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Originally Posted On: https://www.bestsatelliteoptions.com/resources/satellite-vs-dsl
While more than 80 percent of American households have high-speed internet service, rural internet options are limited for less than 60 percent of the country. The disparity is often tied to access and service availability.
For customers in these areas, the options are few with the choice often coming down to satellite internet vs. DSL internet. Understanding the key differences between these types of internet connections is key to choosing the best option for your needs, and this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What is DSL Internet?
DSL is considered the first broadband internet and was a welcome replacement for the slow, laggy speeds of dial-up internet. DSL uses the same phone lines to connect users. However, it uses other frequencies that offer faster speeds.
While cable and fiber internet are faster choices, DSL has more availability for internet in rural areas. It’s a convenient always-on service that’s proven highly reliable. It’s not impacted by weather much, but damage to the line can interrupt service.
DSL can achieve speeds up to 150 Mbps, but max speed is ultimately dependent upon your location. In most places, 15-50 Mbps download is the max range, but with slower upload speeds. That can make online gaming speeds and video conferencing lag quite a bit, and the more devices you have on your home network, the more pronounced the lag will be.
One of the benefits of DSL is that it is one of the more affordable options with plans starting at about $40 per month. The price depends on your provider and your chosen speed/data package.
DSL is a reasonable option for people who need reliability and decent speed, as long as they still have a landline. Your distance from an access point limits the quality of the service. The further you are, the slower the service gets.
The government has put some muscle behind DSL and other wired options for internet access. The USDA’s ReConnect program has invested more than $1 billion to date to expand high-speed access to rural and tribal areas.
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet works by transmitting a signal between your house and the provider’s network hub via a satellite in geosynchronous orbit. This makes satellite internet available almost anywhere, especially in remote areas where it’s often the only option for high-speed internet access.
Satellite signal reliability depends on your location since trees, mountains, and weather can block the line of sight and impact the signal strength. On top of weather and obstructions affecting the signal, the dish has to be precisely aligned, so satellite internet usually requires professional installation.
One of the benefits of satellite internet is the consistent speeds, which tend to hit the 25-30 Mbps range; however, speeds of 150-200 Mbps are available from providers in some areas. Viasat internet plans offer speeds up to 100 Mbps, which is plenty for a few different users to stream video or play games online.
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Costs for satellite service vary from $40-$150 per month depending on the speed, provider, and the amount of high-speed data included in your plan. While Viasat is faster, HughesNet internet offers plans that are often more affordable.
Differences Between Satellite & DSL Internet
When deciding between DSL and satellite internet service, it’s important to know what your internet needs are. In some parts of the country, availability will make the decision for you. But reliable speed and cost should also factor into your decision.
Nothing beats satellite service for availability. Viasat and HughesNet offer nationwide coverage, and you can access service from anywhere as long as you can see the southern sky.
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DSL is fairly ubiquitous since it runs over phone lines, which most homes and buildings have. But not every phone company offers it, and access is limited by your distance to the phone company’s network access point.
Speed between the two can be comparable. HughesNet tops out at 25 Mbps, while Viasat can go as high as 100 Mbps. Although not currently available, Starlink internet offers speeds up to 200 Mbps. Meanwhile, DSL consistently hits 15-50 Mbps in most locations, but some locations can have far slower speeds than satellite internet.
Both offer enough speed for general internet use, such as browsing and sending emails. Slower upload speeds make them less than ideal for online gaming, streaming video, or for connected homes.
Satellite service generally costs more than DSL, but you’ll find some overlap between higher-speed DSL and slower-speed satellite packages. DSL and satellite internet often have installation or activation fees, and you might have a monthly equipment lease.
Need the Best Internet Service?
Particularly in remote areas, availability is a huge factor in choosing the best internet service for you. DSL and satellite internet might offer comparable speeds, but satellite has more accessibility and is constantly improving its speed and reliability. With those considerations in mind, satellite internet is often the best solution for your needs.
Still trying to decide between satellite internet vs DSL? Check out our satellite internet plans to see what is available in your area.
