Satellite internet is often one of the best, or only options, for reliable internet access for millions of rural or remote-area dwellers. The service does not depend on physical infrastructure, which at times is limited in accessing all areas, unlike cable or fibre connections. Data is sent directly to your home via satellites in space, satellite internet. But how do you determine the best satellite internet service for your household? In this article, we will discuss top providers, features, and what to look for when choosing a plan.

How Does Satellite Internet Work?

What they do is communicate with your home through a dish installed on your property and connected to a modem, and then devices in your home connect to the internet. The dish communicates to various satellites orbiting the Earth and will direct communications between the device and the ground station, which will forward the data in and out of the global internet infrastructure.

Although this makes it possible to have access even in remote areas, satellite internet generally lags a little bit compared with a wired connection because the signal has to travel such a long distance. Still, for many people outside of big cities, satellite internet is the best one available.

Top Satellite Internet Providers

1. Viasat

Viasat is another of the best Internet providers in the U.S. by satellite. Plans are available that range from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Viasat also offers different data packages, including unlimited options. In rural areas, these plans reduce speeds when a certain threshold is reached.

Pros:

They are available in very remote locations.

Options for the speed and availability of data.

They also offer unlimited plans.

Cons:

They are more expensive than traditional wired Internet.

Latency can kill video calls and other real-time applications.

2. HughesNet

HughesNet is another satellite internet service provider. All its packages come with a speed of 25 Mbps. The speed is relatively slower than Viasat, but reliability is guaranteed, and you'll never be left with no internet.

Advantages

Accessible throughout the country.

No hard data cap; speeds turn down once you hit the limits.

Disadvantages

You are limited to a few options in terms of speed.

When you indulge into real-time activities, latency comes in.

3. Starlink

Starlink, a project under SpaceX works on LEO satellites providing lower latitudes and higher speeds than traditional satellite services. It has just started but already gives many rural areas a speed of above 100 Mbps.

Pros

Faster speed.

Low latency .

Very suitable for remote places with fewer broadband options

Cons

A high premium for equipment.

Availability will be restricted as the network increases.

Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Satellite Internet Service

The factors to consider when making your choice of the best satellite internet service provider are:

Speed: 

Ensure that the provider has the speed to cover your entire online activities. Streaming and gaming require high speeds, whereas people working from home may also need higher speeds.

Data Limit: 

Do not forget the data thresholds since going over them makes the speeds slow.

Cost: 

Satellite internet is generally pricier as compared to broadband, so check the monthly cost, equipment cost, and even the installation fees.

Latency: 

In case you use real-time communication-specific applications such as video conferencing or gaming, it will surely pay off to have a service with low latency such as that offered by Starlink.

Conclusion 

Evaluating your needs and comparing the available providers makes finding the best satellite internet service pretty simple. Speed, data limits, or cost-whichever form of priority satellite internet proffers a lifeline to such areas. Now, thanks to Internet Providers like Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink, residents in rural areas will never again have to compromise on performance to stay connected.