Choosing Satellite, Cable, or WISP as your Internet Provider

What’s the technological difference between the three? Satellite internet uses a small dish attached to your building to connect you to the internet.  Your dish will transmit data to your provider’s communication hub and to satellites orbiting the earth. Cable, on the other hand, stays very grounded.  Cables running through the ground will connect to a modem in your building, which transmits your data to the hub and back to your computers. WISP, or Wireless Internet Service Provider, is a much newer tech and is similar to satellite.  Instead of sending the signal all the way to space though, it’s able to send it to a nearby radio tower.  WISP can be both faster and more stable than satellite internet while circumventing the need of cables, which are subject to many destructive variables.

What about coverage and speed?

Satellite is the most readily available technology out there right now.  Why?  Installing a dish is fast and simple and it’s not like they need to launch a new satellite for each customer.  Satellite can cover the largest area at this time and is especially beneficial in rural areas.  It’s also got some of the best speeds out there, with it being fast enough to download videos, stream, or send emails in mere moments. Cable isn’t all bad though.  It might be the oldest of the techs but it’s also very useful in urban and suburban areas where cable lines are already installed through much of the area.  One drawback though, is that you’ve got to live close to your provider for reliable service, as the farther away you live, the farther the data must travel. WISP is a very new technology and, as such, is also a very limited coverage at the moment.  Many providers, like us, service only certain areas like we do with Liverpool.  While current coverage areas may be small though, overall WISP tends to have some of the most stable, unwavering connections.  As for speed, it’s equal if not better than satellite and isn’t hindered by proximity in the same was as cable.

Pricing Options

Pricing, ultimately, is all down to the company and the plan you choose.  No matter which option you go with, you’re likely to find prices ranging from £40 to over £100.  Depending on your business, you may find you need to focus more on data over speed. Just remember that, while pricing may be the same, the internet speeds you’re able to receive might not be.  You might find yourself limited by cable internet if you’re only on the outskirts of a major city. Also important to note is installation and extra servicing charges.  When comparing plans, take note of any extra fees you may be paying, especially with customer service options. Truthfully, there are a lot of providers out there right now offering good service and good rates, and I’m proud to say Baltic Broadband is among them.  If you’ve been having issues with your current internet and are interested in trying out WISP and Baltic, take a peek at our prices and give us a call.]]>