Cable Vs. Satellite Service Quality

Cable uses coaxial wiring to transmit data to user's televisions and computers, while satellite sends and receives data using a small dish installed outside the subscriber's home or office. The user's distance from his cable provider, the weather or other environmental factors do not affect cable reception, but strong weather or an interruption to the line of sight between the satellite and the dish can affect satellite reception. Moisture in the air can also affect satellite reception.

Cable Internet download speeds vary, depending on which provider a consumer chooses and which bandwidth he orders. Speeds range from 1.5 Mbps to 30 Mbps, with the average customer choosing a slower speed. Satellite download speeds are somewhat slower, ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps, again depending on the provider and the customer's subscription. This is still roughly 10 times faster than dial-up service.

Cable television and Internet are widely available across well-populated areas of the United States but may not be available in all rural areas or recent housing developments. Cable companies must lay down wires through an area to bring service to that area, so they may never install service in places they do not deem cost-effective. Satellite is available in any area, as long as there is a clear view of the sky to the south.

Basic satellite TV service generally includes between 40 and 50 channels, and subscribers have the option to add up to 200 more. Basic cable TV generally includes 20 channels, the next tier up adds another 50 and an additional 300 are also available. Satellite tends to offer more high-definition channels, while cable offers more local channels. Users have access to a wider range of on-demand and pay-per-view entertainment with cable, and access to more special programming, televised concerts and sports with satellite.