Satellite vs. Fiber Internet for Homes

Checking out internet choices, whether it’s time to move or it’s time to upgrade, often means comparing different types of connections and the related plans to find the perfect option. Today, there are a few different types of connections to consider, including satellite and fiber internet, to make sure the whole home is connected. Which one is better? Compare both to find the right one.

How the Tech Works

When choosing the best internet plan, it’s a good idea to compare how the internet gets to the home. With satellite internet, a dish is placed on the home that sends and receives signals from orbiting satellites. This can be a great option in rural areas where there aren’t a lot of choices for internet. Fiber internet, on the other hand, sends and receives data through glass or plastic fibers underground. This is perfect for those who need lots of speed or high performance.

Speed and Performance

The speed of the internet makes a difference in its performance and how much can be done at once. Satellite tends to have higher latency because of the distance the signal travels, and the speeds tend to range from around 25 to 100 Mbps. Fiber internet has minimal latency and can have speeds of up to one Gbps or higher. Those who need higher speeds will want to look into fiber internet to see if it’s available in their area.

Availability

Depending on the location, one or more types of internet may not be available yet. Satellite is often the better choice for rural areas, as they may have limited options for other types of internet, including fiber. Right now, fiber is available in many locations, and it’s continuing to grow. If it isn’t in an area yet, it may be a good idea to get satellite and keep an eye on fiber, since it may be available in a year or two.

Cost for Service

Though the price likely isn’t the final determining factor of which internet to choose, it is going to be important to consider. Satellite tends to range from around $75 to $150 per month, and there may be costly equipment to purchase to be able to use it. Installation fees may be necessary, too. Fiber internet generally costs around $50 to $100 per month, and while there may be installation fees, they’re often competitive.

Reliability and Data Caps

Those who depend on the internet for working from home, education, and more, will want to choose the most reliable option. Satellite can be reliable, but it can also drop when there are heavy storms or a lot of clouds. Fiber, on the other hand, is rarely impacted by the weather and is far more reliable. While satellite typically has caps on the data used per month, fiber internet does not. This can be important to consider for those who use a lot of internet per month, as going over the data cap can be incredibly expensive.

Whether you’re planning a move or ready to upgrade your internet connection, fiber is the clear choice if it’s available where you live. Take a look at fiber plans today to learn more about why it’s an excellent choice and whether it’s the right option for your needs.

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