What Is Satellite Internet? How It Works, Key Features, Pros and More

In this article, we’ll define satellite internet, compare satellite internet to other internet options, and explore how satellite internet works.  

What is satellite internet?

Unlike cable, fiber, or DSL, which use an entirely ground-based infrastructure, and fixed wireless (5G internet), which is ground based until it transmits via radio signals from towers to your home, satellite internet connects you through signals transmitted from space. Satellite internet still relies on ground infrastructure, like large gateway stations and a dish or antenna at your location, but only satellite internet extends its reach from space.   

Because of that reach, satellite internet is often used in rural or remote areas where other options are sparce or non-existent. 

5 pros and cons of satellite internet 

Satellite internet has some advantages, especially in remote areas, but it also comes with limitations. Here’s a breakdown of the main pros and cons. 

Pros of satellite internet 

1. Available in where other service may not be: Satellite internet works in extremely rural, remote, and off-grid locations where other internet services like cable or fiber may not be available. 
2. Improved performance with LEO systems: New low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks like Starlink offer faster speeds and lower latency than older geostationary (GEO) systems, which are quickly being phased out by satellite internet customers who have made the switch. 
3. Modern equipment is getting easier to set up: Newer satellite systems often include streamlined hardware that’s easier to install, with portable and mobile-friendly options for RV or travel use. 
4. Good for everyday internet use (for many users): Satellite internet can support common online activities like browsing, working from home, and light streaming and gaming. 
5. Works as a backup connection: Many people use satellite internet as a secondary option in case their primary connection goes down during storms, outages, or emergencies. 

Cons of satellite internet 

1. Latency can be high: While LEO satellite networks have dramatically cut latency (or delay) when compared to GEO satellite networks, latency is still generally higher with satellite than with cable or fiber, which can affect immersive online gaming, VPNs, and real-time communication. 
2. Weather can interrupt service: Rain, snow, or heavy cloud cover can temporarily weaken or disrupt the satellite signal. 
3. Trees or other tall structures can affect service: Large mountains, tall trees, and other tall structures can block the satellite signal. 
4. Equipment costs may apply: You may need to rent or purchase a satellite dish or antenna, and some providers (using older GEO networks) require professional installation. 
5. Not ideal for immersive gaming and heavy streaming: Because of the delay in data transmission, satellite internet is generally not suitable for 8K streaming or competitive / real-time multiplayer gaming. 

Satellite internet vs. DSL vs. Fiber vs. Cable vs. 5G 

How does satellite internet work? 4 steps 

Modern satellite internet works by transmitting data through satellites orbiting relatively close to the Earth. Here’s how it works, step by step: 

1. Data travels from your device (like your laptop) to a satellite dish or antenna installed at your home. 
2. The signal is then sent up to a LEO satellite, orbiting approximately 250 to 1,200 miles above the surface. 
3. From the satellite, your signal travels back down to a ground facility known as a Network Operations Center (NOC), which is directly connected to the internet. 
4. The process is then reversed: the data you requested (like a website or video stream) goes back up to the satellite, then down to your home dish or antenna, and finally to your device. 

Even though the signal travels from space, and there will be some latency, modern satellite systems can deliver surprisingly fast internet - as long as you have a clear line of sight, and the weather is cooperating.  

Let’s take a closer look at three key terms we used to describe how satellite internet works: 

1. Latency 

Latency, also known as ping time, refers to how long it takes data to make a round trip from your device to the internet and back. With satellite internet, latency is naturally higher because your data must travel up to the satellite, down to the NOC, and back again. While you may hardly notice it for many online activities, it can affect real-time applications like online gaming or VPNs that need split-second responsiveness. 

2. LEO satellites  

As mentioned previously, most satellite internet customers are increasingly relying on LEO satellites. Unlike GEO satellites, LEO satellites don’t stay fixed thousands of miles above the earth. Instead, they move rapidly around the Earth and orbit relatively close by. To provide continuous coverage, providers need to use a large network of satellites working together in a coordinated constellation. 

Even though these satellites are always on the move, your home dish or antenna doesn’t need to track them manually, the system automatically connects to the best available satellite at any given moment. This dynamic handoff means satellite internet can now deliver faster internet than in the past, as long as the weather is good and your dish has a clear view of the sky, which we’ll take a closer look at below. 

3. Line-of-sight 

Because satellite internet requires a direct signal path to the satellite in space, it’s essential that nothing - like tall, thick trees, dense cloud cover, buildings, or mountains - blocks the view between your dish and the sky. This is known as having a clear line of sight. Installers use a look angle calculator to figure out the exact direction and elevation your dish or antenna needs to face. All it takes is your address and the satellite’s orbital longitude, and the calculator will provide the satellite’s angle in the sky and compass heading. This ensures your equipment is positioned correctly for the best possible signal. 

What equipment do you need for satellite internet? 

As mentioned, satellite internet typically requires a dish or antenna, but it’s not as bulky or complicated as you might think. Modern systems are much easier to set up and use than older models. 

