Satellite broadband: Everything you need to know

In today's connected world, the internet is as essential as electricity or water for many of us.

But what happens when you're in a location that traditional broadband providers have forgotten?

Enter satellite broadband, a technology that promises to connect you to the world, no matter where you are.

This article will delve into the nuts and bolts of satellite broadband, compare it to its earthbound counterparts, and help you decide whether it's the right choice for your internet needs.

What is satellite broadband?

Imagine being able to access the internet in the most remote of locations – whether it's a rural farmhouse or a secluded cabin in the highlands.

Satellite broadband makes this possible. Unlike the conventional broadband that relies on a network of cables and wires, satellite broadband reaches you from the sky.

A satellite dish, similar to the ones used for satellite TV, is installed on your property, and voilà, you're ready to surf the web.

How does satellite broadband work?

The science behind satellite broadband is fascinating. Data is beamed up from your satellite dish to an orbiting satellite, which then sends it down to a ground exchange before it reaches the wider internet.

This process happens in milliseconds, allowing for two-way data flow that keeps you connected.

It's a technological ballet, with information traveling vast distances at incredible speeds.

How to get satellite internet in the UK

Getting satellite internet in the UK is a breeze. Once you've signed up with a provider, they'll dispatch an engineer to set up the satellite dish and connect it to your home router.

The installation is a one-time affair, after which you'll be all set to enjoy your satellite internet connection.

Should I get satellite internet?

Satellite broadband is a godsend for those in areas where traditional broadband services are as rare as a sunny British summer.

However, it's not without its drawbacks. For starters, it's more expensive than other types of internet connections.

Data limits are another concern, with unlimited satellite plans being a rare and costly find.

Additionally, satellite broadband is known for its high latency, which can hinder activities like online gaming or video conferencing.

How fast is satellite broadband?

Speed is often the make-or-break factor when choosing an internet service. The fastest satellite broadband has download speeds up to about 300Mbps.

That’s certainly very fast, but far from the fastest broadband in the UK full stop.

Nationwide, you can get 500Mbps from Virgin Media, and various providers up to 1Gbps speeds in certain areas.

However, the typical satellite broadband package offers speeds up to 75Mbps, which is on par with standard fibre optic broadband.

Is satellite broadband expensive?

The short answer is yes. Basic satellite broadband plans can start from £25 per month, and that's for a service with a modest data cap.

If you're looking for a plan with more data, you might find yourself paying over £100 per month.

And that's not even considering the installation fees, which can also be hefty. In contrast, if you can get fixed-line or 4G broadband at your address, they’re likely to be much cheaper.

The Verdict

Satellite broadband is an incredible technology that brings the internet to the furthest reaches of the country.

However, it comes at a premium. With high costs, data limits, and latency issues, it's not for everyone.

If you're in an area with access to fixed-line or 4G broadband, these options will likely be more affordable and practical for everyday use.

For instance, fibre optic broadband with speeds around 35Mbps and unlimited downloads can be found for as little as £22 per month, making it a more economical choice for the budget-conscious consumer.

In the end, satellite broadband is a niche service that fills a critical gap. It's the lifeline for internet connectivity in remote areas, but it's also a reminder of the importance of expanding traditional broadband infrastructure to all corners of the country.

Whether you're looking to the stars for your internet service or keeping your feet on the ground with a cable connection, the key is to choose the service that best fits your needs and budget.

Or, if you can’t get fibre optic broadband at your property and want fast download speeds, satellite is an option.
It’s difficult to find a satellite provider that offers unlimited downloads, and those that do are on the costly side. And they often manage traffic or throttle speeds on top of that, too.