Satellite broadband connection types

There are three main types of satellite broadband connections. While all use a satellite dish for downstream use ("pulling" information from the Internet, such as viewing websites, downloading files and receiving emails), they each use a different method of uploading ("sending" information from your computer, such as sharing files, uploading to a website, or sending emails).

One-way satellite connection

This connection type utilises the satellite connection for downloads and a dial-up connection over your telephone line for uploads.

Advantages:

• This has the cheapest monthly fees and installation costs of all satellite broadband connection types.

Disadvantages:

• The dial-up connection is extremely slow by today's standards, making this connection type unsuitable for online gaming, uploading large files to the Internet, and sending emails with large attachments.
• The telephone line cannot be used for phone calls or faxes while you are connected to the Internet.

Who will this connection type suit?

This connection type is best suited to an Internet user with a limited budget who wishes to use their connection to surf the Web, download from websites, send and receive emails, and chat online.

Combined ISDN/satellite

This connection type utilises the satellite connection for downloads and an ISDN connection over a telephone line for uploads.

Advantages:

• Offers much faster uploads than a one-way connection.
• Although ISDN still uses a telephone lines, this line can simultaneously be used for phone calls or faxes while the Internet is still connected.
• It is easy to upgrade from a one-way connection.

Disadvantages:

• Offers more expensive monthly fees than a one-way connection.
• Not all telephone lines are capable of carrying an ISDN signal. This means that an ISDN connection may require an expensive telephone line upgrade or be completely unobtainable.

Who will this connection type suit?

This connection type is best suited to an Internet user who wishes to upload large files to the Internet, send large email attachments, or play online games.

Two-way satellite connection

This connection type utilises the satellite connection for both downloads and uploads, and requires a different type of satellite dish from the two previously mentioned plans.

Advantages:

• Offers much faster uploads than a one-way connection.
• No telephone line is necessary, so this connection type can be accessed in the most remote locations.

Disadvantages:

• The most expensive monthly fees of all satellite connections.
• Equipment purchase and installation are very expensive.
• Uses a different satellite dish to one-way connections, so it is expensive to upgrade.
• Although upload speeds are fast, the high amount of latency on a satellite connection means that this connection type is not perfect for playing online games.

Who will this connection type suit?

This connection type is best suited to an Internet user in a very remote location.

You can view satellite broadband plans in our wireless broadband comparison section.