Comparison of Cable Internet & Satellite Internet

Satellite Internet has a much higher latency than cable Internet.

Someone looking to get connected to the Internet may be trying to choose between satellite or cable access. Both services can provide a high speed connection with the ability to quickly download data. But beyond that, the services are very different.

Availability

Satellite Internet is available over most of the country as long as the site has a clear view to the southern sky. Cable Internet access is only available where the proper wiring has been laid, so large rural areas may not be able to use cable Internet.

Performance

Cable Internet is much faster and more stable than satellite Internet. Because data has to travel through the air, and has to travel much farther, satellite Internet traffic is prone to more interference and has a higher latency--the time it takes to travel to the Internet destination and back to the user.

Cost

Both cable and satellite Internet access are available at many different price levels, depending on the speed, maximum data transfer and other features included with the service. Taken alone, cable Internet offers a higher speed per cost ratio than satellite Internet.

References

• Federal Communications Commission: Getting Broadband
• HughesNet: High Speed Internet Service Plans and Pricing
• Cox: Internet Pricing and Plans