The Best Satellite Internet Service Provider - Comparing The Top Four Providers

If you are considering satellite internet for your home or business it's important that you choose the best satellite internet service provider.

Satellite internet provides high speed internet to those who are unable to get DSL or Cable internet in the U.S. Even though it is becoming increasingly popular, not many providers offer this service. Keep reading for an overview of four large providers and the service packages they offer. Then you can decide for yourself which is the best satellite internet service provider.

For detailed information though, it’s recommended that you check out the main websites of each one. It’s also worth noting that you’ll have to check availability in your local area. This can also be done on each of the main websites

You do have to do your homework when it comes to rural satellite internet. Although it is more costly than regular high-speed internet, there is a lot of competition among them to be the best satellite internet provider, so there are often special deals and promotions offered. It’s worth comparing each to see what’s available so you can take advantage of these deals. 

The largest provider is HughesNet. They offer a lot of different packages so it should be easy to find one that meets your requirements. They also feature packages designed with businesses in mind, along with smaller bundles for home use.

Generally, packages vary based on speed and the size of the data plan. More expensive plans have faster download speeds and a higher ceiling on the amount of data you are able to download in a twenty four hour period.  

The necessary equipment can be either leased or purchased from HughesNet, but installation has to be done by a qualified technician.

WildBlue is second only to HughesNet in size. They do offer packages for both home and business use, but plans are a little more limited. Their prices are comparable to HughesNet and are also based on the size of the data plan you choose along with the speed.

WildBlue uses slightly different technology than other providers, so their service may not be as widely accessible nationwide. If you go with WildBlue, you will be leasing the equipment and you must have the installation done by a certified installer.

Starband offers services to various regions in the U.S. But if you live outside of the continental United States, this may be the company for you. That's because Starband offers satellite internet service to Puerto Rico, Canada, the Virgin Islands, as well as parts of Central America and the Caribbean.

Like the other companies, Starband offers a variety of service packages which are priced based on the data plan and speed you opt for. Like the previous two providers, Starband also requires that installation of their equipment be professionally installed.

Compared to the other providers, Skyway is the most reasonably priced. The reason for the difference in cost is that it offers a variation on the technology used by the other providers.

Instead of two-way transmission, where both downloading and uploading are done via satellite, Skyway uses one-way transmission. What that means is that downloading is done via satellite, while uploading is done with a dial-up service. This dial-up is included in Skyway’s plan.

Now if you tend to download a lot of data but rarely upload pictures or other files, this may work well enough for you. But if you like to share pictures with others or upload videos to YouTube, then remember what dial-up internet is like before you sign up.

Another advantage to Skyway is that you can do the installation yourself because it is a one-way system, so you can save on the cost of installing. (But be aware that in many cases, satellite internet providers do offer free installation anyway, as an incentive for you to sign on with them.)  

So as you can see, there are many basic similarities between each provider. Prices are mainly determined by the size of data plan you choose along with the speed you opt for, rather than where you are located.

There are also a few basic differences mainly in terms of the type of technology used. This does affect the pricing.

In the end, choosing the best satellite internet service provider comes down to finding the service that best fits your home or business needs.