Satellite and cable internet are two of the most accessible sources of internet. Satellite internet guarantees blanket coverage throughout the country, and around 85% of the homes in the USA can access high-speed cable internet.
Satellite internet service is transmitted through radio waves from satellites in Earth’s orbit, whereas cable internet providers use existing coaxial wires that deliver cable television to homes.
This guide will take you on a journey of learning about satellite and cable internet, enlightening you about their differences, and helping you select the best internet connection for your home.
What is Satellite Internet & How Does it Work?
Satellite Internet is a type of internet service that is transmitted via orbiting satellites instead of underground cables. A communication network is established at ground stations called network operations centers (NOC). These centers send internet signals to the satellites in orbit. The satellites are repositioned to transmit the signals back to the Earth.
At the subscribers’ homes, a dish antenna intercepts these signals and sends them to a modem via cables. The modem converts the radio signals to digital data for wireless transmission around the house.
Satellite Internet has a higher latency (up to 600 ms) since the data packets travel a long distance. It leads to delays, lagging, and occasional screen freezes.
However, the best thing about satellite internet is its wide-scale availability. For people living in rural areas or outside the cable and fiber zones, satellite internet bridges the digital divide.
Satellite Internet Providers
Most satellite internet providers typically provide speeds of 25 to 150 Mbps. The only thing that changes from plan to plan is your data allotment. Although slower internet speeds are a problem, the latency and data caps are sufficient for most online activities, including streaming HD movies.
| Internet Provider | Speed Ranges | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hughesnet | 50 – 100 Mbps | $49.99/mo.* |
| Viasat | 25 – 100 Mbps | $99.99/mo. |
| Starlink | 25 – 220 Mbps | $120.00/mo. |
*Maximum wired speeds may vary.
What is Cable Internet & How Does it Work?
Coaxial cables buried beneath the surface are used to deliver cable internet. Although coaxial cables cannot transfer data as quickly as fiber optics, they can do it far faster than satellites in outer space. These cables transfer data using an inner copper wire encased in insulation. Cable TV signals are also transmitted using the same kind of wires.
Since cable internet is delivered through coaxial cable wires, it is significantly more resilient to service outages than satellite internet.
Moreover, cable internet can offer download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps, along with unlimited data and latency of between 13 and 27 ms. It is the best option if you intend to frequently stream HD videos or connect several devices to the internet simultaneously. In addition to being widely available in cities and suburbs, cable internet is available in some rural locations, sometimes at slower speeds.
Best Cable Internet Providers
You can choose a cable internet provider that suits your needs by comparing your selections based on speeds and prices.
| Internet Provider | Speed Ranges | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | 50 – 1,200 Mbps | $9.95/mo.* |
| Spectrum | 300 – 1,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo. |
| Cox Communications | 100 – 2,000 Mbps | $50.00/mo. |
| Mediacom | 100 – 2,000 Mbps | $29.99/mo. |
| Optimum | 300 – 1,000 Mbps | $40.00/mo. |
Key Differences Between Cable & Satellite Internet
| Features | Cable Internet | Satellite Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speeds | 50 Mbps – 2,000 Mbps | 25 Mbps – 220 Mbps |
| Upload Speeds | 5 Mbps – 50 Mbps | 5 Mbps – 25 Mbps. |
| Prices | $9.95/mo. – $120.00/mo. | $49.99/mo. – $120.00/mo. |
| Availability | Limited | Unlimited |
| Low Cost | Yes | No |
| Data Caps | No* | Yes |
Internet Speed
High-speed internet is essential for browsing, researching, gaming, and streaming videos. If we compare the speeds of these two internet types, satellite internet is typically slower than cable internet. However, one exception is Starlink, which provides moderately fast service. Averaging 97.23 Mbps, Starlink is the only satellite internet provider that meets the needs of our current online life.
Cable internet is perfect for gaming, video uploading, conference calls, and other data-intensive tasks. With download speeds of up to 2 Gigs and upload speeds maxing out at 50 Mbps, cable internet can support the needs of power internet users.
Data Caps
Every internet activity requires data. If you are an avid gamer, have a large household, or stream HD movies regularly, you should be aware of the data restrictions in your current plan. Generally, satellite internet plans come with data limits. Whereas, cable internet plans offer unlimited data each month.
