Picking between satellite internet vs. fiber can be tough. Click here to learn how these internet types are different and which option is best for your home.
These days, you can pick from many internet types – cable, DSL, and so on. But among all the options, two types of internet stand out for their performance and flexibility: satellite internet and fiber internet..
They’re both modern internet options for future-minded households, but one might be better for you than the other. If you’re not sure how to pick between satellite internet vs. fiber internet, keep reading. We’ll break down their differences and benefits in detail!
Fiber optic internet is a type of broadband connection that uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as light signals. This technology allows for extremely fast and stable data transmission over long distances, so it’s one of the most advanced forms of internet connectivity available today.
Fiber cables are often buried underground and require specialized equipment at both the provider and consumer ends. For instance, homes need specified terminals installed for a router to be able to connect to a local fiber network.
However, once installed, fiber internet offers big benefits like symmetrical upload and download speeds, extremely low latency, and exceptional reliability. For households and businesses that need high-speed internet to support multiple users and devices, fiber internet is often the gold standard.
Satellite internet works by transmitting data between a ground station and a satellite in Earth’s orbit – often located over 20,000 miles away. The signal then travels back to a satellite dish on your property and finally to your device.
Unlike fiber, satellite internet doesn’t rely on ground-based infrastructure. This makes it particularly valuable in rural or hard-to-reach areas where traditional cable or fiber lines are not available.
However, because of the long distances that data must travel, satellite internet is often slower and more prone to latency issues. Still, it's a viable option for those in remote locations who otherwise might not have internet access at all.
If you’re trying to choose between fiber internet and satellite internet, it’s helpful to directly compare them across a few key categories. Let’s break it down.
When it comes to a speed comparison, fiber vs. satellite internet isn’t much of a contest – fiber wins hands down.
Fiber can deliver speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps, depending on the plan and provider. These speeds make it ideal for activities like 4K streaming, video conferencing, and large file transfers. Since fiber also offers symmetrical speeds, your upload rate will be just as fast as your download rate – an essential advantage for remote workers, gamers, and content creators.
Satellite internet, in contrast, typically offers download speeds between 25 Mbps and 100 Mbps, with much slower upload speeds. And while some newer low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks promise faster service, they still lag behind fiber in overall performance.
In the fiber internet vs. satellite debate, reliability is another key differentiator.
Fiber is incredibly stable, and it’s largely unaffected by weather conditions or geographic obstacles. The underground cables are well-protected, and the signal loss is minimal, even over long distances.
Satellite internet is more vulnerable to environmental disruptions. Heavy rain, snow, or even thick cloud cover can degrade signal quality because any internet data has to go through inclement weather to reach a connected household. Plus, because satellite internet needs to travel such a long distance, outages or lag can be more frequent.
Both types of internet service can be secure, but fiber has a slight edge due to its physical transmission method.
Fiber signals are difficult to intercept without physically accessing the cable itself, making them less susceptible to cyberattacks or data interception.
Satellite signals, on the other hand, travel through the air and are more prone to interference or interception if not properly encrypted. That said, modern satellite providers implement strong encryption protocols to protect user data. Still, the inherent nature of fiber offers a more secure baseline.
Here’s where the satellite vs. fiber internet comparison gets interesting. Fiber internet is usually only available in urban and suburban areas where providers have built the necessary infrastructure. Rolling out fiber to rural or mountainous regions can be cost-prohibitive, and the installation process can be slow.
Satellite internet is much more immediately accessible in these areas. It doesn't require ground infrastructure, which means you can access the internet virtually anywhere there’s a clear view of the sky. Whether you're on a remote farm, in the wilderness, or living off the grid, satellite may be your only viable option.
However, keep in mind that fiber internet access is expanding at a rapid pace, with many rural areas receiving stellar service from local providers. So, while satellite may be some households’ only option right now, that situation could (and likely will) change in the near future!
It depends on the provider and where your home is located. For certain households, fiber internet service is a comparable price to a satellite internet package with equivalent speed. However, fiber internet is usually a little more expensive than satellite internet, provided you want gigabit speeds and other core fiber internet benefits.
Even with this fact, fiber internet is often worth the extra cost, thanks to its speed, consistency, and security.
Thanks to their major differences, both fiber internet and satellite internet are good choices for different homes and needs.
Fiber internet is ideal if:
Satellite internet is potentially a good pick when:
It’s not perfect, but for many users, it’s the only realistic option, and it’s a decent solution if you need some kind of internet access in your home.
From a purely technical standpoint, fiber optic internet outperforms satellite in nearly every category: speed, reliability, latency, and security. If you’re comparing fiber vs. satellite internet and you have access to both, fiber is the clear winner.
On top of that, fiber internet is becoming more available in more places. Fiber networks across the U.S. are growing, making it more affordable and accessible – even to rural households. If you live in an area where fiber infrastructure hasn't arrived yet, satellite internet may be your only option for now. But keep your eyes peeled for updates on local fiber infrastructure.
Ultimately, the best internet solution depends on your specific needs and location. If you prioritize speed and performance, fiber is the way to go. If you prioritize accessibility and don’t have a local fiber provider, satellite may be a better choice.
Luckily, fiber is more accessible than ever – and it’s what we offer at Glo. With speeds of up to 5 Gbps, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and exceptional reliability with 99.9% uptime, we’re dedicated to bringing top-notch fiber service to homes just like yours. Check out our plans today, or contact us to learn more about switching to high-speed fiber! to learn more about switching to high-speed fiber!