Satellite Internet vs. Fibre Internet

April 6, 2021 Category: Residential Services

The Internet is part of our everyday lives, which is why choosing the right Internet technology is so important. With all of the options on the market, shopping for Internet services can feel overwhelming. Depending on where you’re located, you may be considering a range of options including Satellite Internet or Fibre Internet. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type can ultimately help you find the right solution for you.

In this blog, we’re breaking down how speed, availability, reliability, and service cost compare across Satellite and Fibre Internet.

At Execulink, we provide high-speed Internet service across southern Ontario. We understand how important it is to our customers to receive reliable service without interruption. We offer 24/7 customer support to help keep your Internet running as fast as possible. When you’re shopping for Internet service, explore our Internet packages to find the one best suited for you.


Learn about Fibre Internet here!

How Do Fibre Internet and Satellite Internet Work?

Fibre Internet uses Fibre optic cables (flexible, transparent Fibre made of glass or plastic) to deliver information to your home as a coded beam of light. Fibre replaces traditional, out-of-date copper wiring previously installed in homes and buildings with a more modern connection capable of delivering the next generation of Phone, Internet, and TV services.  For those interested in this type of Internet, you’ll be happy to learn that the government of Canada is working towards bringing Fibre Internet to rural regions across the country!

Meanwhile, Satellite Internet works by orbiting in outer space, sending signals down to your Satellite dish receiver on your home, and finally to your modem where it is translated into an Internet connection. You’ll be required to keep a Satellite on your property in order to enjoy this type of Internet.

Internet Speed

The distance of the Satellite can sometimes cause more latency compared to Fibre Internet, which is considered a low latency option. This means that there’s a slight delay between performing an action and seeing the result. The fact is data travelling from distances that great simply cannot compete with other Internet options.

Satellite Internet has sufficient speed for activities like email and surfing the web, but isn’t ideal for activities that require a lot of bandwidth, like video streaming or online gaming. Both the upload and download speeds are slow which may cause you to miss a beat when you need real-time feedback. Depending on the service provider, there may be data caps with Satellite Internet as well, which can be quite limiting if you’re a heavy Internet user.

In comparison, Fibre Internet has super-fast speeds ideal for high bandwidth activities. This means you won’t be slowed down during your Netflix or Crave binge-sessions or adrenaline-fueled gaming marathons. It can support multiple devices under one roof, using just one connection.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the actual speeds you’ll experience depend on a range of factors including your Internet service provider (ISP) and package. Choosing the right package for your needs can help amplify your online experience and give you the best value for your money.

Reliability

Since Satellite Internet relies on a wireless connection, it can experience more interference than Cable or Fibre Internet, which are hardwired and therefore can perform more reliably. Harsh weather conditions like thunderstorms, lightning, sunspots etc. can all affect the reliability of Satellite Internet. Another common concern can be obstructions like trees or buildings, which can also compromise the strength and reliability of your Satellite Internet connection.

The advantage of Fibre Internet is that extreme weather conditions do not affect its performance since the wiring is buried deep in the earth. It will continue to perform effectively despite rainstorms or wildlife disturbances, so you won’t need to worry about your Internet going out when you need it the most.

Availability

Satellite Internet is widely available since it doesn’t require cables or wiring. Since the signal comes from outer space, it can be picked up almost anywhere in the country as long as there is clear sky. In fact, in some remote areas, Satellite is one of the main options for Internet service.

Fibre Internet may not be available in all areas since it requires underground wiring. However, service providers like Execulink are bringing Fibre Internet to an increasing number of remote/rural areas. We’re not only delivering it to your neighbourhood, but also directly to individual homes and businesses.

Service Cost

Satellite Internet can be expensive, especially if you live in a remote location. If you compare Satellite Internet costs to other types of Internet offering comparable speeds, the cost of Satellite tends to be higher in most locations. So, if your deal breaker is affordability, this may not be the right type of Internet for you.

On the other hand, Fibre Internet can be an affordable option depending on the ISP. Some Fibre Internet providers will offer a variety of package options, allowing you to tailor your Fibre Internet plan to your usage needs and price point. This can be a welcome relief if you’re not a frequent Internet user, since you’ll only pay for the amount of Internet you use.

Is Satellite or Fibre Internet Right for You?

 There are many factors to consider when choosing between Satellite and Fibre Internet. If you need a fast and reliable connection that is affordable, Fibre Internet may fit the bill. However, depending on where you’re located or if you’re consistently on the move (living in an RV for instance), Satellite may be the best option. This being said, as providers like Execulink continue to expand Fibre Internet coverage to more rural and remote communities, everyone can benefit from these reliable, lightning-fast connections – wherever you are!

With 24/7 support and a wide range of Internet options to suit every lifestyle and budget, at Execulink we are proud to provide the awesome services your home or business needs to stay connected to what matters the most! Call us at 1-866-706-1942 today or visit our Internet page to find the Internet package you’ve been looking for!

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