Wireless or satellite? - Village Networks rural broadband in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Wireless or satellite?
We’re sometimes asked to explain why a wireless broadband internet connection is better than a satellite connection.
In some cases, properties are so far away from a wireless network aerial, or in such remote locations, there’s no question that satellite is best. In other cases, you might find you have a choice. Here’s some background to help you decide.
In a wireless system, even if the aerials are a some distance apart, the signal travels between the two almost instantly. Connections work well for all kinds of communications. Over a very long wireless link of, say 20km, a wireless signal will travel from one aerial to another and back again in about 7.5 thousandths of a second.
In a satellite system, the distance between your premises and the satellite is around 36,000 km. It can take around 250 thousandths of a second for a signal to reach a satellite and return to earth.
Doesn’t sound like much? It’s thirty times slower than terrestrial wireless, enough to make communications like Skype and VoIP calls impracticable. Gaming can be really hard work. Even Chat or Instant Messaging can be frustrating.
A wireless broadband aerial is 
usually very compact and
unobtrusive.
A satellite broadband aerial is
the same size as a satellite TV
aerial – a relatively large dish,
which has to be very accurately
aligned with the signal from
the satellite.
In a wireless system, growing demand for bandwidth can easily be met by upgrading links, and adding extra backhaul. So everyone can have a realistic monthly use allowance, and you can upgrade, if you need to, at relatively low cost.
A satellite link can’t be upgraded so easily. Bandwidth is precious, and must be carefully managed. Building, launching and maintaining satellites is a billion-dollar business. Every little bit and byte of satellite traffic has a high price on its head. So if you’re sending and receiving large files, downloading music and movies, or watching iPlayer or YouView – the use allowance you need will be costly.
With a wireless connection from Village Networks, only your download use is measured. And it’s only measured between 0600 and 2300. You’ll be notified when you
reach 50%, 75% and 90% of your monthly allowance. And if you exceed the allowance, your speed is simply reduced to 2Mb/s for the following month.
With satellite, your download and upload use is measured, 24/7. You’ll have to monitor your own use. When you reach 50% of your monthly allowance, you’ll find your speeds may be reduced for the rest of the month. And if you exceed your allowance, your speed will be reduced to 128kb/s for the following month. If you want to upgrade your allowance, you’ll usually have to start a whole new contract.
If you just can’t receive a wireless signal where you are, satellite is for you. But if you have a choice, and you want manageable, predictable costs, choose wireless.
Village Networks | Typical satellite | |
Installation cost | £222 | £375 |
Connection fee | n/a | n/a |
Contract period | 12 months, then 1 month | 12 months |
Monthly cost | £40 | £50 |
Download speed | Up to 24Mb/s | Up to 22Mb/s |
Upload speed | Up to2Mb/s | Up to 6Mb/s |
Good for email and file transfer | YES | YES |
Good for VoIP (telephone) use | YES | NO |
VoIP functionality | included | £90 hardware + £6 pm |
Good for video communications | YES | NO |
Good for IM | YES | NO |
Good for gaming | YES | NO |
Monthly download allowance | Unlimited | 25GB (£10 per additional 1GB) |
Monthly upload allowance | Unlimited | Included in 25 GB |
Use measurement period | 0600-2300 | 24/7 |
Speeds restricted at | >60GB, in following month | at 50% of allowance |
Restriction | 2Mb/s for following month | 128kb/s for following month |
