Satellite Internet Reliability – How Does It Compare To Cable And DSL

Is satellite internet reliability as good as the reliability of a DSL or cable internet service?  

Satellite internet is used mainly by those who live in areas that are not serviced by cable or DSL. In these underserviced areas, it’s a choice between dial-up and a satellite connection. Let's look at satellite internet reliability as compared to the reliability of DSL or cable.

DSL and cable are both “wired” services. Satellite internet is essentially a “wireless” system.

Any disruptions for DSL or cable are the result of problems with wires being downed or cables being cut, which occur infrequently. There is also the inconvenience of maintenance from time to time where service may be temporarily interrupted.

Satellite is not affected by this type of issue, as connectivity comes from an orbiting satellite in the southern sky.

That’s not to say that internet via satellite is without problems. It’s just that any problems with the satellite itself almost never occur. That’s because they are designed with lots of backups to the system since repairs in space are almost impossible to make. There are even extra satellites orbiting, in the unlikely event that a satellite that has been designated for internet use, fails. 

Another issue that satellite users face is latency. Satellite internet latency occurs because of the distance a signal must travel back and forth to the satellite in space. This results in a lag, making satellite internet service slower than DSL or cable internet.

Because of latency, it’s not recommended that you attempt transactions that require split second timing, such as real-time stock trading.

One big advantage that satellite internet has over DSL or cable is location. To use DSL, you need to be located within a certain distance of the service. With cable internet, special cables need to be installed in your home or business. These types of high speed internet are usually only available in larger centers; rarely in rural locations.

Satellite internet, on the other hand, is available practically anywhere the receiver is able to communicate with the satellite in space. The coverage area is pretty much the entire continental United States and many locations throughout the world. That includes rural and even remote locations.

In terms of the amount of data that can be uploaded and downloaded, DSL and cable come out ahead. They both have a much higher threshold on standard internet packages. You can get a satellite package with a higher threshold, but it will be very costly.

Satellite internet usage thresholds are usually based on a twenty four hour period. Thresholds with DSL or cable are generally based on a whole month. If you exceed the limit with cable or DSL, they will charge you for the extra.

Exceed the daily limit with satellite internet and you won’t get charged more but you will be hit with the Fair Access Policy. This slows down your internet speed to dial-up speed for a period of time.

Satellite internet service providers do recognize that there will be times when you need to download or upload things that exceed your daily limit. So they have designated a block of time, usually in the middle of the night, when what you download or upload does not count against your threshold.

In some ways, satellite internet does compare favorably with the other high speed internet services. But overall, it probably also has more drawbacks. So if you live in an area where you can get a DSL or cable broadband service, these are probably better options.

But if you live in an area where there is no other broadband internet choice, then satellite broadband internet is a whole lot better than sticking with slow dial-up internet.

One of the biggest issues with satellite in the past was that it was less than dependable. Our comparison with DSL and cable shows that today, satellite internet reliability is unquestioned.