Satellite Internet Vs. Mobile Broadband

Both satellite Internet and mobile broadband provide coverage in remote areas, where users may not have access to cable and DSL service. Satellite may provide a wider area of coverage than mobile broadband as users are typically able to subscribe to the service as long as they have a clear view of the southern sky. Mobile broadband relies on wireless towers to provide subscribers with Internet access. So, if there is not a wireless tower within a specified range of where you live, you may not be able to order service.

Satellite Internet tends to carry a premium when compared to mobile broadband or cable and DSL plans. Providers normally charge more for the service in absence of competition from cable and DSL or mobile broadband in certain areas. The providers know that subscribers who use the service tend to not have access to other Internet options. Additionally, as more subscribers sign on to satellite Internet service, providers must keep pace with demand. HughesNet and WildBlue are adding new satellites to those already in orbit. As of June 2011, HughesNet, a leading satellite ISP, has a basic plan on promotion for about $40 per month. The regular price is around $60 per month. Verizon Wireless has mobile broadband plans that start at $50 per month.

Most satellite Internet and mobile broadband plans offer speeds that hover around the 1.5 Mbps range. These speeds allow users to perform basic web surfing and emailing tasks seamlessly. Huge file transfers or movie streaming will take longer than on most cable and DSL Internet connections where subscribers typically have access to more bandwidth. Sprint claims users can experience download speeds of more than 10 Mbps on its 4G wireless network and peak speeds of up to 3 Mbps on its 3G network. HughesNet offers download speeds that max out at 2 Mbps.

Both mobile broadband and satellite Internet users must be cognizant of monthly data cap requirements. Mobile broadband users are typically allotted a monthly data usage amount and will incur charges if they exceed the limit. Satellite Internet providers may be more forgiving when it comes to data usage outside of the plan's limits, but penalties may be imposed if this occurs consistently. Satellite Internet users must contend with latency whenever web requests are sent that require authentication or verification, and they are subject to weather and atmospheric conditions that may cause an interruption of broadband service. Mobile broadband users are not as susceptible to these issues.