $50 to $80 per month for speeds up to 25 Mbps and 10 to 20 GB data caps.
Standard – $80 to $120 per month for speeds from 25 to 50 Mbps and 30 to 50 GB data.
Premium – $150 or more per month for speeds up to 100 Mbps and unlimited data.

There are also equipment and installation fees to consider:

Equipment – Providers charge up to $200 to purchase the satellite modem and antenna.
Installation – Professional setup costs $200 on average. DIY install is difficult and risks antenna misalignment.
Contracts – Many plans require a 1 or 2 year contract. Cancellation fees apply if leaving early.

Be sure to factor in all fees when comparing satellite plans. Unlimited data plans are recommended for households with several members or heavy media usage.

Is Satellite a Temporary Solution Until Fiber/5G Arrives?

Satellite internet may be a good temporary solution until wired or wireless broadband reaches my rural area. Here are some points to consider:

Fiber internet offers faster speeds and lower latency than satellite when available. Jumping to fiber is recommended whenever it comes to my area.
5G wireless covers less range than satellite but also provides much better performance. Switching to 5G home internet would be beneficial if it becomes available nearby.
Satellite installation costs can make switching services expensive. Trying to stick with one provider long-term may save money.
Make sure to closely evaluate early termination fees if considering satellite as a short-term solution. Long contracts can make switching costly.
Satellite technology will continue to improve over time as well. Next generation satellite service may match fiber/5G performance in the future.

Check broadband expansion plans for your area. If better wired/wireless options could arrive within 1-2 years, shorter satellite contracts or fixed wireless may be preferable to preserve flexibility. Satellite makes sense long-term if no other high-speed services are planned.

Final Thoughts on Satellite Internet for Rural Use

In summary, satellite internet has progressed to become a viable broadband solution for rural residents lacking other options. Performance is now good enough for general household needs despite some limitations. Major satellite internet providers like Viasat offer rural coverage with sufficient speeds for day-to-day use.

For rural families without access to faster wired/wireless services, satellite remains the best way to get modern high-speed internet. While pricier and slower than fiber, it still enables modern internet use not possible on old dial-up connections. Satellite capabilities will continue improving while coverage keeps expanding across rural areas.

With careful provider selection and reasonable expectations, satellite internet can finally bring broadband speeds to remote rural households left behind in the digital age. For the rural residents desperate for better internet access, satellite delivers a long-awaited and much-needed solution.