Comparison of Rates on Satellite & Internet Services

Satellite broadband plans usually cost between $40 and $60 per month. Download speeds range from .5Mbs to 2Mbs, using signals sent to and from fixed-orbit satellites. Upload speeds are between .1Mbs and .3Mbs. The distance from the satellite to the earth creates a high latency (i.e., response request) speed that severely impacts services such as online gaming or video conferencing. While price comparisons based on speed and latency generally do not compare favorably with other options, satellite service is offered in rural areas and other places without an established technology infrastructure. Startup costs can be up to $600 for a fixed satellite receiver.

Broadband cable services are offered in plans ranging from $35 to $55 per month, with reduced introductory rates as low as $10 when coupled with long-term contracts and cable television packages. Download speeds range from 1Mbs to 30Mbs. Cable plans offer some of the smallest increases in dollar cost for additional bandwidth. Upload speeds typically scale from .5Mbs to 1.5Mbs. Response request speeds, known as "latency," are generally low, making cable broadband an acceptable solution for online gaming and video conferencing. Service requires a cable modem, either purchased by the consumer or rented as part of the service agreement.

Digital subscriber lines (DSL) connect through your phone lines. Download speeds are offered in plans scaling from 1.5Mbs up to 24Mbs. Upload speeds range from .1Mbs to 1.5Mbs. Latency is low, comparable with that of cable service, and is generally acceptable for use with online gaming and video conferencing. Prices range from $15 to $50 per month, with many plans offering bundle discounts that reduce the monthly costs. Contract pricing may reduce costs even further. Service requires a modem that is purchased or rented by the consumer.

Wireless services use broadcast signals for Internet connectivity. Unlike other broadband options, mobility of service is a key characteristic of wireless connectivity. Prices range from $15 for introductory periods to $40. While maximum download speeds range from .5Mbs to 1.5Mbs, actual speeds may be inhibited by signal interference. Upload speeds range from .3Mbs to .5Mbs. Latency is generally low, although signal reception may adversely affect the quality of service. Wireless service requires purchase of a USB connection device, laptop wireless modem or wireless PC card that must be registered with the provider.