TL;DR
If fibre isn’t available and DSL or cable won’t cut it, microwave internet offers business-grade connectivity with lower latency and better reliability than satellite. It’s an ideal solution for rural offices, construction sites, or hard-to-reach business locations needing fast, stable connections.
What Is Microwave Internet?
Microwave internet uses high-frequency wireless signals (line-of-sight radio waves) to transmit data between fixed antennas. Unlike consumer satellite internet—which beams data to and from orbit—microwave is a terrestrial solution, connecting your business to a nearby tower or hub on the ground.
- Speeds: Often comparable to fibre (100 Mbps+ in many cases)
- Latency: Low (sub-10 ms typical)
- Reliability: Ideal for VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud apps
For businesses in remote areas or locations where fibre builds are costly or slow to deploy, microwave internet bridges the gap.
Why Businesses Choose Microwave Internet
Microwave internet is perfect for:
- Construction sites – temporary or mobile operations needing fast internet
- Rural offices – where DSL or cable maxes out at low speeds
- Backup connectivity – resilient secondary connections for business continuity
- Hard-to-serve buildings – where running fibre is cost-prohibitive or delayed
Microwave Internet vs. Satellite Internet
If you’re weighing microwave vs. satellite for your business internet needs, here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Microwave Internet | Satellite Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Latency | Low (sub-10ms typical) | High (500–700ms) |
| Speed | Fibre-like (50–500 Mbps) | 25–250 Mbps (varies) |
| Reliability | Weather-resistant | Affected by rain/snow fade |
| Equipment | Small rooftop antenna | Large dish required |
| Applications | VoIP, VPN, real-time apps | Better for basic browsing |
Why Latency Matters
Satellite’s high latency makes real-time services like VoIP or Teams calls frustrating, with frequent delays or jitter. Microwave internet, by contrast, supports cloud platforms, secure VPNs, and voice/video seamlessly.
Business-Grade Microwave Internet from Fidalia
Fidalia provides microwave internet designed for business needs:
- Enterprise speeds and SLAs – no consumer-grade bottlenecks
- Managed installation and alignment – rooftop antenna installed by professionals
- Integrated failover – pair with LTE or fibre for hybrid resiliency
- Canadian-based NOC support – 24/7 monitoring for uptime assurance
We engineer microwave connections that integrate with your VoIP systems, VPNs, and backup strategies, ensuring your team stays productive—even in hard-to-serve locations.
Why Fidalia vs. DIY Satellite or Wireless Providers?
Unlike consumer satellite providers, Fidalia designs network-first business internet solutions that include:
- SLA-backed performance
- Lower latency suitable for business apps
- Local engineering and support
- Integration with your backup internet and continuity plan
If your business is in a rural or underserved area, microwave internet can deliver the performance your operations need without the lag of satellite.
Are you here because your internet is driving you crazy? Fidalia offers restaurants and other businesses a bullet-proof internet service made up of two or more different connections. If you’re considering a backup connection, take a look at our redundant-internet offerings for restaurants – especially those in remote areas.
Ready for Better Internet in Hard-to-Reach Locations?
Fidalia specializes in business internet solutions including microwave connectivity across Ontario and beyond.
Contact us today to discuss microwave and other internet services available for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions about Microwave Internet
Q: Is microwave internet reliable for VoIP and video calls?
A: Yes. Its low latency and stable throughput make it ideal for VoIP and real-time cloud apps.
Q: How far can microwave internet reach?
A: Typically within 30–50 km of a hub tower, depending on terrain and line-of-sight.
Q: Does weather affect microwave internet?
A: Microwave is minimally affected by rain or snow, unlike satellite which suffers from “rain fade.”
Q: Can microwave be used as a backup internet option?
A: Absolutely. Many businesses pair microwave with fibre or LTE to add redundancy.