Broadband for Laptops Vs. Satellite for Laptops

The average cost for cable broadband service is $45 per month, although some companies also offer slower connections at a lower monthly rate, as of 2011. Satellite services average $65 per month, which means satellite Internet subscribers spend, on average, an extra $240 per year. Installation fees and equipment costs should also be considered when deciding which service is more cost effective. While some companies are waiving installation fees or providing free equipment, these offers aren't available with all providers, so be sure to ask potential service providers if they're offering any promotions.

Both cable broadband and satellite Internet require a modem for use. Satellite service also requires you to have a satellite dish installed outside you home. The cost for satellite equipment can be as high as $300, while the average cable modem costs about $50, as of 2011. You may also want to consider purchasing a wireless router if your modem doesn't have one built in. This piece of equipment allows you to get Internet service on your laptop from nearly anywhere in your house without having to connect via an Ethernet cable.

In terms of upload and download speed, cable broadband outperforms satellite Internet. Average upload speeds for broadband exceed 128Kbps, while the highest upload speed for satellite providers is 128Kbps, with some services offering upload speeds as low as 56Kbps. Download speeds for broadband often exceed 1.5Mbps to 10Mbps, while the maximum download speed amongst satellite providers is only 1Mbps to 2Mbps. In addition to these speed differences, many satellite providers institute a daily, weekly or monthly data cap to ensure all users get fair use of the bandwidth. For users who exceed these limits, speed is reduced even further.

To subscribe to cable broadband Internet service, your local cable company must have cable laid in your area. People living in remote areas tend to be the ones who don't have access to cable lines and must therefore turn to satellite as their sole source of Internet service. Anyone who can install a satellite dish near his house can subscribe to satellite Internet service, as long as the dish can be positioned so that it faces south and has a clear line of sight.