Internet providers add data caps to ensure you only pay for what you use. Even companies offering unlimited data plans might have hidden data limitations. Refer to the table below to distinguish between internet providers with and without data caps.
| Internet Providers With Data Caps | Internet Providers Without Data Caps |
|---|---|
| Hughesnet* | Starlink* |
| Viasat* | Earthlink |
| Xfinity** | Astound Broadband |
| AT&T** | Spectrum |
| Mediacom | Verizon |
**Data caps are applicable on selected plans.
Pricing
The biggest benefit of selecting cable over satellite is their low prices. Some renowned cable internet providers offer low-cost packages to eligible low-income households, starting at $5 per month. The average monthly cost of a high-speed cable internet plan is between $30 and $50.
On the other hand, satellite internet costs more for slower speeds and lower data caps. The average regular rates of satellite internet service are between $70 and $90, and you may have to cover additional costs like equipment and data overage fees.
Coverage Area
Unlike cable internet, satellite internet is accessible practically anywhere. Since the signals are redirected from the space, anybody with a clear view of the southern sky can receive the service. People who live in remote locations without access to cable or fiber connections may use satellite internet as the only alternative.
In contrast, cable internet is transmitted via subterranean coaxial cables. Currently, cable internet penetration in the USA stands at 85% of US households. Nearly 82 million Americans are subscribed to cable broadband. However, cable internet is less likely to be available in rural or isolated locations due to infrastructural challenges.
Equipment Required
Traditional satellite internet service providers like Hughesnet and Viasat use bulky dish antennas for internet reception and transmission. You will also need a receiver to convert radio signals into digital data and a router for wireless coverage around the house. Starlink’s cutting-edge equipment costs $599. Whereas, Hughesnet leases its equipment for $14.99 per month.
Cable internet service requires DOCSIS modems. Newer versions support faster speeds. Most cable internet providers allow you to lease the modem-router gateway for $15 per month on average.
Installation
Satellite internet equipment is heavy and cannot be self-installed (Starlink equipment is an exception). Service providers send certified technicians to handle and install your equipment within two to six hours.
On the contrary, cable internet takes one to two hours to install. You can choose between professional installation and self-installation depending on your technical expertise. The table below summarizes the installation options and charges for satellite internet providers.
| Internet Service Provider | Installation Option | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Viasat | Professional | Up to $500.00 |
| Hughesnet | Professional | Up to $199.99 |
| Starlink | Self | – |
Reliability
Both cable and satellite internet are reliable with a few notable exceptions. When bad weather strikes, satellite internet is more prone to disruptions than cable connections. During torrential downpours or thunderstorms, you might not be able to receive a signal.
However, cable internet service is hardly disrupted during inclement weather. So, if cable is available in your region, you will benefit from higher network uptimes, faster speeds, more affordable service, and greater reliability.
For Gaming
An average latency of 40 – 60 ms is required for seamless online gaming. Although satellite offers sufficient speeds for gaming, it is not the best option because of its ultra-high latency.
You are generally better off with a cable internet plan if you play online games. Its fast download speeds and minimal latency guarantee top gaming performance. The table below states the average latency offered by both internet types.
| Connection Type | Latency Range |
|---|---|
| Cable | 13 – 27 ms |
| Satellite | 594 – 612 ms |
For Streaming
Satellite internet plans offer download speeds ranging from 20 Mbps to 250 Mbps, providing ample bandwidth for high-definition (HD) streaming. Watching Netflix in standard definition only requires 3 Mbps of bandwidth. Therefore, your satellite internet can support uninterrupted streaming of your favorite shows.
However, you will need cable internet if you regularly connect several devices to the network. Binge-watching may not be feasible on satellite internet due to its data caps. A few hours of HD streaming may deplete your priority data quota and slow your internet speeds for the remainder of the month.
Conclusion
Cable internet and satellite are two of the most reliable options for broadband connectivity in the absence of ultrafast fiber-optic networks. However, their prices and speeds are poles apart. Cable internet is also available in all 50 states of the USA, but its download speeds can be as fast as 2 Gigs and starting prices as low as $10 per month.
In contrast, satellite internet’s wide-scale coverage comes at a high cost. Monthly rates of satellite internet plans start at $80 (regular price), and the download speeds top out at 220 Mbps, offering you basic broadband connectivity in areas considered “internet dead zones”.
