Satellite Broadband

Techopedia explains Satellite Broadband

Satellite communication offers a wide variety of features as well as some technical limitations compared to traditional broadband Internet services. Satellites placed in geostationary orbit can deliver Internet speeds of about 0.5 Mbps. However, the speed is limited to 80 Kbps on transmissions from the user. In rural areas, this speed is typically more than what is available through other means.

Satellite broadband also offers additional features such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), standard and high-definition TV (HDTV), video on demand and datacast.

Satellite broadband also has some major drawbacks:

• Signal Latency: The distance that a signal needs to travel from a user’s satellite station can result in significant delays, and latency that is three times higher than other Internet service providers. This makes satellite broadband less-than-ideal for use with real-time applications like Skype.
• Rain Fade: Rain, snow and moisture greatly affect satellite communication. Lower frequency bands are less vulnerable compared to higher frequency bands, which can affect the type of band used in areas where heavy rain is a concern.
• Line of sight: Satellite communication requires a clear view between the dish and the satellite. As such, signals may be scattered as a result of the presence of trees and other vegetation. Signals can also be sensitive to minor obstructions such as tree foliage when the radio frequency drops to below 900 MHz.
  

The greatest advantage of satellite broadband is that it can be quickly established on a mobile device that is less prone to attacks or a natural disaster.