Two kinds of satellite internet
Some services use satellites in a very high orbit that stay over one spot above the equator. Others use large groups of satellites in low orbit that move across the sky, with the dish switching between them. The low-orbit approach puts the satellites much closer to the ground.
Either way, the dish needs a clear view of the sky. Heavy rain or snow can interrupt the signal, and trees or buildings in the way can block it.
Top advertised speeds, as filed with the FCC
These are the highest advertised download and upload speeds each service reports in our cities. Advertised maximums are not measured speeds.
- HughesNet: up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, reported in 200 of our 200 cities.
- Viasat: up to 150 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, reported in 200 of our 200 cities.
- Starlink: up to 280 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up, reported in 200 of our 200 cities.
When satellite makes sense
Satellite is the fallback when no wired line or fixed wireless signal reaches a home. In cities, most homes have other options: check those first, because a wired connection does not depend on weather or a view of the sky.
- Search your address before ordering: check your address.
- Read the plan terms for monthly data limits, equipment costs and contract length. These differ by service and plan.
- Plan where the dish will go, and whether you need permission from a landlord or homeowners association.
Every city page lists the satellite services reported there separately from wired and fixed wireless providers, for example: