VSAT Internet: What Is VSAT Satellite Broadband?
Unlock the potential of VSAT technology for your business and explore advanced connectivity alternatives
What Is a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)?
VSAT internet is a satellite broadband service that delivers reliable, low-latency internet with high speeds to even the most remote locations, as long as there’s a clear view of the sky. A portable VSAT antenna acts like a smaller version of a satellite dish, leveraging satellites to receive and transmit signals.
While VSAT satellite broadband is known as an optimal internet solution for businesses in remote locations, it’s important to evaluate its pros and cons to ensure it’s the right fit for your business needs.
VSAT Price: What Affects the Cost?
VSAT satellite internet is usually more expensive than traditional satellite and cellular technologies due to its extensive network infrastructure, advanced equipment, and professional installation — with costs ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. And yet, if you require reliable high-speed internet access in remote areas, VSAT’s features can justify the higher costs
Equipment
Equipment costs depend on the system type (fixed, portable, or maritime), antenna sizes, and router features
Installation
Professional installation costs may vary depending on your location and the setup complexity
Monthly service plan
Monthly service plan costs depend on providers, bandwidth requirements, and chosen data packages
Use Cases for VSAT Satellite Internet
Discover how VSAT satellite internet supports critical operations across various industries
Remote Businesses
VSAT connections offer reliable internet access and fast data transfer, wherever your business is located
Maritime
Maritime VSAT provides vessels with global coverage, enabling real-time communication, navigation, and monitoring
Logistics
VSAT enables real-time tracking and efficient management of your fleets and supply chains, regardless of location
Energy
Remote monitoring, real-time data transfer, and enhanced operational efficiency, wherever deployed
Advantages of VSAT:
Global Coverage: A VSAT antenna can provide reliable connectivity even in remote and hard-to-reach areas as long as it has a clear view of the sky;
Reliable Connectivity: VSAT internet is not prone to cable cuts or natural disasters, providing a more reliable and consistent internet connection;
Scalability: Seamlessly scale by expanding your VSAT network to keep pace with evolving market and meet your growing business needs;
Diverse Use Cases: VSAT supports VoIP, IoT, and real-time data transfer in remote locations — ideal for industries like maritime, oil & gas, and more.
Disadvantages of VSAT:
Higher latency: VSAT internet, leveraging GEO satellites, has higher latency than LEO satellite internet, which results in slower data transfer;
Lower Bandwidth & Speed: VSAT offers lower bandwidth and slower speeds than LEO satellites, resulting in reduced performance;
Higher Costs: VSAT equipment, installation, and ongoing service costs are typically higher than those of LEO satellite internet;
Less Weather-Resistant: VSAT is more prone to weather conditions than LEO satellites, which results in service interruptions.
C-Band vs. Ku-Band: Which to Choose?
Key differences to consider when choosing between C-Band and Ku-Band VSAT — which is the best fit for your satellite communication needs?
C-Band VSAT (4-8 GHz)
Weather-resistant — Rain-resistant, prone to ground interference
Wide coverage — Continental cover, ideal for remote areas
Highly Reliable — Consistent, high-performance connectivity
Moderate speeds — Lower data rates via lower frequencies
Ku-Band VSAT (12-18 GHz)
High speed — Faster data rates via higher frequencies
Global coverage — Powered by a vast satellite network;
Reliable — Low ground interference, but weather-sensitive;
VSAT installation — Affordable, easy-to-install VSAT terminals
Why Does DROAM Not Offer VSAT Broadband?
Nowadays, LEO satellite providers have emerged as strong competitors to traditional VSAT systems. Powered by low-earth orbit satellites, cost-effective satellite internet from DROAM offers significantly lower latency, higher bandwidth, and faster speeds, enhancing overall performance for real-time applications in remote marine areas.
With these new players entering the market, VSAT’s limited coverage, higher latency, and greater costs make it less appealing for remote businesses that require consistent, high-performance connectivity with the ability to scale.
Which Alternatives Do We Recommend?
From LEO satellite internet to cellular terrestrial wireless internet — let’s explore the optimal alternatives for ensuring reliable connectivity in the most remote areas
Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Internet
LEO satellites deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity with faster speeds, lower latency, and broader coverage than traditional VSAT systems, offering a more scalable and cost-efficient solution for businesses in remote areas
Cellular Terrestrial Wireless
If coverage allows, cellular terrestrial wireless (4G LTE, 5G) offers a superior, cost-effective alternative to VSAT, specifically due to its significantly lower latency, blazing-fast speeds, enhanced reliability, and greater scalability
Our great partner network
We gain trust among our customers
“Highly impressed with Droam B.V.’s approach to global connectivity solutions. At YachtView, we rely on seamless and reliable communication to support our international operations. Droam B.V. has been a valuable partner in achieving this goal.”
John Kaiser, Owner of Yacht View Brokerage LLC
“DROAM is known for its expertise in delivering secure, reliable, and scalable connectivity solutions. This aligns well with the growing demand for flexible and robust satellite internet anywhere in the world. We are very happy to have a strong partnership with DROAM. The team has always helped us achieve our goals and we appreciate all the work that has been done to accomplish our common goals!”
Aziz El Bouazzati, Senior Sales Executive at Frontier
All around Europe, the Middle East, India, Singapore, and the US, the service worked perfectly (except for Amman in Jordan where there were some hiccups). I used it constantly and the resulting cost for those three months was a fraction of what I would normally have to pay, while my T-Mobile roaming data bill remained at $0.00″
Werner Vogels, CTO at Amazon
Ready to Get Started?
As a leading connectivity solution provider, DROAM is your strategic partner for tailored, scalable connectivity services that meet your business needs. Whether you have questions or are ready to get started — contact us today to start building your optimal connectivity solution!