Satellite Internet Explained: Starlink and Other Players

Introduction

Access to fast internet has become a necessity, not a luxury. But in many rural and remote areas, traditional broadband connections like cable or fiber are still unavailable. This is where satellite internet steps in.
Thanks to companies like Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet, satellite technology is changing the game—making high-speed internet available almost anywhere on Earth. But how does it work, and which providers are leading the race? Let’s break it down.

What Is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet uses satellites orbiting the Earth to beam internet signals to a dish at your location. Instead of using underground cables like fiber or DSL, data is transmitted wirelessly between a ground station, a satellite in space, and your satellite dish/router.

When you open a website:

1. Your request travels from your device to your satellite dish.

2. The signal goes to the satellite in space.

3. The satellite forwards the request to a ground station (connected to the internet).

4. The response comes back the same way—in reverse.

How Is It Different from Fiber or 5G?

• Satellite internet is ideal for rural areas without fiber or 5G coverage.

• It offers global availability, even in mountains, oceans, and deserts.

• However, it usually has higher latency due to the long distance signals must travel (especially with older satellites in geostationary orbit).

Starlink: The Game-Changer

Starlink, a project by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, is the most talked-about satellite internet service today. It uses a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, which reduces latency and boosts speed.

Key Starlink Features:

• Speeds: 50–250 Mbps (some areas up to 300+ Mbps)

• Latency: As low as 20–40 ms (great for video calls and gaming)

• Coverage: Expanding globally

• Hardware: Requires a dish (called “Dishy”) and Wi-Fi router

• Installation: Self-setup or assisted

• Price: Around $110–150/month + hardware fee

Pros:

• High-speed, low-latency satellite connection

• Available in remote and rural areas

• Ongoing improvements via new satellite launches

Cons:

• Weather can impact performance

• Still rolling out in many areas

• Higher upfront cost compared to wired internet

Other Major Satellite Internet Providers

1. Viasat

• Uses geostationary satellites (higher orbit)

• Speeds up to 100 Mbps (in select areas)

• More widely available in the U.S.

• Higher latency (600 ms or more)

• Often comes with data caps

2. HughesNet

• Long-established satellite provider

• Speeds up to 25 Mbps

• Best for basic browsing and email

• Comes with strict data limits and throttling

3. Amazon’s Project Kuiper (Coming Soon)

• Backed by Amazon

• Planning to launch 3,000+ LEO satellites

• Aims to compete directly with Starlink

• Expected rollout: Late 2025 to 2026

4. OneWeb

• Focused on enterprise and government clients

• Uses LEO satellites

• Global coverage, including the Arctic

• Partnered with companies like AT&T and British Telecom

Who Should Use Satellite Internet?

Best For:

• Rural homes without fiber or cable

• Remote businesses (mines, oil fields, ships)

• Travelers or RV users

• Emergency backup internet

Not Ideal For:

• Competitive gamers (due to latency)

• Urban users with better options

• Households with very high data needs (unless using Starlink)

Pros and Cons of Satellite Internet

Future of Satellite Internet

The satellite internet industry is growing fast. With thousands of LEO satellites launching each year, the future looks brighter for global internet coverage. Starlink plans to offer global mobile access, allowing people to connect from RVs, boats, and planes.
Meanwhile, competition from Amazon, OneWeb, and regional players will drive innovation, faster speeds, and hopefully—lower prices.

Conclusion

Satellite internet is no longer a last resort. Thanks to innovations from Starlink and other providers, it’s now a viable option for high-speed internet in areas that were once completely offline.
Whether you’re in a rural farm, a mountaintop cabin, or out at sea, satellite internet can help keep you connected. If you need speed, portability, and availability where fiber can’t reach—satellite might be the perfect fit.