How Fast Is Satellite Internet?

Satellite Internet is by definition broadband access and offers upload speeds from 128 Kbps to 256 Kbps, and download speeds from 512 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps. This makes satellite download speeds around 10 times faster than dial up, slightly slower than the slowest DSL service, and around 10 times slower than cable Internet access.

Satellite is a great alternative to dial up Internet access, however most times pales in comparison to cable and DSL. Its speed is certainly more than enough to surf the web, and even downloading large files isn't much of a problem. Satellite works fine for anything that doesn't require synchronization or “real time” applications.

This means satellite is very poor for gaming and video conferencing and terrible for VoIP service (if it even becomes possible). This trouble stems from the inherent latency built into the satellite network. The data packets going back and forth from the user's computer must travel through several hops before they leave earth, and then they travel to orbital space and back. This is around a 44000 mile round trip and takes a bit of time even at the speed of a radio wave. This means even if all hops are clear between the user and the satellite hub, the packets will still need to travel through the atmosphere where any number of things could interfere with them. This may require that the packets be resent several time. This occurs with any connection, but is far more pronounced with satellite.

Satellite Internet access is a great way to get broadband service where no other is available, but it is a poor substitute for cable or DSL.

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For more articles about Satellite Internet Service, plus a form that allows you to check for all major high speed ISPs in your area, return to our main satellite Internet page.