The Internet is a necessity today; yet many homes and businesses remain without access to the traditional broadband infrastructure. Thanks to improvements through satellite internet providers, we can now be connected with high speeds to practically any point on Earth. As of July 2025, newer LEO networks such as Starlink and others are spreading across the globe, offering higher speed, reliability, and wide coverage even on the remotest locations.
Latest Information: Expansion of Satellite Internet Footprint
Major satellite internet service providers have quickened the pace of global coverage expansion within the last year. Starlink, for instance, is serving customers in more than 60 countries, including rural areas that are usually hard to reach, as well as on-the-go locations like those in RVs and aboard ships. Project Kuiper is to be launched soon, and OneWeb continues to expand its commercial network, thereby increasing satellite internet coverage and availability. There is at least one satellite internet provider available for 99% of households across the United States, in an attempt to close digital divides in areas where cable and fiber cannot be implemented.
How Satellite Internet Providers Provide Connectivity
Satellite internet works by shuttling internet data back and forth between the end user's dish and a network of satellites in the sky. Traditionally, there are two predominant types:
- Geostationary (GEO): High-orbit satellites, with which HughesNet Internet and Viasat Internet are examples. They are good for basic use but have higher latency.
- Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: A lower orbit pioneered by Starlink and soon by Amazon Project Kuiper. LEO satellites provide low latency and high-speed satellite connectivity, practically parallel to some cable connections for everyday tasks, streaming, and work-from-home needs.
Satellite Internet Coverage: Where Are You Going for It?
- United States: Covers nearly all. Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat combine forces to offer service across the country, including in wilderness areas, islands, and tribal lands.
- International: Satellite internet serves as an important connection in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and remote places of the world. New networks are being installed in India, South America, and other developing regions to enhance the availability of satellite internet.
Limitations
Obstructions: Trees or large buildings, or mountains create obstructions. A clear view of the sky is the best.
- Extreme Weather: Heavy rains or snows are interrupting for just a moment, while newer generation satellites try to remain resilient than they used to.
- Legal and Regulatory: In certain countries, governmental regulations could restrict satellite internet access, or the government may require a special permit.
Satellite Internet Plans and High-Speed Options
Provider |
Download Speed |
Latency |
Data Cap/Limit |
Plan Notes |
Starlink |
50–250 Mbps |
25–60 ms |
1TB or more |
No contract; mobile options |
HughesNet |
25–100 Mbps |
500–700 ms |
100GB soft cap |
Consistent coverage, contract |
Viasat |
12–150 Mbps |
600+ ms |
Unlimited (throttled) |
Contract, broad US reach |
With competition on the rise, satellite internet plans now offer:
Pros and Cons of Satellite Internet?
Pros
- Available everywhere, with a clear line of sight.
- Fast LEO options are good for HD streaming and gaming.
- Ideal for rural homes, RVs, boats, areas of remote work, or basically anywhere other services cannot exist.
Cons
- It can be far more costly than wireline broadband in terms of plans and equipment.
- Data caps and throttling remain quite common, especially in older plans.
- Weather, plus something physical, could come between you and your satellite.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Get Online Almost Anywhere
With the advent of modern satellite internet services, it's pretty much anyone connecting from practically anywhere on the globe. Now with the ever-expanding LEO satellite constellations, one can expect a good turn of more speeds, lower prices, and greater flexibility for their plans. If you reside or travel in places far away from the reach of cable or fiber, satellite internet can be a trustworthy high-speed option, keeping you connected.