It’s no surprise that the internet is one of the most remarkable technological developments of our time. Every day, people use the internet for work, leisure, and a variety of other purposes. Given that many people rely on the internet, it makes sense to ask which kind of internet is good for various devices, especially for Mac users.
Satellite internet has made it possible to connect your Mac and other devices to the internet in remote areas — which is good news. But before we explore to determine if satellite internet is good for macs, you should understand what satellite internet really is and how it works. Let’s dive in!
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is a wireless internet service that uses satellites in orbit around the globe to transfer data. It differs significantly from traditional land-based internet services like cable or fiber, which carry data across a twisted web of wires and cables.
How Does Satellite Internet Work?
Satellite Internet works by transmitting a signal from an internet service provider to a satellite in orbit, which retransmits it to subscribers’ satellite dishes. Once the user’s modem is linked to the dish, their device will be able to access the internet.
The Development of Satellite Internet Over the Years
Over the past few decades, satellite Internet has seen dramatic change. It has been made possible by a number of technological advancements, and satellite Internet service providers are utilizing these and other cutting-edge innovations to shape the service’s future.
High-throughput satellites, which are utilized to provide high-speed Internet access, are now available with faster speeds and lower latency than earlier satellites. High-throughput satellite technology is largely used by satellite Internet service providers to deliver Internet access to homes and companies throughout the world. Hence, you must not be worried knowing your Mac can access high-speed internet using satellite.
Does Using a Mac Device Affect the Speed of Satellite Internet?
If you’re talking about how satellite internet works for Mac devices in general, then no, it doesn’t really have a significant effect on the speed, stability, and reliability of your satellite internet.
Speed between the system and the gateway is the only place where Mac does have an impact on satellite speed. The speed of the internet on your Mac may be impacted by various factors, such as the Wi-Fi setup files on your Mac may be corrupt, your internet service provider may be suffering a service interruption, or there may be a brief issue with your network.
Having additional devices connected to your internet in addition to your Mac is something else to think about. Keep in mind that when more devices are linked to the internet, more bandwidth is shared, which slows down performance. If there will be a lot of people using your satellite internet, you should opt for a plan with higher speed and data. This way, you can connect various portable and mobile devices and have high-speed access to voice and data even from remote areas.
Can Satellite Internet be Used to Connect Macs in Rural Areas?
If you live in a remote place or must frequently travel for work and you need internet access, you have nothing to worry about. Satellite internet can provide internet access in remote locations where cable and cell towers can’t. In rural locations where houses lack access to alternative internet options like cable, fiber optics, or DSL connections, satellite internet is a widely used technology.
Best Satellite Internet Provider for Mac
You might be wondering which internet providers to take into consideration if you’re looking for the best satellite internet service. HughesNet, Starlink, and Viasat are the three satellite internet service providers that provide high-quality service. We’ll go over some of the key details about their services that you should be informed of below.
HughesNet
HughesNet Internet is one of the biggest and most trusted satellite internet providers in the US.
It offers internet plans with data allowances ranging from 15 GB for $64.99 per month to 100 GB for $149.99 per month. Every package offers the same speeds—25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload—the only thing that varies is the monthly data allotment. However, you have to keep in mind that the availability of every plan varies depending on the area or location.
Starlink
Starlink is a new player in the satellite industry, but it has been making a name for itself not only in the US market but worldwide. The standard Starlink internet subscription is $99 per month plus a $499 equipment fee. However, their premium service comes with a monthly fee of $500 and equipment charges of $2,500. Although it is one of the most expensive satellite service providers, customers looking for high-speed internet options in remote places may find the cost to be reasonable.
While Starlink offers great speeds for its price, the coverage is still limited in the United States. Unlike HughesNet and Viasat, which offers their internet plans in every state, this Internet provider is lagging behind when it comes to the number of service areas.
Viasat
Viasat is a well-known and reliable satellite internet service provider that offers coverage in all 50 states. It was the biggest competitor of HughesNet even before Starlink came. Compared to the two providers above, Viasat offers more plans.
The Liberty 12 unlimited package from Viasat offers 12 GB of high-speed internet at up to 12 Mbps for only $30 per month. The Unlimited Platinum 100, which is their top unlimited plan, offers consumers 150 GB of high-speed internet at rates of up to 100 Mbps for $150 per month.
Final Thoughts
Satellite internet is a great way to stay connected in remote locations that are not accessible by other traditional broadband services. It’s an amazing piece of modern technology that has had a big impact on how many people lead their lives every day. If you’re a Mac user and are worrying if you can’t rely on satellite internet, then you have nothing to worry about. Satellite internet works on mac devices as well as on other devices. Hopefully, this article helps enlighten mac users on how satellite internet works on their devices.
