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satellite-internet-vs-cable-internet
Cable internet is one of the most sought out internet options while Satellite internet can be said as one of the least knowns. That is mainly because satellite internet is generally used by customers who live in rural areas and do not have access to any better internet options.
Moreover, cable internet is mostly available in cities and populated areas and offers good internet speed, so customers hardly look for any options when they know they currently have the best one.
If you are up against these two choices, the decision is not going to be that difficult. We are going to take you through what both of these internet options have to offer and what will you get. After that, you will be able to make your decision without any problems.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is one of the most widely available internet options in the US, especially in the countryside and small towns. It is also the only option for internet services in some areas because people there do not have access to any territorial internet services such as fiber optics or cable. Moreover, the reason behind that is the satellite internet transmits signals through the air instead of using cables.
A satellite dish is placed on the customer end that connects with the satellite in space and sends signals to the provider’s end. These signals travel to and from these satellite dishes where the modem translates these signals and responds to customer requests and searches.
- Satellite Internet Options
When we talk about satellite internet options, there are only two that are currently available nationwide. These options include Hughesnet and Viasat.
Viasat Internet offers better speeds compared to Hughesnet but is very expensive. On the other hand, Hughesnet offers one single download speed and the data plans and limits vary. Moreover, the Hughesnet customer service teams are available 24/7 to assist customers with any issues or to answer their questions.
- Satellite Speed
Satellite internet speed is generally thought to be slower but that is not the reality. Satellite internet providers offer a download speed of up to 100 Mbps, however, that speed varies from area to area as the minimum and maximum speed is not the same everywhere.
Hughesnet Internet offers a download speed of up to 25 Mbps. This is the only option with Hughesnet as the aim is to make cost-effective internet available for everyone, regardless of where they are living.
Moreover, both of the satellite internet providers have soft data limits with their data plans. Once a customer uses all the data as per their plan, the speeds are managed according to the fair usage policy. Other than that, there are options available to add more data and get back to the full speed being offered under the subscribed plan.
- Satellite Internet Prices
If we rank all the internet service providers in the US, satellite internet providers would be among the most expensive ones. That is because the promotional prices are limited to 3-6 months and after that, there is a price increase.
With Hughesnet, plans start at $59.99 and go up to $149.99 per month through its Gen5 internet technology. On the promotion, the price is $10 less. In contrast, Viasat prices start at $50 per month and go up as customer opts for a higher speed or more data.
Cable Internet
Cable Internet is a great option in terms of availability, speed, prices, and service quality. This is a territorial internet service that uses a coaxial cable network and delivers signals to customers. Although it is the second-best internet connection type after fiber optics, it is much faster than DSL, fixed wireless, and other connection types. Other than that, almost all the states have cable internet services available, but only in specific areas.
- Cable Internet Options
One of the biggest perks of cable internet is that customers get to choose among different internet providers as various providers are offering services using cable networks.
These options include internet service providers such as Spectrum, Xfinity, Altice, Cox, Windstream, and many more. That makes it possible for customers to compare their choices against their needs and go for the one that meets their requirements.
For instance, they can compare the monthly cost, data caps, contract terms, and additional perks of signing up with some specific providers. Doing so will also help them make the best choice.
- Cable Internet Speed
Internet speed is not much of a concern with cable connection. That is because the minimum speed starts at up to 10 Mbps and goes up to 940 Mbps, making it one of the fastest internet connections available.
The best thing here is that customers can choose among different speed options available that suit their needs. For instance, if the family members stream a lot of Netflix or play video games such as Fortnight or COD, they can choose a download speed option of up to 400 Mbps.
In case the number of users in the house is limited along with the usage, they can opt for the download speed of up to 100 Mbps. So, customers get a lot of choices and variations in terms of their plans and speed options.
- Cable Internet Prices
Cable internet is not very expensive in general while the prices depend upon the level of internet speed customers sign up for and the equipment choice that they make.
For instance, an internet speed of up to 100 Mbps is available for around $50 per month while the highest speed option such as Internet Gig would be available for less than $120.
The Bottom Line
After considering all the factors and the choices, getting cable internet services makes sense. It is because it is cheaper than satellite, offers more variety in plans, the amount of data offered is either unlimited or normally crosses 1 TB. If you would like to get all these benefits, cable internet is the option you should be going for.
Satellite internet is suitable for areas where there are no internet options available other than DSL, fixed wireless, or the Dial-up or the satellite internet is the only choice.
