With today’s developing technologies, satellite internet is available almost anywhere. People living in rural areas of the country often times do not have the existing infrastructure for cable or DSL internet. BroadbandSearch has collected all the information regarding satellite internet from regulations to the advantages and disadvantages.
Satellite Internet Regulations
HOA and condominium boards are always debating about the appearances of satellite dishes in their communities, stating that they are unsightly additions. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken the matter into their own hands and outlined residents rights to satellite internet. The Over-the-Air Reception Device Rule, which was passed in 1996 states that anyone who chooses satellite internet is able to install their dish in a personal space. Personal space is defined by the FCC as any space that a tenant can only exclusively use including balconies or patios.
Furthermore, community boards are not able to halt or delay installation, charge secondary fees, or obstruct signal strength in anyway. The only time they are able to stop installation is if your dish is going in a public space. Public spaces are areas that are shared between residents like the roof or exterior walls.
Thoroughly read through your community handbook to make sure there are no stipulations that are infringing on your rights as broadband customer.
Advantages of Satellite Internet
- Availability: Satellite internets has high availability mainly due to the fact that the connection is made through a geostationary satellite in space, meaning it stays in the same spot while orbiting the earth. This allows for you to receive a consistent internet connection at your home.
- Faster than DSL and Dial-up: Satellite internet is also a good alternative for people who only have DSL or dial-up as another option. Both DSL and dial-up speeds are affected by distance from the provider’s central hub, where as satellite internet is able to provide more constant speeds between 12 Mbps and 25 Mbps.
- Easy Installation: Top satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Exede usually include installation for free because it does require a professional technician to come to your home. They will bring the dish, modem, and power supply. All you have to do is provide the device you want connected to the internet.
Disadvantages of Satellite Internet
- Latency:Latency refers to the time it takes a signal to travel from your computer, to your provider's connection hub, and back to your computer to load the page. A satellite signal has to make a roundtrip of about 45,000 miles which causes a half second skip in your connection. When you are casually browsing, this pause goes pretty much undetected. However, if you are trying to establish a connection with a real-time game, this pause may cause the connection to drop or skip.
- Data Caps:Because the satellite in space only has so much data capacity to give over its lifetime, satellite providers often impose data caps. They restrict how much internet usage a customer has in a month. Thankfully most providers offer plans with plenty of data for your family as well as free data zones during non-peak hours to help with large downloads.
Satellite internet only continues to improve with the launch of new, high capacity satellites. It is quickly becoming a competitive option for many people across America. Make sure you read up and know your rights and internet needs as broadband customer before making a final decision.
FAQ
Is Satellite Internet a better option than Fiber?
Satellite internet isn’t necessarily a better option than fiber internet. Fiber offers much higher speeds, a more reliable connection, and low latency. While satellite internet doesn’t match these aspects of fiber, it is more accessible and might be your only option if you live in a rural area.
How can I make my satellite internet faster?
To improve the connection, you can make your satellite internet faster by removing any bushes or shrubs from around your satellite dish. You can also move your satellite dish closer to your home. However, this will require a professional.
Is satellite internet faster than 5g?
Is satellite internet really faster than 5G? Satellite internet is actually not faster than 5G internet. 5G can reach speeds of 1 Gbps, which is significantly faster than the full speed of satellite internet.
Can satellite internet be hacked?
Like most things on the internet, satellite internet can be hacked, but it can be challenging to do. This is why there are systems in place to encourage people to identify bugs and why companies focus on constantly refining security.
How long do internet satellites last?
Satellites generally last about five years, depending on the satellite and the conditions it’s exposed to in space (e.g., solar storms).
