Most of us want to move away from the bustling city life. At least I want to.
For the last few years, I have been dreaming about quitting my 9-5 and finding escape in the suburbs. What’s holding me back, you ask? Well, my biggest issue is that I won’t be able to provide for myself. While stargazing at night and running in the fields in the morning seem like a great idea, you need a decent remote job and fast-speed internet for that.
In my case, I have a remote job, but the internet in remote areas is not reliable.
Now imagine all these issues vanishing into thin air. You have access to fast-speed internet, so you can work on your job remotely, and you can enjoy a fun experience in the wilderness.
This is the promise of satellite internet.
So, if you are a remote worker thinking of moving to the suburbs or any remote area, here is everything that you need to know about satellite internet and its usage as a remote worker.
What Is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet, as the name denotes, depends on the working of satellites that are present in outer space.
Just like Wi-Fi, satellite internet is wireless, so there are no cables, fibers, or infrastructure required. Every house and building relying on satellite internet needs to be independent. To make it possible, buildings have a dish installed on their roof.
This dish receives signals from the satellite present in outer space and transmits them to our devices through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Since the overall time required for the signals to travel to and from the satellite is too much, this is the reason satellite internet is generally considered slower. However, regardless of the lag, satellite is considered the best option for people living in suburbs or remote areas where no other form of internet is available.
Why Is Satellite Internet Still Considered a Good Option?
As I mentioned earlier, the overall speed of satellite internet is slightly slower. Moreover, it is quite expensive, and you need to buy your own equipment that you will be required to install. So, adding the installation fee, the overall internet plan, and the price of equipment makes satellite internet quite expensive. Apart from price, lag is another issue that most people mention.
Now, the question is, regardless of all these issues, why is satellite internet still quite popular?
Here is a list of reasons behind the success of satellite internet.
Wide Availability
The most important benefit of satellite internet that actually makes it a top option for most users is its wide availability. Since satellite internet requires no prior infrastructure like cable or routers, anyone can set up their equipment and enjoy the internet. Moreover, it is an ideal pick for people living in suburbs and most remote areas, where no other form of internet can reach.
Wireless System
Satellite internet is a wireless internet form. While cable and fiber offer high-speed internet, they are dependent on an existing infrastructure. However, satellite internet does not require any infrastructure. This means that people living in far areas, base camps, RVs, and wood cabins can also rely on satellite internet.
No Interruption
Since satellite internet doesn’t rely on any physical equipment, the signals of satellite internet are quite consistent. Moreover, there is no inference from any external factor, and the signals are quite stable and reliable.
It also means that even at the time of a natural disaster, i.e., earthquake, flood, etc., it has a much better recovery time, while other internet connection types might require a lot of time for recovery.
Can I Use Satellite Internet For Remote Work?
If I have to sum up the answer in just one word, the answer will be yes. However, if I have to consider the factors, my answer would change to “it depends”.
For the longest time, satellite internet was seen as a last resort. When other options failed or when no other form of internet was available, people would think of using satellite internet. So, for the tech-savvy work that requires good speed internet, like streaming and online gaming, satellite internet was never an option.
This is the reason why the number of good satellite internet providers is quite limited. If you are living in a remote area, you can always search for Satellite Internet in my area on Google to search for providers. However, now things are finally changing as satellite technology has improved, and there are bigger brands in the market.
For instance, Amazon has launched a satellite internet that is expected to perform much better than others available in the market. Similarly, Starlink is another option that has completely transformed the world of satellite internet.
Now, thanks to these options, the speed of the internet is much better. This means that satellite internet can be used, even for tasks where internet speed should be ideal.
Simply put, satellite internet might not look like the best option available in the market due to speed limitations. However, it is surely the best option for remote workers and individuals living in areas where no other internet is available.
