Is Broadband Internet the Same as Satellite Internet?

You’ve likely heard the term broadband pop up in Internet service provider commercials and promotions, but are you confident you know what it means?  Let’s break down what broadband is, what it isn’t, and where you can access it.

What is Broadband?

In technical terms, broadband is the transmission of wide bandwidth data over a high-speed Internet connection, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines as having a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. In practical terms, broadband is a classification for an Internet connection that meets minimum speed requirements set by the FCC.

Is Broadband Internet the Same as Satellite Internet?

Broadband is high-speed Internet access that can be delivered through any type of transport, including cable, fiber, DSL and satellite. In this way, some satellite Internet services might be considered “broadband,” but not all broadband connections are made through satellite Internet services. Think of broadband as high-speed Internet. 

What is the Difference Between DSL and Satellite Internet?

DSL and satellite Internet are two different ways to deliver broadband. Satellite providers deliver Internet over satellite signals from space; DSL providers send Internet connections through subscribers’ home phone lines.

One of the most significant advantages that satellite services like HughesNet have over DSL is total coverage area. Our JUPITER High-Throughput satellite fleet provides Internet service everywhere in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico, Alaska, and many countries in Latin America. This means that you can live where you want and still have access to broadband. By contrast, DSL Internet options can only provide broadband access where existing telecommunications infrastructure is already in place, limiting its availability to certain geographic locations. As such, satellite Internet services like HughesNet can often provide service to subscribers in more places than DSL services.

Access Broadband Service with HughesNet

HughesNet offers 25 Mbps** download speeds on every plan, ensuring broadband service for every subscriber. You can enjoy sharing photos, emailing, listening to music, watching video, working from home, and connecting your children to distance learning. 

As a HughesNet subscriber, you’ll enjoy all the opportunities that broadband has to offer and enjoy a high-speed connection no matter where you live.