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What is satellite broadband and when is it useful?
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Internet from space!? Well, kind of. Here’s everything you need to know about satellite broadband, including what it is, how it works, and when it’s a good option for staying connected
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 18 March 2025
What is satellite broadband?
Satellite broadband is a type of internet connection that uses satellites to connect you to the internet. Unlike fibre or cable broadband, it sends signals between a dish at your home and a satellite in space, allowing people to access the internet in remote or rural areas where other types of internet connection aren’t available.
While it may not be as fast as fibre optic broadband, satellite broadband can reach almost anywhere on Earth. This makes it a great option for people living in places without an internet connection, such as rural farms, islands, or even ships at sea. It’s also crucial for disaster recovery efforts and remote scientific research, allowing people to have an internet connection when they need it most.
How does satellite broadband work?
Satellite broadband uses satellites in space to send and receive internet data. The signal travels from your dish to a satellite orbiting Earth, then down to a station on the ground, which connects to the internet. The ground station processes the request and sends the data back the same way - through the satellite, to your dish, and finally to your device.
There are two main types of satellite broadband following this process: geostationary satellites and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Geostationary satellites stay in a fixed position high above the Earth, covering a large area, but they have higher latency due to the long distance the signals must travel.
LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth, reducing latency and providing a faster connection. Since LEO satellites move across the sky, many of them are needed to ensure continuous coverage.
The entire process happens very quickly, but because the satellite is so far away (often around 35,000 kilometers or 22,000 miles above Earth), there can be a slight delay, causing latency.
This delay can make some online activities, such as video calls or gaming, feel slower compared to fiber or cable internet, but for general browsing, messaging, and emails, satellite broadband works well.
Satellite broadband is great for those in rural areas with very little internet access, but if you live in an area with fibre or cable, you’re probably better off sticking with that. Not only is fibre often much faster, but it’s also cheaper to use.
When should you use satellite broadband?
Satellite broadband is a great option if you live in the countryside or a remote location where other types of internet, like fibre or ADSL, are not available. Unlike traditional broadband, which relies on cables and telephone lines, satellite broadband works almost anywhere as long as you have a clear view of the sky. This makes it perfect for farms, villages, or isolated homes where other internet options are slow or unreliable.
Satellite broadband is useful if you travel or live in places where wired internet isn't an option. It can be installed on boats, motorhomes, or caravans, allowing you to stay connected wherever you go. Some modern satellite systems offer portable satellite dishes that work in different locations, making them ideal for people who move frequently or enjoy travelling off-grid.
If you rely on the internet for work or important tasks, satellite broadband can serve as a backup connection. In some areas, traditional broadband services may experience outages due to technical issues or extreme weather. Satellite broadband can provide an alternative way to stay online when your main connection goes down, ensuring you can still work, make calls, or access important information.
In some locations, standard broadband can be slow, even if cables are available. If fibre broadband hasn’t been rolled out in your area, or your current provider offers slow speeds, satellite broadband can be a faster alternative. While it may not always match the speed of fibre broadband, newer satellite technology, such as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, is making satellite internet much faster and more reliable than most older and outdated DSL connections.
Satellite broadband is a good choice for temporary setups, such as construction sites, remote work locations, or holiday homes. Since it doesn’t require permanent infrastructure, you can set it up quickly and take it down when you no longer need it. This flexibility makes it ideal for short-term internet needs.
In emergencies, such as natural disasters or power outages, traditional broadband networks can fail. Satellite broadband is often used in disaster recovery situations because it works independently of local infrastructure. Emergency teams, rescue workers, and affected communities can use satellite broadband to communicate and access critical information when other networks are down.
Is satellite broadband the best option for your home?
While satellite broadband is ideal in certain situations, it’s probably not the best option if you live in an urban area where fibre or cable broadband is available.
Not only are these options faster, but they’re also generally much cheaper and reliable, allowing you to stay connected without any of the hassle or latency that comes with satellite broadband. Check out all of our broadband deals to see what broadband you can get in your area.
What’s the best alternative to satellite broadband?
Fibre broadband is the best alternative to satellite broadband, as long as it’s available in your area. Fibre broadband provides faster speeds, lower latency, and a more stable connection compared to satellite. It’s also less affected by weather and usually comes with unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about speed reductions or extra charges.
If you’re not sure if superfast fibre broadband is available where you are, use our helpful postcode checker to see what you can get.
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