Satellite Internet Guide

Satellite internet can be provided in any area but it’s particularly useful for the minority of people in the UK who can’t get decent connectivity with fibre broadband.

If you live a long way from a telephone exchange or roadside cabinet, satellite broadband might be the only feasible option for getting online where you are.

At the same time, if you do a lot of travelling around the country and a fixed line connection just isn’t practical, satellite Wi-Fi could be your most convenient option for internet access.

What is satellite broadband and who needs it?

Satellite broadband is a type of internet connection that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to deliver online access. Instead of relying on outdated copper wires or fixed fibre technology, data is transmitted from your satellite dish up into space, then relayed back down to a ground station connecting you to the wider internet.

Who needs satellite broadband?

Satellite broadband can help people or businesses get online in places where more common high-speed internet options - like fibre optic cables - aren’t available.

Some groups who benefit most include:

• Rural homes and farms - Satellite broadband can bring reliable connectivity to residences and businesses in remote areas, supporting everything from online education to farm management systems
• Remote workers and small businesses - For people who work from home in the countryside, or who run small rural businesses, satellite internet makes it possible to access cloud services, make video calls and join online marketplaces
• Those based out of offshore locations - Satellite Wi-Fi can be set up for ships at sea, oil rigs, or other hard-to-reach places where land-based networks don’t reach
• Emergency and backup use - Organisations could also use satellite broadband as a backup connection in case other networks go down, since it operates independently of local infrastructure

Why do rural areas in particular benefit from satellite broadband?

Rural areas can face challenges in getting high-speed internet because the cost of installing fibre cables across long distances is high - especially when factoring in lower population densities.

Although the UK Government’s Project Gigabit initiative aims to rectify this problem, it’s still some way off from being completely solved.

Satellite broadband offers an alternative solution: with just a dish and modem, you can connect to the internet almost anywhere. All you need is an outside wall with a clear view of the sky to the south on which you can install a satellite dish

How to get satellite broadband

To get satellite broadband, you’ll need to have a provider install a satellite dish at your home, rather like you would for satellite television.

You’ll also need a modem installed inside your house, with wires connecting it to the satellite dish. You'll usually need a wireless router as well.

Installation should only take a few hours and should be no more disruptive than a satellite TV installation.

How much does satellite internet cost?

The cost of satellite internet can vary depending on:

• Your provider
• Location
• The package you choose
• Installation work required

When budgeting for satellite internet, it’s also important to consider:

Monthly service fees

Although prices of some satellite internet packages can be comparable to hybrid or full fibre broadband, you’re not really getting like-for-like as satellite broadband contracts usually have download limits (which on some packages could be as low as 2GB a month).

Unlimited satellite packages are available but they can be extremely costly.

Equipment costs

To connect to satellite internet, you’ll need specialised equipment such as a dish and modem. You can purchase these outright or lease them from your provider. Depending on the deal, equipment costs might be included in your monthly bill or charged separately.

Installation

In addition to the monthly cost, there’s also usually an installation fee. Unlike fibre broadband, satellite internet requires professional installation, which involves mounting a dish, running cables and configuring the system. This can all be expensive - typically around several hundred pounds.

Can I get help with satellite broadband installation costs?

For now, there are no government schemes to assist people with the costs of satellite broadband.

In 2015 the UK government rolled out the Better Broadband Subsidy Scheme to offer subsidised satellite broadband installation to homes and businesses that can't get an affordable broadband service of at least 2Mbps. This scheme ended in 2019 and was succeeded by the Universal Service Obligation for broadband in 2020, which doesn't cover satellite installations.

The Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme , meanwhile, can help cover the cost of installing any equipment that brings broadband to your property, including satellite dishes.

Disadvantages of broadband via satellite

There are a few disadvantages to satellite broadband:

Cost

In locations where alternatives like hybrid or full fibre are available, it’s unlikely to be the most cost-effective or practical solution. Providers such as Gigaclear specialise in delivering high-speed broadband to rural areas.

Download and upload limits

Although unlimited broadband has become the standard for wired internet, broadband via satellite usually has a data limit. This means you’ll have to think carefully about just how much you’ll need to download and upload each month before committing to a contract. Some contracts might have an unlimited off-peak period, so you could make the most of this by using this time for large downloads, subject to any fair usage clauses.

Latency

A common complaint against satellite broadband is the lag (latency) it can suffer from, due to the time it takes the signal to get to and from the satellite.

This might not be too noticeable when internet browsing but it can cause real problems if you’re a keen online gamer that plays in real time, as it might make games unplayable.

Discounts and deals

As well as satellite broadband being a fairly expensive option compared to hybrid or full fibre, you usually won’t be able to take advantage of any deals or offers like broadband bundles. Bundles let you buy broadband, phone and TV together, usually for a discount, but as satellite broadband doesn’t even need a phone line, it’s unlikely to be offered as part of a discounted package.

Alternatives to satellite broadband

Due to the disadvantages of satellite broadband, it's worth considering your other options for getting connected before committing to a contract:

Fibre broadband

Fibre broadband is currently the fastest and most reliable type of internet in the UK. It works either by connecting fibre optic cables to the nearest street cabinet and then copper wiring to your home (hybrid fibre) or by running fibre all the way from the local exchange into your property (full fibre).

Some fibre connections even offer gigabit broadband, with speeds averaging around 1Gbps (1,000Mbps).

Use our postcode checker to see if you can get fibre broadband and if speeds better than satellite internet are available at your location.

