When it comes to mobile Wi-Fi or getting internet in rural areas, consumers have two main options: cellular hotspots or satellite internet. Because everyone’s situation is different, there’s many different variables that need to be considered before choosing which type of service is just right for you. Here you will learn the perks and disadvantages of each.
Before you make the decision, it can help to understand the terminology.
- Data speed: how fast your phone connects to the network. Uploading and downloading speeds differ.
- Data cap: how much data you can use. With a hard data cap, service stops when you reach this point. A soft data cap means service slows down after this point due to throttling.
- Throttle: when a company slows down the customer’s speeds, typically after a data cap has been reached. Providers can promise an unlimited data plan but throttle speeds after the soft data cap is reached, limiting which activities you can do on your connection. Throttling is similar to de-prioritization, which typically occurs when certain types of calls, such as 911, must take precedence on the network.
- Latency: the time it can take signals to travel between your device to the provider’s network machinery. Latency and throttling work together to impact bandwidth.
Latency
Cellular internet technologies have become extremely advanced in the last decade. Thanks to 4G LTE, users can stream video or play video games on their mobile devices with zero lag. While video buffering was almost a guarantee with older satellite Internet, streaming has become possible due to improvements. Satellite providers limit video streaming to 720p, a lower form of high-definition video, to reduce buffering. However, 720p isn’t as crisp as 1080p or 4k UltraHD.
Satellite Internet has also seen improvements in latency. However, it still lags behind cellular networks and mobile hotspots. It takes much longer for signals to travel between modems and satellites orbiting the Earth than it does for cell phones or hotspot devices to send or receive a signal to a cell tower.
Coverage
One of the reasons people choose satellite Internet is the ability to use it nearly anywhere. However, cell providers are quickly catching up. T-Mobile is the fastest growing LTE provider and already provides coverage for 96% of the country, which makes it a good option for customers who need mobile Wi-Fi. For those people who live or spend time in areas without cell coverage, satellite Internet might be the better option.
Weather
Another advantage for people who choose to use a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is that they are not as often at the mercy of the weather as satellite internet users. Except for in the most extreme weather conditions, you can rely on your cell phone. With a satellite Internet device, wind and precipitation can degrade connection speeds.
While some cellular companies impose either a soft or hard data cap, it is guaranteed if you decide to go with a satellite internet provider, even though they advertise an unlimited data plan. This prevents a single customer from using all the bandwidth that the satellite internet service has available.
Price
The final (and most important) consideration is price. Across the board, cell providers cost about half as much as satellite Internet service providers. For many people, this makes 4G LTE Internet the clear choice.
In conclusion more and more people are finding that a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot option will suit their needs just fine.