Remote or hard-to-reach business locations often face challenges with Internet connectivity. That’s where business satellite Internet becomes a prime solution. This type of commercial Internet offers reliable, wireless access to remote areas by using satellites to transmit data, bypassing the need for physical cables or infrastructure.
What this post provides:
- A look into how business satellite works
- When a business should opt for satellite Internet over other options
- How satellite Internet compares to other Internet choices
- The limitations and benefits that business satellite Internet provides
- How Meter Connect finds the right ISP for your business
How does business satellite Internet work?
Business satellite Internet might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but the concept is actually pretty simple. It skips the need for miles of cables and fiber, instead using satellites to send and receive data.
Here’s how it works in plain English:
- A satellite dish at your location sends data to a satellite positioned about 22,000 miles above Earth.
- The satellite relays that signal to a ground station connected to the Internet.
- The ground station then sends data back to your business, completing the cycle.
No physical infrastructure is needed to link your office to the wider Internet, which is ideal for businesses in places where cable or fiber isn’t an option.
Think of it as having your own data highway in the sky. This setup is particularly useful for businesses that aren’t tied to one place, need rapid deployment, or work in remote areas.
When should you choose business satellite Internet over other types?
While satellite Internet is available almost anywhere, it’s not always the best option for every business. The following are the main scenarios when satellite Internet for business makes the most sense.
When you’re far from the grid
If your business operates in remote locations where cable or fiber infrastructure isn’t feasible, satellite Internet is a reliable option. Setting up traditional infrastructure in these areas can be costly and logistically challenging. Satellite Internet provides connectivity without the need for extensive physical infrastructure.
Rural companies often have limited options, but with satellite Internet, you can access high-speed Internet without laying down cables. While it may not match fiber speeds, it offers a significant improvement over dial-up and works in locations where cell signals might be weak.
Quick Internet when you need it
For businesses needing Internet access at temporary sites, such as pop-up events, construction sites, or disaster relief locations, satellite Internet provides rapid deployment. Unlike wired connections, satellite dishes can be set up quickly, getting you online without a long wait.
Businesses needing flexibility and mobility will find satellite Internet an almost ideal solution. Whether it’s for a short-term event or a temporary site, satellite provides immediate access to Internet service. Once finished, the setup can be packed up and moved to the next location.
Internet on the move
If your business is constantly on the go—whether at sea, on an oil rig, or in remote wilderness—satellite Internet keeps you connected. Moving operations like ships and oil rigs rely on satellite since they’re far from traditional infrastructure.
For businesses exploring remote locations or managing mobile teams, satellite Internet offers connectivity to keep in touch with headquarters, regardless of the location. Operating from the ocean or desert doesn’t mean disconnecting from the world.
When Internet downtime isn’t an option
Satellite Internet serves as a dependable backup connection, ready to keep your operations online during outages, severe weather, or accidental cable cuts. A redundant connection ensures that critical operations can continue without interruption, providing peace of mind in challenging conditions.
Industries such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and logistics benefit from a backup connection. Imagine a hospital losing access to patient data or a financial institution unable to process transactions—having a satellite Internet backup can keep essential functions operational when the unexpected occurs.
How does business satellite Internet compare to other Internet connections?
Business satellite Internet is like the Swiss army knife of connectivity—it’s versatile and works where other options fall short. However, it has its own limitations.
Here’s how it stacks up against common connection types and when it might be the right choice, even if it’s not always the fastest.
Fiber-optic Internet
Fiber is the gold standard for high-speed Internet, with low latency and very high speeds. But fiber availability is limited to urban and suburban areas, as laying fiber in remote regions can be cost-prohibitive.
Satellite Internet, in contrast, works virtually anywhere. If your business operates in a mountainside, forest, or distant oil rig, satellite Internet provides connectivity where fiber can’t reach. Although it may not match fiber speeds, it’s a dependable option when nothing else is available.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
DSL, which uses traditional telephone lines, is available in many rural areas, but it maxes out around 100 Mbps and struggles with heavier applications. While it’s adequate for light Internet use, it doesn’t support data-heavy tasks well.
Satellite Internet can cover the same rural locations and often provides better speeds and coverage than DSL, making it a suitable choice for businesses needing more than basic Internet access.
Cable broadband
Cable broadband offers solid speeds and is widely available, but because it’s a shared connection, Internet speeds can slow down during peak hours. Cable provides speeds between 10 Mbps and 1 Gbps but may experience performance issues when many users are online simultaneously.
While satellite Internet connections are also shared, they’re less prone to slowdowns due to neighborhood usage patterns, making them a more consistent option in remote areas.
Fixed wireless
Fixed wireless provides connectivity via radio signals and is a good option in rural areas. However, it can be affected by environmental factors such as weather or heavy foliage, which can lead to inconsistent performance.
