Satellite internet is a type of broadband connection that uses orbiting satellites to deliver internet service to homes and businesses. It is especially useful in rural, remote, and northern regions where fibre, cable, and DSL infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
How Satellite Internet Works
Satellite internet relies on communication between three main components:
- a satellite orbiting the Earth
- a ground station operated by the provider
- a dish installed at your home
When you access the internet, your dish sends a signal to the satellite, which relays it to the provider’s ground station. The process repeats in reverse to deliver data back to your home.
Types of Satellite Internet
There are two main types of satellite systems:
1. Geostationary Satellites (GEO)
These satellites orbit 35,786 km above the Earth. They stay in a fixed position relative to the ground.
Pros: wide coverage, stable connection Cons: high latency due to long distance
2. Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEO)
These satellites orbit much closer—typically 500 to 2,000 km above the Earth. Modern systems like Starlink use large constellations of LEO satellites.
Pros: lower latency, faster speeds Cons: requires many satellites; coverage varies by region
Speed and Performance
Satellite internet speeds vary depending on the provider and satellite type:
- GEO systems: 5–50 Mbps
- LEO systems: 50–200+ Mbps
Latency is the biggest difference:
- GEO latency: 500–700 ms
- LEO latency: 20–50 ms
Lower latency makes LEO systems better for video calls, gaming, and real‑time communication.
Weather and Obstructions
Satellite signals can be affected by:
- heavy rain
- snow buildup on the dish
- thick cloud cover
- trees or buildings blocking the dish
Clear line of sight to the sky is essential for good performance.
Satellite Internet vs. Fixed Wireless
Although both are wireless, they differ significantly:
- Satellite: connects to orbiting satellites; works almost anywhere; higher latency for GEO.
- Fixed wireless: connects to a nearby tower; lower latency; limited by terrain and distance.
Satellite Internet vs. Fibre and Cable
Fibre and cable offer faster speeds, lower latency, and more consistent performance. Satellite is typically used where wired options are not available.
Benefits of Satellite Internet
Some advantages include:
- Available almost anywhere
- Good option for remote regions
- LEO systems offer improved performance
Limitations of Satellite Internet
Some limitations include:
- higher latency (especially GEO)
- weather sensitivity
- data caps with some providers
- requires outdoor equipment
Where Satellite Internet Is Common in Canada
Satellite internet is widely used in:
- Northern Canada
- remote rural communities
- areas without fibre, cable, or DSL
It plays a crucial role in connecting regions where other infrastructure is not feasible.
Summary
Satellite internet uses orbiting satellites to deliver broadband service to homes and businesses. It is essential for remote and rural areas, offering broad coverage and improving performance with modern LEO systems.
Explore more connection types in our Blog.