Fiber Internet vs. Satellite Internet – A Brief Comparison

The need to stay connected to high-speed internet has almost become as important as the other utilities of everyday life. Just like you need to subscribe to a power company when you move to a new location, you need to connect to the internet instantly as well.

This raises the concern of connecting to the right internet connection in your region. While there may be several internet connection types that you could opt for, we would like to shed light on two of them: fiber optic and satellite.

Join us as we discuss a few prominent features of both of these internet technologies and further help you determine which technology will better suit your needs. Let’s get started:

Speed

The biggest attraction of connecting to any fiber optic internet connection is its potential for internet speeds. Not only do they offer download speeds up to more than 940 Mbps, but they are also capable of offering equal upload speeds to the consumer.

Satellite internet, on the other hand, is not as fast. The internet speeds over here are drastically lower and are often limited to as high as 100 Mbps. As a result, this technology may give you a hard time if you attempt to watch non-stop 4K content and or engage in long hours of gaming.

Reliability

Internet connections that are either pure fiber-optic or hybrid fiber-coaxial in nature tend to be more dependable as compared to satellite internet. You are less likely to face downtime or experience poor speeds frequently.

Satellite internet, in contrast, is highly dependent on the weather conditions outside. Since this technology transmits the connection with the help of a satellite in earth’s orbit, blizzards, and snowstorms may affect the internet’s performance, to the extent of complete disconnection even.

Availability

This is where satellite internet overtakes fiber internet. Since the technology does not require connection to any infrastructure, it provides connectivity to almost every corner of the country. Thus, it also proves to be a dependable option for rural residents in the country. In contrast, fiber internet may not be available to all the consumers in the country. While some may benefit from this technology, others may need to rely on DSL and cable services.

Internet Options worth Considering

There are several internet options that you may rely on in the United States. However, we have highlighted a few of them here for your assistance.

MetroNet

The first that we recommend you to check out is MetroNet. This internet service provider offers a completely fiber-optic network for all of its subscribers. As a result, all subscribers of MetroNet may access the same upload speed as the download speed. Moreover, it offers additional features like whole-home Wi-Fi, and unlimited monthly data as well.

Mediacom

The second internet option that we suggest you consider is Mediacom. Though it is not a completely fiber-optic network, it features a hybrid fiber-coaxial connection with fiber optics in the mix as well. Additionally, the Mediacom Internet plans are highly reasonable even if you subscribe to the more powerful ones. And subscribing to this requires only a simple call to the Mediacom Servicio al Cliente.

Spectrum

Spectrum cannot be ignored if we talk about high-speed internet connections in the country. The service provider features a hybrid-coaxial network that offers lightning-fast speeds to millions of users in the country. In addition, the service is also home to one of the finest selections of TV channels that you may bundle with your internet connection.

HughesNet

Finally, if satellite internet is the technology you wish to enjoy then HughesNet is the way to go. The service may not offer download speeds as high as up to 100 Mbps but its availability even in far-flung areas makes it a preferred option. And the unlimited data, here, is somewhat unique; after you consume the maximum monthly data limit allotted to you, you are not disconnected completely. Instead, your download speed is merely reduced, thus still keeping you connected.

All in All

Both, fiber internet and satellite internet have their own pros and cons to offer. And the decision to subscribe to either of them depends upon the type of usage you have. If heavy usage is what you want then fiber might be the way to go. On the other hand, satellite internet may provide connectivity in the furthest corners of the country even.

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