How good is satellite broadband in Ireland?
If you’re struggling to get fibre or mobile broadband in your rural location, satellite broadband could be the answer. Here’s what you need to know about satellite broadband in Ireland.
What is satellite broadband?
Satellite broadband offers an alternative way of accessing the internet. It works by installing a satellite dish in your home, which sends and receives data to and from a satellite in space - which in turn transmits via a wifi router in your home.
If you can’t connect to the national broadband infrastructure because you live in a remote or rural location, satellite broadband offers an affordable solution.
Who offers satellite broadband in Ireland?
Here are some of the providers in Ireland that offer satellite broadband:
What are the pros and cons of satellite broadband?
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of using satellite broadband compared with a more standard type e.g. fibre:
Pros
Cons
Although it can’t compete with the speed or unlimited data that fixed-line plans offer, it enables you to reliably connect to the internet and may be faster than another service you’ve tried.
Starlink, a new generation satellite broadband service, is a faster option and has similar speeds to full fibre, however, the upfront costs are higher.
Is Starlink worth it in Ireland?
Starlink, Ireland’s newest satellite broadband operator owned by SpaceX, can provide fast, reliable internet to areas that struggle to get good connectivity.
It works by using multiple, small satellites that are closer to the earth than usual and promises lag-free speeds of up to 220 Mbps - with most users getting speeds around 100 Mbps.
Although it can be pricier than other broadband options, it’s useful for people who live in rural areas or struggle to get speedy, reliable access to the internet via a fibre network.
How much does it cost?
In Ireland, Starlink plans start at €35 per month, with hardware prices starting at €299. The service is contract-free and billed monthly, so you can cancel anytime.
Although upfront costs are expensive, the monthly cost is on par with full-fibre or mobile broadband prices.
What about installation?
Starlink equipment has been designed for self-installation. Step-by-step guides, an app and videos are available to help you through the process.
The Starlink kit includes:
- Starlink Gen 3 Router
- Starlink Standard or Mini (antenna)
- Starlink power cables
- Starlink kickstand/base mount
If you’re not comfortable installing it yourself, providers like Smart Sat Connect, Free Sat and Novatel Communications can install Starlink for a fee.
What are the alternatives to satellite broadband?
This largely depends on where you live and what other options are available to you.
If you have access to other connection types, then you could consider mobile broadband or fibre broadband.
As full fibre plans are becoming more widespread and affordable, it’s worth regularly checking to see if they are available in your area.
If you need fast broadband that can cope with multiple devices being used at the same time, then some satellite broadband plans are unlikely to work for you. However, Starlink could be a good option for speed and reliability if you can afford the upfront costs.
What is the best satellite broadband plan?
The best plan for you will depend on a few things, here’s what you need to consider:
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