As remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle become increasingly popular, the need for reliable internet access is more crucial than ever. While urban areas generally offer reliable high-speed internet, remote workers and digital nomads who venture off the beaten path may find it difficult to stay connected. That’s where satellite internet comes in – offering a viable solution for those who need consistent internet access, no matter their location. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top five satellite internet providers catering to remote workers and digital nomads.
Viasat (formerly Exede)
Viasat is one of the leading satellite internet providers in the United States, offering high-speed internet access to remote areas that may not have access to other broadband options. With a variety of plans and speeds available, Viasat is an excellent choice for remote workers and digital nomads who need reliable internet access.
Key Features:
a. Wide coverage: Viasat provides coverage across the United States, making it ideal for remote workers and digital nomads who frequently travel within the country.
b. High-speed internet: Viasat offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, ensuring that users can perform data-intensive tasks like video conferencing and large file transfers without any issues.
c. Variety of plans: With a range of plans to choose from, users can select the one that best suits their needs and budget. Plans start with a monthly data allowance of 12 GB and go up to unlimited data.
d. 2-year price lock guarantee: Viasat offers a 2-year price lock guarantee, ensuring that your monthly rate will remain the same for 24 months.
HughesNet
HughesNet is another top satellite internet provider in the United States, offering high-speed internet access to customers in rural and remote areas.
With a strong focus on providing reliable and consistent internet access, HughesNet is an ideal option for remote workers and digital nomads.
Key Features:
a. Nationwide coverage: HughesNet covers the entire United States, ensuring that remote workers and digital nomads can stay connected wherever they go.
b. Consistent speeds: HughesNet offers download speeds of up to 25 Mbps, which is suitable for most remote work tasks, including video conferencing and file sharing.
c. Data-saving features: HughesNet plans come with a “Bonus Zone” feature, which provides users with an additional 50 GB of data per month during off-peak hours (2 am-8 am). This allows users to schedule data-intensive tasks during these hours and save their regular data allowance for other activities.
d. No hard data limits: While HughesNet plans come with a monthly data allowance, users are not cut off or charged extra fees for exceeding this limit. Instead, their speeds are temporarily reduced until the next billing cycle begins.
Iridium Certus
Iridium Certus is a global satellite internet provider that offers coverage even in the most remote locations, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads and remote workers who need to stay connected while traveling off the grid.
Key Features:
a. Global coverage: Iridium Certus offers truly global coverage, ensuring that users can stay connected no matter where they are in the world.
b. Compact and portable equipment: Iridium Certus equipment is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up at any location.
c. Scalable data speeds: Iridium Certus offers data speeds of up to 704 Kbps, with the potential to increase in the future. While this may not be as fast as other satellite internet providers, it is sufficient for basic remote work tasks like email, web browsing, and file transfers.
d. Reliable and secure connection: Iridium Certus provides a reliable connection, even in challenging environments and extreme weather conditions. The network also offers robust security features, ensuring that users can work with confidence.
Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX)
Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) is a high-speed satellite internet service that offers global coverage, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads and remote workers who need reliable internet access while traveling internationally.
Key Features:
a. Worldwide coverage: Inmarsat GX provides seamless, worldwide coverage, ensuring that users can stay connected no matter where their travels take them.
b. High-speed internet: Inmarsat GX offers download speeds of up to 50 Mbps, allowing users to perform data-intensive tasks like video conferencing and large file transfers with ease.
c. Portable equipment: Inmarsat GX equipment is compact and portable, making it easy to transport and set up in any location.
d. Flexible plans: Inmarsat GX offers a range of plans to suit different usage requirements and budgets, allowing users to choose the plan that best meets their needs.
Starlink
Starlink, a satellite internet service from SpaceX, is an emerging provider that promises to revolutionize the satellite internet industry with its low-latency, high-speed internet access. While still in the early stages of deployment, Starlink has the potential to become a game-changer for remote workers and digital nomads seeking reliable internet access.
Key Features:
a. Expanding coverage: Starlink is currently available in select areas in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries, with plans to expand coverage worldwide in the future.
b. High-speed, low-latency internet: Starlink offers download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and low latency, making it ideal for remote work tasks that require real-time communication, such as video conferencing.
c. Easy setup: Starlink equipment is designed for easy self-installation, allowing users to set up their internet connection quickly and efficiently.
d. No data caps: Starlink plans currently have no data caps, providing users with unlimited data usage.
Conclusion
As remote work and digital nomadism continue to grow in popularity, having reliable internet access is essential. Satellite internet providers like Viasat, HughesNet, Iridium Certus, Inmarsat Global Xpress, and Starlink offer remote workers and digital nomads the ability to stay connected, even in the most remote locations. Each provider has its unique features, coverage areas, and pricing structures, making it essential to evaluate your specific needs and preferences before choosing the best satellite internet provider for your remote work or digital nomad lifestyle. With the right satellite internet service, you can confidently work from anywhere and explore the world without worrying about staying connected.
