Satellite vs DSL: What’s the Difference?
From communication all the way to finance, the internet plays a vital role in everyday life. It made information sharing, commerce, and collaboration easier and convenient. It’s why 93% of American adults use the internet.
However, if you’re living in remote areas, DSL and satellite are the two primary choices for an internet connection. Are you torn between satellite vs DSL?
Then you’re at the right place! This article provides everything you need to know about DSL and satellite connection. Keep reading and you’ll be able to decide at the end of this article.
What is a DSL Internet Connection?
A digital subscriber line (DSL) is a type of internet connection that uses telephone lines. Internet passes through the telecom wires and reaches your home via a DSL modem. It is also considered as a broadband internet connection.
There are 2 types of DSL, symmetrical and asymmetrical. The former offers equal download and upload speed while the latter offers faster download speed.
Features of DSL
DSL download speed can reach between 100 and 140 Mbps depending on your location. Some areas can only access 5-15 Mbps download speed while others have an internet speed of 24 Mbps. Users closer to the internet provider can access 50 Mbps to 140 Mbps.
If you’re only surfing the web and streaming, a DSL connection is a good option since it has faster download speeds than uploads. DSL gives customers 1TB of data, which is enough for downloading and streaming.
DSL internet connection uses phone lines, thus it’s available to households with active phone lines. It also ensures that, as long as there are no wire damages, the internet will always be available.
DSL runs on landlines, meaning the transmission of internet signals is at a high frequency. It enables you to surf the web while talking on the phone. DSL is also a cheaper choice as monthly charges are only around $50 or less.
In summary, DSL benefits include:
- Lesser equipment installation
- It is available across states
- There are a lot of DSL internet providers to choose from
- Cheaper
- Dedicated internet connection
Although DSL internet connection has its perks, there are a few things to consider. First, since DSL relies on telephone lines it is also prone to weather disruptions. It means that there is a high possibility of internet interruption.
Further, expect low uploading speed for this type of internet connection since most connections are asymmetric. It’s especially true if your location is far from your internet provider.
What is a Satellite Internet Connection?
Satellite service uses a physical dish that receives and sends a signal. The signal comes from the satellite company’s hub. The hub uses an orbiting satellite to pass internet services to your house.
Benefits of Getting a Satellite Internet Connection
One of the many satellite benefits is that it can reach a download speed between 100 and 150 Mbps. Depending on your location, the general internet speed for satellite connection is 25 Mbps. Further, your internet speed varies on your plan and chosen ISP.
Satellite internet connection is also available everywhere. As long as you get a clear view of the sky, you can get a satellite internet connection. If you’re in a remote area, a satellite internet connection is your best choice.
Satellite internet connection reliability depends on your location. If you live in an area surrounded by tall buildings or mountains with unclear weather, the signal could be weak. If not, expect to get good internet strength and speed.
Satellite offers unlimited broadband internet services to subscribers. When you get a satellite internet plan, you get access to a soft data cap.
A soft data cap allows you to access the internet even when you run out of internet data. Your internet provider will manage your internet speed and usage under their policy.
What’s great about the soft data cap is that you won’t pay for the extra data usage. It’s the opposite for DSL connection users.
Prices for satellite internet connection vary from one plan to another. If you opt for the basic plan, expect to pay a monthly fee between $50 and $60.
Satellite vs DSL: Which Should You Chose?
Although DSL is widely available, it needs to run on telephone infrastructures. These are prone to damages due to extreme weather. It may offer an internet speed of up to 140 Mbps but it rarely happens.
Often internet speed is enough for basic tasks like surfing and sending e-mails. Yet it’s not fast enough for data-consuming tasks like online gaming as it has low uploading speed.
Meanwhile, satellite connections offer unlimited broadband internet. However, there are a couple of drawbacks you need to consider. For one, a satellite connection requires the installation of a satellite dish.
Satellite connection is also costly especially if you need large amounts of data to do your task. Most plans also have long minimal contracts lasting from two years or more.
Satellite internet connection speed also greatly improved as the years pass by. Most service providers offering a steady 25Mbps.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that satellite internet is quicker to fix and recover after a natural disaster. For the case of DSL, it can take time to fix electrical posts.
In the end, it all boils down to your internet usage habits. For light internet usage, consider getting a DSL connection. DSL is also best for rural areas where cable and fiber can’t access.
If you can’t get DSL, go for a satellite internet connection.
Key Notes to Remember
When choosing between DSL vs satellite internet connection, always consider your location. A satellite internet connection is perfect for those who live in rural areas.
Aside from this, pick the best connection for your everyday internet activity. DSL connection is a good option for people who don’t need fast internet speed.
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