Comparison of Internet Service, Satellite, Cable & Dish

Both upload and download speeds for cable broadband are higher than those for satellite. Typical download speeds for cable are faster than 1.5 Mbps (megabytes per second), while satellite download speeds top out at 1 Mbps. While upload speeds are typically slower than download speeds, the upload speeds of cable broadband are far faster than satellite upload speeds. These speed disparities are the main reason users who can get cable broadband in their area choose that over satellite Internet.

At the time of publication, monthly service fees for cable broadband average $45, and many companies offer plans with slower speeds at a lower price point. Satellite Internet services, on the other hand, average $65 per month. Both types of services require the use of a modem, which many companies now provide for free with a long-term contract. Satellite service also requires the installation of a satellite dish, which could cost several hundred dollars, although some providers have started offering free equipment.

Cable broadband services offer unlimited Internet usage at the full connection speed, which may or not be the service's top speed depending on network traffic. Satellite Internet providers employ what is called a Fair Access Policy, which provides all users a specified amount of time at the fastest speeds possible, rather than unlimited access. The reason behind this policy is that satellite users are sharing the connection with other satellite users and the companies need to ensure one person is not dominating the bandwidth. If you exceed your allotted usage, you will still be able to access the Internet, but at lower speeds.

Subscribing to cable broadband service allows users to bundle their television and Internet services with one company, which can save them money on both services. Most cable broadband providers also offer home phone service and users can save even more by bundling all services. Satellite television is provided by different companies than satellite Internet, so users who want both services via satellite will need to subscribe through two separate companies, which means they do not qualify for bundling discounts.