How to Choose a Satellite Provider - Part I
When you think of satellites, you might first think of space exploration or astronaut missions, but there is a world of satellite services on earth that you interact with every day. Satellite internet, television and communication services are an essential part of modern life, providing crucial access to rural and remote areas, reliable backups for communication, or even access to international news. But choosing a satellite provider can be daunting, with multiple choices, complex market offerings, and a range of technical specifications and jargon to navigate. Whether you are a business owner or a residential customer, in part one of this guide, we will examine in-depth how to choose a satellite provider by focusing on the key decision-making factors, giving you the confidence to choose the option that fits your needs best.
Satellite Services Definition
Satellite services refer to the products and solutions offered by the companies that own, operate, or resell access to satellite communication equipment. One of the largest and most obvious applications of satellite services is satellite television, such as DirectTV or Sky. Satellite television providers transmit signals from a satellite to a receiving dish at the customer's location, providing a variety of channels and programming. Another significant application of satellite services is satellite internet. Satellite internet access uses a dish, modem and router to communicate signals to and from a satellite in space, often used in areas where conventional "ground" based cable, DSL or fiber-optic internet is not available. Satellite services may be used for numerous other applications, including emergency response, maritime communications, remote sensing, GPS, and security systems.
Identify the requirements of your application
One of the first and most critical steps when choosing a satellite provider is to determine your specific requirements. Are you looking for internet or television service, or both? Are you a residential or business customer, and what is your geographic location? What are your plans for installation, maintenance costs, and support? Answering these questions is crucial because different satellite providers offer different service-level agreements, pricing models, and geographic coverage maps. Some satellite providers may only offer services in a specific region or require certain technical specifications, such as a specific dish size or modem type, to be used. Many satellite providers have tiered service plans that can differ in price and functionality, so knowing your specific needs will be important in selecting the right plan.
Consider the cost and coverage
Another crucial factor in selecting a satellite provider is considering cost. Satellite services can be more expensive than other types of communication services, such as cable television or DSL internet, so determining your budget is important. Additionally, the service and installation costs vary between satellite providers, with some offering free installation, while others charge upfront, recurring, or maintenance costs. Your budget will determine the type of plan that is the most cost-effective for your needs. For example, if you are a residential customer who streams movies and music, a basic, lower-cost plan may suit your needs. However, if you are a business owner who relies on consistent connectivity for reliable communication or key applications, a higher-tiered service plan may be necessary.
Satellite service coverage is another essential factor when selecting a provider. Satellite service providers may offer varied coverage across different regions, so it is critical to assess whether your chosen provider has coverage in your area. A providers' coverage map will show where they provide coverage, and what types of services are available in each country or region. It is also crucial to know your local regulations on satellite dish installation. Dishes may need to adhere to specific guidelines in some areas, such as maximum height or location on a building, so being familiar with local ordinances is important.
Evaluate technical specifications
The technical specifications of satellite internet and television systems are complex and can vary across different products and services. However, by understanding some of the key technical jargons, customers can make better-informed decisions when selecting a provider. Some technical factors to consider include:
Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted in a given period, usually measured in megabytes per second (mbps). Higher bandwidth means faster download and upload speeds, which is important for applications such as video streaming, video conferencing or online gaming.
Latency: Latency refers to the delay in transmitting data between two points, and is measured in milliseconds (ms). It is crucial for applications that require real-time interaction, such as online gaming or video conferencing. In satellite internet, latency is typically higher than other types of communication services because the signals must travel a significant distance from the earth to the satellite and back.
Data Allowance: Data allowance is the amount of data that can be downloaded or uploaded within a given period, usually measured in gigabytes (GB). Many satellite providers offer a capped data allowance, with the option to purchase additional data if needed. A capped data allowance can affect streaming quality and restrict use with bandwidth-intensive applications.
Fair Use Policy: A Fair Use Policy (FUP) is a rule set by a provider, which limits the amount of data or bandwidth use for some users during specific hours to maintain network performance and reliability.
Hardware requirements: Different satellite providers may require specific hardware, such as the type of dish, modem, or router to work with their service. The size and type of dish can affect the signal strength and may require specific location guidelines. Knowing your hardware requirements is important to ensure compatibility with your chosen service provider.
Customer support: Customer support is a crucial aspect of any service, and it is no different with satellite providers. An effective customer support service can help to resolve issues quickly, minimize downtime, and ensure consistent service quality. Satellite providers that offer 24 hours service, multiple contact options, informative FAQs, and comprehensive self-service portals can make it easy for customers to resolve problems as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Choosing the right satellite provider can be daunting, but with the right considerations, customers can select a provider that meets their needs and budget. Finding a provider that complements your technical requirements, budget and coverage requirements are a good way to start. Determining the costs of service and installation, specific hardware requirements and the level of customer support offered are critical deciding factors. In part two of this guide, we will discuss the different types of satellite services, the latest technologies, and current trends in the market to help you select the best plan that fits your needs.