There’s a new player in the satellite internet market. I’m not going to name names, because I don’t want to give them publicity. But you know who I’m talking about. It’s a company run by a guy who has already disrupted a lot of other markets. And from the look of it, he wants to disrupt satellite internet as well.
But do you want to really get into business with that person? Is it a smart move in the long term? Let’s take a look at the facts.
How satellite internet works
Satellite internet isn’t a mystery. You have a device that receives data from a satellite and beams other data back. The download speeds are generally pretty good, because the signal from the satellite signal is strong. However, the upload speeds can be slower because the satellite signal from your location isn’t as strong. There’s also a lot of latency — a lot of waiting between clicking and getting what you clicked on — because of the long distances involved.
The new trend in satellite internet is Low Earth Orbit (LEO) internet. Rather than one or two satellites staying right above a fixed point, 22,000 miles in the sky, there are hundreds of tiny satellites all fairly close to the Earth. Because they orbit so close, they move in relation to the ground. But because there are so many of them, you’re bound to get a signal from one of them.
LEO internet solves the issue of latency. Because the satellites are cheaper to put into space, especially when you own the company that launches them, the capacity issue is solved too. If things get congested, you just launch more of them. Really, it’s a pretty good idea.
The problem with LEO internet
LEO internet is new. It’s unproven. And, it’s evolving constantly. That’s a good thing in the long term. But in the short term, it means that you could get stuck. You might end up changing out your equipment every year. That can be an issue when you’re paying $10,000 for a mobile internet system. Terms change all the time too. Just this past month, that company I told you about announced that they’re capping internet usage. It’s a generous cap, but still. What’s to say that the policy won’t change again next month?
Another company led by a different billionaire is going to launch another LEO internet service soon. That one might be better, but should you switch? Who knows.
Folks, I’ve been an early adopter my whole adult life. I’ve spent untold tens of thousands of dollars on stuff that ended up being obsolete. It’s what I do. But is it what you do? Is it a smart move for your internet service? Remember this is your lifeline to the outside world. This is as important as electricity or running water in a lot of people’s minds. Would you sign up to get your water from a brand new company run by a billionaire with a history of losing interest in projects and dumping them?
There’s a better solution
You don’t have to get into something scary to get internet in a rural area or on your boat. There are companies out there that have been doing this sort of thing for 20 years. They may not be sexy. They may not have an association with flying cars or high speed tunnels. But they work. They work today, and they work tomorrow. And they’re faster and more reliable than ever.
If you are thinking about satellite internet, my suggestion to you is to get all the facts. You could potentially save a lot of money in the long run if you stay with a proven provider. Eventually, years down the line, you might want to move over to LEO internet. But I don’t think today is the day.
Do the research. Get the whole story from someone who knows the players and knows the game. It’s easy, it costs nothing, and that service is available right now.
The Signal Connect difference
Signal Connect has two decades of experience delivering satellite products to rural, mobile, and marine customers. We have the proven track record. We work with all the major players. Our experts understand the landscape. In other words, we’re your friends in the business.
Before choosing a brand new internet scheme, get the whole story. Spend a little time talking to a Signal Connect expert. There’s no obligation and you can learn about all the options open to you.There are a lot more than you think. Call us at 888-233-7563. Our team, based in Novi Michigan, is here for you during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, we’re still here. Just fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
Really, you don’t have to jump in bed with the billionaire just to get the high speed internet you’re craving. Let us show you all the possibilities.