Cable broadband

Certain networks deliver internet via their own independent cable infrastructure. For example, Virgin Media achieves this through a hybrid fibre-coaxial system, which delivers faster speeds and can carry both broadband and TV services through a single cable.

To get Virgin Media broadband, you’ll need to have cabling installed that might involve drilling a hole in an outside wall of your property.

Mobile broadband

The UK’s 4G and 5G coverage has improved dramatically, so it’s worth checking whether mobile broadband might be a cheaper and faster way to get internet in your area. Like satellite broadband, it needs no grid connection and has the added advantage that you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go.

Community broadband

Some remote communities in Britain have benefited from superfast internet thanks to community broadband projects.

With community broadband, fibre optic cables are often laid directly to each property, meaning you can get the fastest possible speeds. But you’d need to find enough like-minded locals to appeal to a broadband provider.

Public Wi-Fi

If you’re an infrequent surfer, you might find public Wi-Fi hotspots in your local library, cafes and public spaces to be adequate. Just make sure you think about internet security and don’t take risks with your financial details.

If you’re looking for satellite broadband, remember that there is often a high installation cost associated with this type of broadband service. But if it‘s your only option you can compare deals today to find the right package for you.

Compare Broadband Deals today

You could be overpaying on your broadband, so it’s worth comparing prices with us to see if we could help you to save.

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How fast is satellite broadband?

Satellite broadband speeds vary depending on:

• The provider
• Type of satellite
• How many users are transferring data via the satellite

According to Starlink’s speed map, users typically get speeds between 100Mbps and 300Mbps. This is in line with the current UK average maximum download speed for fixed line connections (223Mbps in 2024, as recorded by Ofcom^[1]).

But some older satellite internet providers might not be able to match these speeds and also experience more frequent latency. So it’s important to compare companies and decide which service is right for you.

Which satellite internet providers are in the UK?

Here are just some of the satellite internet providers currently operating in the UK:

Starlink - With faster speeds and lower latency than many other satellite services, Elon Musk’s Starlink broadband uses a growing network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet access

Konnect UK - Backed by Eutelsat, Konnect UK provides consumer-focused satellite broadband, offering affordable packages to home users, with different data allowances and speeds available depending on your needs

Inmarsat - London-based Inmarsat is a world leader in satellite communications best known for mobile and maritime connectivity, as well as providing solutions for businesses and the UK government

Iridium - Iridium’s worldwide satellite network is primarily designed for mobile communications. Although its services are widely used in aviation, maritime and remote operations, it’s not typically as a home broadband substitute

Thuraya - Mainly used for portable and remote communications rather than as an alternative to fixed home broadband, Thuraya offers satellite internet through handheld and mobile devices

Does Sky offer satellite broadband in the UK?

No. Sky satellite services are purely for TV and its broadband is delivered via fixed line cables.

In fact, Sky has begun phasing out their satellite TV service. New customers are starting to use internet-based services like Sky Stream and Sky Glass instead.

Can I get portable satellite internet in the UK

Yes. Starlink has been operating in the UK since 2021, and other portable satellite solutions available from resellers like GTC help extend satellite internet to almost the entire country.

For instance, the Starlink Mini is a portable satellite dish offering speeds of up to 170Mbps, even in remote locations. It currently costs £189 (previously £399), with two data plans available: 50GB and Unlimited.

If you travel remotely around the UK, such as in a caravan, satellite broadband could provide added flexibility. Just make sure you compare satellite internet speeds with those offered by mobile and wireless broadband to make sure you’re getting the best value for your needs.

How does the weather affect satellite broadband?

Satellite broadband uses radio waves like a television or radio broadcast. The energy needed to do this can be absorbed by water molecules in the air, so heavy rain and storms can impact your signal. Also snow can physically pile up on your satellite dish and affect your connection.

Are there any data usage limits for satellite broadband?

Yes. Depending on your package and chosen provider, there can be a monthly usage cap for satellite broadband.

Alternatives to satellite broadband

Due to the disadvantages of satellite broadband, it's worth considering your other options for getting connected before committing to a contract.

For instance, Starlink has a 50GB data limit on its monthly Roam package. Meanwhile, Loxton Consultancy offers packages with data allowances ranging from 25GB to 500GB.^[2]

It's important to work out how much you use before signing up to make sure your contract matches your broadband needs.

FAQs

Can you get satellite internet in the UK?

Yes, you can get satellite internet pretty much anywhere in the UK. It can be a good alternative for more rural areas where cables can’t reach. You just need an outside wall for your satellite to sit on that has a clear view of the sky to the south.

Is satellite internet better than Wi-Fi?

It all depends on your situation. Satellite internet might be better than Wi-Fi if you can’t get fibre cables to your property.

If you work from home and do a lot of streaming, video calls and online gaming, you might be better suited to Wi-Fi.

Is satellite Wi-Fi expensive?

This depends on the package you sign up for but it’s usually a bit more expensive than most Wi-Fi deals. Prices could range anywhere from £20 to over £100 a month depending on the data allowances in your contract.

There’s no line rental to pay for satellite broadband but you will have to pay for the satellite dish and installation itself.

Is Starlink available in the UK?

Yes, Starlink is available in the UK and has been since 2021.

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[1] Ofcom, Connected Nations 2024 report | Ofcom, Published: 5 December 2024, Last updated: 8 May 2025

[2] Loxton Consultancy, High Speed Satellite Broadband & Internet connection Providers UK