There was once a time when we didn’t have that many options when it came to our internet. Fortunately, with continuous technological advancements, we are now able to access different types of internet for our homes or businesses. Two of the most popular type of internet are satellite and fiber internet. While they’re far different from each other, they’re usually being compared by internet users for a variety of reasons.
In this article, we’ll compare satellite internet and fiber internet to help you determine which one is best for your needs.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is an internet service that is transmitted from orbiting satellites. A dish receiver located near your home, often on your roof, receives the signal and sends it to your modem, which converts it into a usable internet connection.
The most significant advantage of satellite internet is its accessibility. As the signal comes from outer space, it can be received anywhere in the country with a clear view of the sky. This makes satellite internet the best option, and sometimes the only option, for rural residents who lack cable or fiber connectivity.
Fiber Internet
This is the newest, most modern, and fastest sort of internet service. Fiber internet utilises laser light to transmit data. Fiber optic wires are composed of hundreds of glass threads as thin as hair. Laser-generated pulses travel along the cables at the speed of light. These light pulses are transformed into computer-readable electrical impulses once it reaches your home or business.
Unfortunately, contrary to claims made by numerous companies, fiber optic connections do not transmit internet at “the speed of light” However, fiber internet still offers relatively fast download speeds of 300 Mbps and upload speeds of 65 Mbps. AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum Internet are some of the major fiber internet providers in the country.
Satellite Internet vs. Fiber Internet
Now that you know what satellite and fiber internet is, let’s compare them according to speed, accessibility, and other factors that are crucial for decision-making. ‘
Speed
Fiber internet is the clear winner when it comes to speed. With download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of 65 Mbps, you can do a lot with a fiber connection. Satellite internet, on the other hand, has a maximum download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 3 Mbps. While this is fast enough for general web browsing and streaming, it falls short when compared to fiber.
Accessibility
As mentioned earlier, satellite internet is accessible almost anywhere in the country. As of writing, there are only two prominent satellite internet providers in the US, Viasat and HughesNet Internet – the only two internet providers servicing the entire 50 US states.
Fiber internet, on the other hand, is only available in specific areas. Unless you live or work in a major metropolitan area, chances are you don’t have access to fiber internet. But, fiber internet providers and the government are currently working hand in hand to expand its reach to the entire country.
Reliability
Satellite Internet works on a wireless connection, making it more susceptible to interference than fiber internet, which is hardwired and, therefore, more reliable. Extreme weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, lightning, and sunspots, might disrupt the reliability of satellite internet. Moreover, the quality and dependability of your satellite connection may also be compromised by obstructions such as trees and buildings.
On the other hand, fiber optic wires are buried so deeply in the ground, so adverse weather conditions do not influence the reliability of your fiber connection. It will continue to function well regardless of rainstorms or animal disturbances, so you won’t have to worry about losing internet access when you need it most.
Cost
Satellite Internet can be costly, particularly if you reside in a remote area. When compared to other types of internet that offer equivalent speeds, satellite internet is generally more costly in most locations. Therefore, if pricing is a deal-breaker for you, satellite internet may not be your best choice.
In contrast, depending on the ISP, fiber internet can be a cheap choice. Some fiber internet providers will offer a range of package options with exceptional speeds and pricing. If you’re a heavy internet user, fiber internet can be a great choice for you.
So, What’s the Best Internet Type for You?
You need to consider several factors before choosing an internet type. For example, if you live in a remote area where fiber internet isn’t available, satellite internet is your best choice. It’s also an excellent option if you love traveling in an RV, as you can take your satellite internet anywhere with you. However, if you require extremely fast speeds without any data caps, fiber internet might be your best choice. We recommend you check if it’s available in your area.
