How is satellite internet

Satellite internet generally comes in at 12 to Mbps, which is slower, but Musk promises that speeds of up to Mbps will be possible when Starlink's infrastructure is complete.

Fiber internet , which uses fiber-optic cables, can offer blazing-fast download speeds as high as 2,Mbps or 2 gigabits per second. However, installing fiber cable is expensive, and some areas with very low population density may not become priority locations for fiber internet until long after satellite internet options grow. Want to learn more about the latest in satellite internet? Things are changing rapidly, so keep up with the news here at CNET: Learn about the best internet providers for , Starlink reaching the 10,customer mark , and how the network of satellites is intended to envelop Earth long-term.

Bring your home up to speed with the latest on automation, security, utilities, networking and more. HughesNet, Viasat and Elon Musk? Satellite internet, explained As new options begin to emerge, it's an exciting time for satellite internet -- especially if you live in a rural area.

Laura Leavitt. March 31, p. Viasat Satellite internet works similarly to satellite TV. While electricity is needed, the satellite internet world isn't dependent on cable wires, fiber or phone lines.

CNET Home. Edit Address Address. I live in an apartment. Published on March 31, Share Article. Is satellite internet the only option in rural areas? How does satellite internet work?

Check local internet service. Internet-ready device. Satellite dish. Satellite in space. Network operations center NOC. Which satellite internet provider should I choose? Viasat internet plans. HughesNet internet plans. FAQ about satellite internet. Where is satellite internet available? Can you stream on satellite internet? Is satellite internet a good option? How fast is satellite internet? Is satellite internet the same as Wi-Fi? Is satellite internet reliable? Can a satellite internet provider run out of bandwidth in a particular location?

Written by. Rachel Oaks is an internet service expert. You want all the deets on internet providers, download speeds, and affordable internet?

Finance, Roku. Read More. About Us. Internet Service. Don't miss an update. Stay updated with service guides, reviews, and news… no matter where you are. Sign Up. Back To Top. Visit site. Closer to the ground, other rural communities have built their own solutions, including the equivalent of town-wide Wi-Fi networks with subscriber-mounted repeaters broadcasting for distances of up to several miles. Our town tried that, but trees and hills got in the way.

Early into our time here, my thenyear-old son and I stayed up late. We would do that in LA, usually watching a movie. How many times have I seen Despicable Me? Not enough, but also way too many! In New Hampshire, we went out to the deck and looked up at an absolutely clear, star-filled sky. No city lights to dim the view.

On that night, my son saw his first—and then his second, and third, and fourth—shooting star. The ultimate act of cord cutting? It was, in fact, magic. That left us with a single alternative: Internet from space.

So how to get your entertainment? If you have a DVD player that you can dust off, there are often new releases at public libraries. And most communities have a Redbox DVD rental machine somewhere. Hidden vampires abound. One of the biggest challenges to staying under your service caps is keeping devices from sucking data in the background; such hidden activity can cause you to quickly exceed your limits if left unchecked.

Other data drags include set-top boxes—DirecTV units are notorious for using tons of data—and Internet of Things devices like security cams, which upload to the cloud. Instead, opt for a system that can record locally to SD.