Satellite internet is a type of wireless internet service that offers a connection using a satellite that is orbiting the Earth to a satellite dish on your site or ground stations. It is a popular option for areas where traditional connections like cable and fiber are not feasible, such as in remote or rural areas.

If you are living somewhere in the mountains of Alaska or in the Rocky Mountains, then satellite internet is your best bet. You can just Google satellite internet near me, and providers like Starlink, Viasat, and Hughesnet will appear, which offer high-speed service in rural areas of the US.

Moving on, recently I came to know that satellite internet has different types that vary according to their altitude and other characteristics. 

Sounds interesting, right?

 In this article, I will educate you about the types of satellite internet and their real-world implications. So, let’s get started:

Types of Satellite Internets

Satellite internet is of three main types of satellites: Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellites

Each of them has a unique role in offering internet connectivity; it varies in how they function and what kind of services they provide:

Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) Satellites

Geo satellites are located at about 22,236 miles (35,786km) above the Earth’s equator. Interestingly, the rotational speed of a GEO satellite is the same as Earth’s speed. This leads them to make a connection with the satellite dishes in specific areas.

However, it offers wide coverage, but the only problem is the distance over which the signals have to travel. This affects the latency, which leads to poor performance because it enables delays in communication, making applications unresponsive and feel sluggish.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites

LEO satellites are closer to Earth, located between 300 and 1,200 miles (500-2,000 km) above the Earth’s surface. It requires constellations of satellites to offer a wide coverage.

Sound confusing?

Let me make it easy for you.

A satellite constellation for continuous global coverage is a network of satellites in orbit that are working together to make sure that at least one satellite can be seen from any point on Earth.

This leads to a low latency rate, which means that there will be minimal delay in the data transmission between two points, resulting in fast and seamless communication. 

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellites

The MEO satellite is not widely used by many providers. It is located between the altitudes of GEO and LEO, typically ranging between 1,200-22,00 miles above the Earth’s surface.

It does not offer wide coverage, and the latency rate is also not good. This is the reason it is not preferred by many users in the satellite industry.

Real World Applications of Satellite Internet 

The best thing about satellite internet is that it can provide internet signals to places where traditional connections do not exist. And this is the reason it is used in many fields, for example:

Remote Education

Satellite internet has bridged the gap in remote learning because of its wide connectivity. According to Reno Skipper, a principal and a teacher at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāringaomatariki, a remote school in Northland, New Zealand, said

 ” We’re now able to use the technology to its full extent. We’ve purchased subscriptions to math programs that we previously weren’t able to use. Even in the space of a month, it’s made a huge difference to how we teach, and there’s been a noticeable improvement in the kids’ engagement. They’re now able to take full ownership of their own learning.”

Satellite internet is transforming in places that lack terrestrial infrastructure because of economic and geographic conditions. Children in developing countries do not have access to education because of many reasons, and internet availability is a main factor.

 But not anymore, since the availability of satellite internet has removed this barrier.

Military and Government

Satellite internet plays an important role in the military and government departments to maintain security and effective communication.

According to stats, the government and defense sectors have spent around 42% of the $78.22 billion on the global satellite communication market. And by 2029, it is expected to grow to about $54.11 billion. 

The government heavily depends on satellite internet to maintain security, connectivity in rural areas, and manage administrative offices, where traditional broadband infrastructure fails to deliver properly.

Satellite internet is now an important tool for effective governance, defense strategy, and national security.

Telemedicine 

Satellite internet has opened new doors for the healthcare sector. Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and telehealth services are now a revolution in the medical sector.

Telehealth is eliminating geographical barriers and improving medical services due to 24/7 availability. It offers timely medical consultation and leads to immediate response.

Moreover, telehealth is a cost-effective and is alternative to in-person consultation services. It removes the overhead expense to travel for the low-income class or people living in rural areas.

Satellite internet has transformed the connectivity throughout the globe due to its 24/7 availability and wide coverage. It has empowered everything from remote work to global communication, no matter where you are. So, sign up for a satellite internet connection today if you reside in a remote neighborhood and are looking for connectivity without interruptions.