All internet access methods have their ups and downs. The “downs” may simply be that it’s not possible to get that newest technology in your area. Let’s take a look at satellite internet pain points.

Speed. Satellite internet isn’t the fastest internet connection. While you can get upload speeds as high as 50 or even 100 Mbps via a satellite depending on provider and plan, that's not the norm by any means. Often satellite internet customers are getting 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps of download speed and sometimes less than that. The 12 Mbps – 25 Mbps speeds are in fact comparable with cable internet service. It’s not warp speed but it’s workable for average internet use. Just know that with satellite internet online gaming is off the table. Latency issues can cause slight delays. When you stream in HD if others in your home are also online it’s possible you could see buffering wheels spinning on your screen during evening hours when internet use is highest. Other than that, though, the speeds you commonly get for satellite internet service at the lower prices will get you online where you can check email, visit social media and check the news or sports scores. You can stream content like watching videos in Standard Definition easily most of the time.

Data. Even when satellite internet monthly plans include “unlimited data” be aware that unlimited data, and unlimited data at the fastest speeds available, are not the same thing. Your data plan may be unlimited at higher speeds until you hit your fast-data cap for the month (if you do) and in such cases your service will be throttled back to slower speeds. You still have unlimited data but not unlimited fast data. You can generally buy an additional amount of fast data in a pinch but since you’re already paying roughly $50 to $200 per month on these plans do you really want to pony up even more? Broadband cable, fiber optic and wireless cellular may not cap fast data use each billing period but it always depends on your plan details. Always ask for unlimited data and see what is offered.

Up-front fees for installation or equipment. Depending on the carrier you can lease the necessary equipment or you must buy it upfront. Starlink requires you to buy the kit and install it yourself. The other satellite companies encourage you to lease the equipment after their technician installs it. Whichever way you go you’re looking at an upfront cost of roughly $300- 600 to get started. That’s higher than other forms of internet service primarily because the equipment you need for satellite includes the dish transceiver that has a cost to manufacture and maintain.

Clear sky required. If your home has a clear view of the Southern sky then you can consider service from legacy satellite companies like Viasat, HughesNet or Frontier. That’s because their satellites are essentially large units set in geostationary orbit tracking with the rotation of Earth. Their satellites always appear in the same place in the sky. However, if you want Starlink satellite internet you will need a clear 360-degree view of the sky for reception. That’s due to a system of thousands of tiny satellites that relay signals.

It’s not portable. This is also the case with broadband cable internet service but it’s worth mentioning. If you go camping you can’t take it with you. For now, the equipment is bulky but down the road as technology improves the size of satellite dishes may follow the same path as the transformation of old-school “brick” mobile phones to a pocket-sized smartphone that’s basically a computer that can make phone calls but basically is a tiny laptop.

All forms of home internet access have their conditions and limitations. Satellite internet may be the best option for your location and if that’s the case you now have a general idea of the disadvantages.