As the name suggests, satellite internet uses satellites instead of earthbound infrastructure to deliver internet signals. Communities, businesses, and residents in remote or isolated locations often lack the physical infrastructure needed for fiber or cable internet delivery. Satellite internet offers reliable online access anywhere you choose to live or work.
How Do Satellites Work?
What does a satellite do? Satellites have a range of purposes, including commercial, scientific, and military applications. No matter their function, all satellites transmit radio signals to receiving stations on Earth, which transmit information back to the satellite.
So, does the internet come from satellites? Not exactly. Instead, the satellite acts as a bridge, relaying internet data from your local network through a satellite dish to a telecommunications satellite. The satellite transmits the signal to ground-based stations, which send the data to internet data centers. The process is then reversed, returning information to your network. Despite the thousands of miles involved, the process takes milliseconds.
What Are Satellites Used For?
The primary use of satellites is communication, which can take many forms, including internet connectivity and television and radio broadcasting. The main uses of satellite internet include:
Browsing the Web
Web browsing is one of the most common uses of satellite internet, allowing users to connect to the same resources, information, and entertainment that users in more populous, urban areas take for granted.
Email and Communication
Satellite internet offers reliable email and messaging capabilities, so you can stay in contact with family, friends, and business partners.
Social Media
Social media links people to a global network of individuals, organizations, and businesses. Whether you use Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or TikTok, satellite internet keeps you up-to-date on developing trends while connecting you to friends and family.
Streaming Videos and Music
Satellite internet services allow you to stream videos and music. The new Hughesnet® is faster than ever, with unlimited data to stream HD video and music or participate in video conference calls.
Online Shopping
Satellite internet gives people access to digital/online products, services, and discounts often unavailable in local stores, broadening your shopping opportunities and potentially saving you money.
Remote Work and Telecommuting
Remote work is one of the most profitable uses of satellite internet, whether you’re looking for a side gig or an online career. Satellite internet supports many work apps, although the use of remote work VPNs may result in slower speeds.
Educational Purposes: Virtual Learning
No matter your education level, you can find new and exciting learning opportunities online. Virtual learning lets you take advantage of this, whether you're watching a DIY plumbing video or taking a distance learning course.
Research and Information Retrieval
Need to know who won the 1976 Super Bowl? Want to learn more about dog training or discover a handy Excel formula to help you track business expenses? It’s all out there online, just waiting to be discovered.
Online Gaming
Satellite internet supports social media and turn-based games. For other games, Hughesnet combines the extensive reach of satellite with the responsiveness of low-latency wireless, enabling an enhanced online gaming experience. Check availability to see if this service is offered in your area.
Satellite internet is an ever-growing and evolving option for people who prefer to live and work in rural areas. Hughesnet satellite internet plans let you take advantage of online opportunities for education, work, and entertainment, no matter where you live.
