Satellite Internet has been available for many years now, yet is would seem that many consumers really dont understand how it compares to other traditional broadband networks. For many consumers in rural America the only option other than dial up internet is Satellite as cable and DSL providers almost exclusively focus their connectivity in more populated areas. It is likely then that consumers in metropolitan areas rarely see satellite Internet marketing as providers are not targeting them. Here we will look at the Pros and Cons of Satellite Internet.
PROS
Early
Satellite Internet offerings were one-way connections. This meant that the user would download information via the satellite network, and upload data via a phone line. This required the use of special software, a proxy server, and of course a phone line. Despite all of the additional complications the service was very slow. Fortunately this type of service is all but gone and a user would be hard pressed to find a provider anywhere that would offer it. The new two-way connections use the same network for uploads and downloads and are considerably faster than their earlier counterparts and installation is cheaper and easier.
Satellites can malfunction like any technology. When a phone line goes down, a certain part of a community would be without service. If a satellite goes down, an entire companys user base can be without service. In the past this was a serious concern, however satellite internet providers are working to correct this by increasing the number of satellites in use. This could eventually give a level of redundancy to insulate users, as well as provide additional bandwidth for faster speeds.
Satellite Internet providers are offering more attractive service level agreements than they have in the past. Contractors are relied upon less when servicing hardware and hardware costs can often be rolled into the subscription fee to alleviate upfront costs to the consumer. Future hardware upgrade costs which are inevitable can often be mitigated via these agreements as well.
CONS
Customers paying for a broadband connection expect speed from their providers. While being much faster than dial up, satellite internet service is almost always slower than cable or DSL. This is due to the amount of bandwidth available, as well as inherent network latency. Compression software and new protocols can help speeds improve, but there is nothing that can currently be done to remedy the lag caused by satellite distance. The signal must be sent into orbital space and back for each mouse click, and this takes time.
Additional hardware will be required that traditional broadband users dont need. The most obvious is the satellite dish itself. Early dished could take up most of a yard, and the user would be required to adjust the dishs direction manually on occasion. New dishes are considerably smaller and easier to use. The dish still needs to be installed and maintained however, and there is a cost associated with this.
Satellite internet simply cannot compete with cable or DSL, and honestly it doesnt need too. If a consumer can get another broadband connection they should, but satellite internet is always a good alternative to dial up.
