What is satellite internet?
Satellite internet connects a user terminal through orbiting satellites and ground stations.
How it works and where it is used
High- and low-Earth-orbit systems differ in coverage, latency and fleet size. They can serve places with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Real performance depends on sky visibility, weather, congestion and ground capacity. Terminals require power and appropriate installation.
Limits, safety and selection criteria
Prices, data limits, mobility and permits vary by provider. It may help in disasters, but relying on one link and one power source remains risky. Space debris, spectrum sharing and environmental effects also matter. A terminal in mountainous terrain needs a clear view of the appropriate sky; trees and buildings can cause intermittent service. Low-Earth-orbit systems aim for lower latency because of shorter paths, but moving satellites require network handoffs. Maritime, aviation and mobile-vehicle use may have different permissions and tariffs from a fixed home plan. For critical communications, protect the antenna, provide backup power and plan a second access path where possible. Compare real performance at the installation site, not only advertised maximum speeds.