Business satellite internet

Satellite internet can reach rural and remote areas where traditional broadband services are unavailable. It’s an essential service for operations in locations too remote for other forms of internet access.

Satellite internet doesn’t require extensive infrastructure such as cables or phone lines to be installed. Typically, you sign up for the service through a satellite broadband provider, receive your satellite dish by post, set it up in minutes, and you’re ready to go.

Advancements in satellite technology, particularly with Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, have dramatically improved speeds and reliability. Services like Starlink now rival 5G business broadband and business fibre optic broadband in performance, making satellite internet a viable option for modern business needs.

GEO satellites orbit 35,786 km above the equator, staying fixed relative to a point on Earth. They provide wide coverage per satellite, making them ideal for broadcasting and broad-area connectivity. Speeds range from 10–100 Mbps, but latency is higher at 600–800 ms due to the long signal travel distance.

MEO satellites operate at 2,000–35,786 km altitudes, balancing speed and latency. With speeds of 25–150 Mbps and latency of 150–250 ms, they require fewer satellites than LEO for continuous coverage, making them suitable for regional broadband services.

LEO satellites orbit at altitudes of 160–2,000 km, providing the fastest speeds (100–200+ Mbps) and lowest latency (20–60 ms). Their proximity to Earth enables high performance but requires a large constellation of satellites to ensure consistent global coverage.

Satellite internet typically experiences higher latency than terrestrial broadband due to the long distance signals must travel between the Earth and the satellite. While modern technologies like LEO satellites reduce this issue, latency can still affect VoIP call quality and other business-critical applications.

Weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or dense cloud cover can interfere with satellite signals. Obstructions like tall trees, buildings, or even aeroplanes can also affect performance, making clear line-of-sight crucial for reliability.

Many business satellite broadband plans have restrictive data limits, which can challenge businesses with high bandwidth needs, such as video conferencing, cloud computing, or large file transfers. Exceeding data caps can result in slower speeds or additional charges.

Some providers use NAT-based IPs (Network Address Translation), where multiple devices share a single IP address. This can cause issues with applications like VPNs or VoIP, which often require unique IPs for optimal performance.

Business satellite broadband is generally more expensive than full fibre business broadband or SoGEA business broadband options due to higher infrastructure and operational costs. Businesses must account for higher business broadband prices and upfront costs for equipment like satellite dishes and modems.

The satellite broadband market is still developing, with relatively few providers compared to traditional broadband. This limited competition can make finding flexible packages or tailored services harder, though the market is expanding with new players and technologies.

Provide your business location and how many users you have. This helps identify the best satellite broadband options available for your specific requirements.

Discuss your needs with our business satellite broadband experts, who can guide you through the available plans, providers, and pricing to find the perfect match for your business.

Once you’ve chosen a provider, they’ll send you a satellite dish and modem. Follow the setup instructions or arrange professional installation to get your business connected quickly.