Here’s a closer look: 

• A satellite dish or flat antenna - This can be mounted on your home, RV, or vehicle. Portable versions are also available. 
• A modem/router - Converts the satellite signal into internet access for your home or devices. 
• Built-in Wi-Fi hubs - Some providers offer compact devices with a satellite receiver and Wi-Fi router all in one unit. They can be flat, portable, or roof-mounted for RVs or travel use. 

Who is satellite internet best for? 

Satellite internet is best for people in areas with limited or no other internet choices - or those who need reliable connectivity while camping or during extended road trips. Here’s a closer look: 

• Extremely rural homes, cabins, or farms far from cable, 5G towers, or fiber lines 
• RV travelers and vanlifers who want internet on the go 
• Disaster-prepared households that want a backup connection when landlines go down 
• Remote workers abroad who live in places with poor or inconsistent internet infrastructure 

Is satellite internet good? 

Satellite internet is good, especially when it’s your only real option. As mentioned, it’s steadily improving thanks to LEO satellite networks that orbit much closer to Earth than older GEO satellites, helping to reduce latency and increase speeds. LEO networks also use constellations of satellites working together, which means more consistent coverage, faster speeds, and fewer slowdowns. 

Here are three features you can expect with satellite: 

1. If your provider is using traditional systems (like GEO satellites), expect higher latency and slower speeds. 
2. Newer LEO systems (like Starlink) can offer faster, more responsive performance with lower latency. 
3. Better hardware and signal processing have made setup faster and more reliable. 

Overall, satellite internet is good for browsing, streaming, and work use, where wired broadband isn’t an option.

How much is satellite internet? 

Like many internet plans, satellite internet will require you to pay a monthly fee and possibly hardware and installation costs. Pricing will vary by provider and the type of plan you choose. Most plans depend on speed tiers, data limits, and whether you want mobile vs. residential use. 

Typical satellite internet setups have three things in common: 

1. A monthly plan, with costs varying depending on speed and usage 
2. Equipment, which may involve rental fees 
3. Installation, is usually do-it-yourself if you choose a modern LEO satellite provider, but older GEO satellite providers likely require professional setup at an additional cost 

How is satellite internet used for RVs and travel? 

Satellite internet isn’t just used for homes in remote areas. It’s become popular among RVers, truckers, vanlifers, and off-grid travelers who want to stay connected on the go. 

Here’s how it works: 

• You’ll need a mobile-friendly satellite antenna, either roof-mounted or portable 
• Some services automatically adjust signal when you're on the move, others require setup when parked 
• Some providers offer nationwide coverage and flexible data plans tailored to mobile users 

However, as 5G connectivity continues to expand to rural areas and beyond, RV satellite internet is getting competition from other types of internet service providers.  

T-Mobile, for example, now has an RV-ready internet plan powered by its expansive 5G network that’s designed specifically for people on the move. It uses a portable 5G gateway you can bring along in your RV, big rig, camper, etc. – and the price is included in the monthly plan. It’s easy to set up, and has no additional installation or equipment costs. 

5G’s expansion isn’t just changing how RVers stay connected. It’s also bringing home internet plans to many areas of the country that were once forced to rely solely on satellite or old-fashioned DSL, making 5G home internet a very popular alternative to satellite internet. 

4 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about satellite internet 

1. Does satellite internet work in bad weather? 

Yes, but with some limitations. Heavy rain, snow, ice, or dense clouds can cause signal degradation or brief interruptions.  

2. Does satellite internet require a dish? 

It depends. Traditional (GEO) satellite internet uses a parabolic dish, while more modern (LEO) options use a phased-array antenna to send and receive signals from satellites.  

3. Do you have to pay for satellite internet? 

Yes. Satellite internet is a service just like cable, fiber, DSL, or 5G internet. Monthly rates and hardware costs depend on the provider and your specific needs. 

4. What are the disadvantages of satellite internet? 

• Higher latency (especially with older systems) 
• Data caps or slower speeds after usage thresholds 
• Weather and environmental interference (e.g., tall trees, mountains, heavy cloud cover) 
• Equipment cost / pro installs (depending on provider) 

What is the future of satellite internet? 

In the past, satellite internet was often the only connectivity solution for extremely remote communities or off-the-grid travelers. However, with the ongoing expansion of 5G networks, people have more choices than ever.  

T-Mobile is America’s fastest growing Home Internet provider. Find out if it’s available at your address. On the move? Try T-Mobile’s Away plan, RV-ready internet powered by America’s largest 5G network.  

You may also be interested in: 

• How Does Satellite Phone Service Work? 
• Direct to Cell Satellite Phone Service 
• How Does Backup Internet Work? 
• How 5G Is Set To Transform Rural Mobile Internet 
• RV Internet: Take Connectivity Along For The Ride 
• Staying Connected On The Road: Your RV Wi-Fi Guide 

^{T-Mobile is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the third parties referenced in this post. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Any references to third-party trademarks are for identification purposes only.} 

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