Satellite Internet is also susceptible to weather interference, especially with heavy rain or snow, but in areas with unpredictable weather, it often performs more reliably than fixed wireless. Local conditions should be considered when deciding between the two.
What’s the takeaway?
Business satellite Internet is a reliable backup plan. It may not be the first choice for speed or latency, but it’s invaluable when other options aren’t feasible.
Use it in remote regions, mobile operations, or as a redundant connection for your primary network. It’s a practical solution for businesses needing connectivity anywhere.
What are the limitations of business satellite Internet?
Satellite Internet has its place, but it’s not without drawbacks that businesses need to consider.
Latency is a challenge
Satellite Internet does experience higher latency since data has to travel long distances to space and back. However, newer systems, like low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are designed to reduce that delay.
If your business relies heavily on real-time communication, you’ll likely notice the difference compared to fiber or cable. The lag can disrupt meetings, online collaboration, or any task requiring instant responses. Satellite Internet works, but it’s not the best for companies needing real-time interactions.
Weather interference
Satellite Internet can struggle during bad weather. Storms, heavy rain, and snow often disrupt signals, causing slower speeds or outages. If your business can’t afford to lose Internet access when the weather turns, satellite might not be the best fit.
The risk of interruptions is real, so businesses in areas with unpredictable weather should weigh this heavily before choosing satellite Internet.
Data limits and higher costs
Many satellite Internet plans have data limits, and going over them can lead to extra fees. Some newer providers offer plans with higher limits or none at all, so it’s worth exploring options based on your needs.
If your business relies on large file transfers or cloud services, these caps can be a problem. It’s frustrating when you hit a data limit and your speed slows down, especially if you’re in the middle of important work.
On top of that, satellite plans are often more expensive than fiber or cable. The higher cost factors in not only the service but the added fees when you exceed data limits. Satellite Internet costs an average of $121 per month, which is higher than many fiber or cable options in urban areas.
However, in remote places where satellite is the only option, it’s often a necessary choice. When your business runs on consistent data usage, these extra costs can quickly pile up, making satellite Internet a pricier option for heavy users.
Slower speeds than fiber or cable
Satellite Internet just doesn't match the speed of fiber or cable. While there have been improvements, it’s still slower for large file transfers or cloud-based operations. A business that relies on quick uploads and downloads may find satellite Internet to feel sluggish. In cases where fiber or cable isn’t available, satellite Internet can still keep you online, but it’s not the top choice if speed is a priority.
Why commercial satellite Internet could be the right move for you
Satellite Internet for business might not be everyone’s first choice, but it brings unique perks that other options just can’t match. Here’s why satellite Internet can be a business savior.
Connecting you anywhere, literally
Have a business in the middle of nowhere? No problem. Satellite Internet connects you whether you’re running a remote mining operation, exploring offshore waters, or setting up shop in a rural area with no other connection in sight. Where fiber or cable can’t reach, satellite Internet steps in like a trusty sidekick. And it doesn’t judge your location choices!
Online in no time
Fiber installation can drag on for weeks, but satellite Internet is quicker. Once your satellite dish is installed, getting online doesn’t take long. Though there are some cases when installation might take a bit more time depending on the setup and location.
Your backup plan for the bad days
We can be honest with ourselves—Internet outages are inevitable. That’s where satellite Internet shines as a reliable backup. It keeps your critical systems online when your main connection fizzles out. Running an online store, managing customer support, or keeping production rolling? Having a plan B keeps you from losing revenue—or worse, patience.
The disaster-proof option
When local networks are down due to natural disasters, satellite Internet is often the first line of reconnection. It doesn’t rely on damaged ground infrastructure, making it ideal for temporary or emergency setups.
Satellite Internet gets businesses back online fast after disasters, making it a dependable short-term fix until regular services return. It bridges the gap when traditional networks are down, helping restore communication and operations quickly.
How Meter Connect helps you get the right satellite Internet plan
Meter can help you choose the best connectivity solution. For those in rural areas, temporary setups, or needing a backup, business satellite Internet can be an important part of the overall strategy.
With Meter Connect, we evaluate your location, your connectivity requirements, and your future growth plans to recommend the right solution. When satellite Internet is part of your main setup or used for backup, we're here to guide you.
Once you've locked in the right Internet connection, Meter’s Network as a Service (NaaS) takes the reins. We handle installation, monitor your network for potential issues, and optimize performance over time.
Our proactive monitoring helps identify problems early, reducing disruptions and keeping your network running. That way, you can stay focused on your operations while we keep your network chugging along.
Contact us here to learn more or to schedule a demo and see how Meter can keep your business connected, no matter where you are. With Meter, you get reliable Internet service and expert support to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for your business.
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