You may use satellite TV every day, but have you considered satellite broadband?
For anyone living outside of towns and cities without access to a decent fibre broadband network, satellite broadband offers high-speed internet without the need for a fixed line.
Instead of depending on cables or mobile signals, satellite internet connects you to space. This provides access to fast, reliable internet, almost anywhere in the UK.
Find out more about how it works, what you’ll need, and how it compares to other options in this guide.
By the end of this page, you’ll have the information you need to decide if it’s the right fit for your home or business.
How does satellite internet (broadband from satellite) work?
Satellite broadband connects your home to the internet using a satellite orbiting Earth.
A small dish installed on your property sends and receives signals to a satellite, which then connects to a ground station linked to the internet.
Your data travels around 36,000 km from your dish to space, down to Earth, and back again in seconds.
Because of the distances involves, you can experience higher latency (lag).
Newer services like Starlink use satellites in low-Earth orbit, dramatically improving speed and reducing delay.
This makes a satellite internet service a good option for rural customers that would otherwise have slow internet.
Who is satellite broadband for?
Satellite broadband is useful for any home or business that doesn’t have access to fast internet. This includes:
- Rural homes: Ideal for households in rural areas where fibre or mobile broadband services aren’t available
- Remote homeowners: For those living off-grid or in isolated areas who need consistent internet access
- Remote business: Essential for businesses operating in rural or remote locations, supporting everything from emails to video conferencing
Pros and cons of satellite broadband
| Pros | Cons |
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How fast is satellite broadband?
Connection speed varies depending on the provider and the technology you use.
More established higher orbit services can achieve download speeds between 10-50 Mbps.
This is fine for web browsing, emails, and basic streaming, but it can feel slow for more demanding tasks.
Newer, low-Earth orbit services like Starlink typically delivers download speeds between 50-250 Mbps. That’s fast enough for HD streaming, gaming and video calls.
Speeds can also vary depending on the weather, network traffic, and your location, but that’s harder to quantify.
Overall, satellite broadband is now a real alternative to some entry-level fibre deals, though it can have higher latency.
Confused about the broadband speeds you’ll need for day-to-day use in your home? Read more in our ‘ultimate guide to broadband speeds’.
How much does satellite broadband cost in the UK?
Satellite broadband tends to be pricier than fixed line home broadband packages. That’s mainly due to the cost and complexity of the hardware involved. There's also often an initial price needed for set-up and installation.
But prices, terms, and conditions change all the time. For example, at the time of writing, Starlink was free setup.
| Provider | Download Speed | Set-up Fee | Monthly Price | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | 50-250Mb | £299 | £75 | 12 months |
| Bigblu | 25-100Mb | £99.98 | £29.90-£54.90 | 12 months |
| Freedomsat | 25-50 Mb | None | £19-90 | 12 months |
| Brdy | 75-150Mb | £49.90 | £54.90 | 30 days/12 months |
Who offers satellite broadband in the UK?
As satellite broadband services rely on complex technology, there aren’t as many providers as there are for fixed line.
The main players are Starlink, Bigblu, Freedomsat and Brdy.
- Starlink has its own satellite network
- Bigblu resells Starlink, Eutelsat and NBN SkyMuster services
- Freedomsat and Brdy resells OneWeb services
Is satellite broadband better than mobile broadband or 5G?
The best broadband option depends on where you are, what kind of internet you need, and what compromises you’re willing to make.
When satellite broadband works better:
- Coverage: Satellite can reach just about anywhere, including places without mobile phone signal or fibre connections.
- No reliance on local infrastructure: No need for cell towers or cables, useful for isolated homes and rural locations.
When mobile broadband or 5G is better:
- Speed: Good 5G can exceed 300 Mbps and keeps latency under 30ms, which is faster than satellite.
- Reliability in towns and cities: In urban areas, mobile broadband tends to be faster, cheaper, and less affected by weather.
- Cost: Mobile broadband and 5G/4G home broadband plans usually cost less overall - both monthly and setup costs.
Satellite broadband installation
Installation is like fixed line broadband, with a couple of key differences.
- Make sure your property has a clear view of the sky, so the dish can see the satellite(s).
- Find the best broadband speeds for your needs.
- Arrange a delivery date for the installation.
- The engineer will install a satellite dish on your property and connect it to a Wi-Fi router, usually via wires.
Just like fibre broadband, providers handle things in their own ways:
- Some services require a clear view of the southern sky. Others just a clear view of the sky. Check with the provider you choose before committing.
- Most providers will install the equipment for you and maybe even set up Wi-Fi.
- Starlink doesn’t provide installation but also doesn’t need it. Some third-party resellers do offer installation, though.
Check with the provider you’re planning to use to find out more details on the installation process.
Does satellite broadband come with unlimited downloads?
Some satellite broadband providers do offer unlimited downloads, but the fine print really matters.
- Starlink offers genuinely unlimited data on their Residential plan. No data caps, no throttling. Just one flat rate.
- Bigblu says its plans are unlimited, but some include a “priority data” limit. After you hit that, speeds might drop during busy times.
- Freedomsat plans have data caps ranging from 10GB up to 150GB a month depending on your plan.
It’s a good idea to read the small print, like any broadband contract. ‘Unlimited’ can sometimes mean ‘technically unlimited, but slower after you use a lot”. If you’re a heavy user, we recommend double-checking the terms.
Satellite broadband FAQs
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How do I get satellite internet?
Getting satellite broadband is much the same as any other broadband service. You choose a provider and a suitable package, sign up, and wait for your installation date.
Installation is a little different. The dish needs to be fixed to your home, and a cable has to run from the dish to a modem inside your home.
An engineer will usually carry out this work, although self-installation may be an option.
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Is satellite broadband any good?
Satellite broadband can be a good option, especially if you're in a rural or remote area where superfast fibre or mobile networks aren’t available. But there can be some downsides, like higher latency and the occasional issue during bad weather.
Newer services like Starlink have made things a lot better, with faster speeds and more stable connections.
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Can I stream Netflix or play online games with satellite internet?
Yes, you can stream Netflix and play games online using satellite internet. Streaming in HD usually runs without much trouble. Online gaming does work too, but it’s not quite the same as fibre or 5G. There’s typically more delay, so fast-action games might feel sluggish. Just watch for data caps!
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Does weather affect broadband from satellite?
Yes, weather can impact satellite broadband. Heavy rain, snow, or storms can interfere with the signal between your dish and the satellite, called “rain fade.” You might notice slower speeds or short dropouts when that happens.
Newer systems like Starlink are better, but even they aren’t immune to very bad conditions.
Conclusion: is satellite broadband right for you?
Satellite broadband is making a real difference to people who with no traditional options for fast, reliable internet.
If you live in a rural or remote area, it can level the playing field, and for that, we strongly recommend it.
Newer services like Starlink are increasing speed while reducing latency, so it’s a lot more practical now than ever before. Other providers offer competitive services with similar benefits.
However, satellite broadband isn’t something we recommend you get if you have a better option like fibre broadband, or even a very basic standard broadband package. And remember, even for rural properties - options change regularly.
You can check the availability of broadband deals in your area at any time by popping your address into our deals checker.