Satellite internet connects your business to the web using a signal transmitted from a satellite orbiting Earth. It’s one of the few technologies that can provide coverage in places where no other infrastructure exists—like remote or rural areas without fibre or cable.
Today’s satellite options are much faster and more reliable than they used to be, especially with new low-earth orbit (LEO) networks like Starlink.
How It Works for Businesses
A small satellite dish is installed on your building and pointed at the sky. This dish communicates with a satellite, which relays your data to a ground station connected to the internet. You’ll also have a modem or gateway that connects the dish to your internal network.
Most installations are done quickly with minimal wiring. All you need is a clear view of the sky.
Typical Speeds and Performance
Speeds can range from 25 Mbps to 250 Mbps depending on your provider and plan. Upload speeds are usually lower than download speeds.
Latency on traditional (GEO) satellite is high—around 600 ms—due to the distance the signal must travel. But newer LEO satellites like Starlink offer latency as low as 20–50 ms, making them viable for video calls and cloud applications.
Pros and Cons
Why Businesses Choose This Option:
- Works in areas with no fibre, cable, or mobile coverage
- Quick deployment without trenching or towers
- New LEO systems offer much lower latency than before
Things to Consider:
- Performance can vary based on weather and line-of-sight
- Speeds may fluctuate during peak usage
- Equipment and monthly fees are higher than wired services
When It Makes Sense
Satellite internet is a great fit for remote offices, work sites, or temporary locations where no other access exists. It’s also useful as a backup connection for disaster recovery or business continuity plans.
For businesses that just need to get online in the most challenging locations, satellite may be the only option.
How Fidalia Helps
We work with satellite providers across Canada to bring high-speed connectivity to even the most remote business locations. Whether you need a primary connection, a backup, or a short-term solution, Fidalia helps you evaluate options and handle the technical details from start to finish.