Satellite TV usage is declining, but Starlink is making satellite internet a popular option for businesses, nonprofits and families.
No matter the provider, internet speeds are much faster than a decade ago. However, traditional internet providers have operational flaws. They do not cover some rural areas, nor are they effective after a natural disaster like a hurricane.
John Joyce, co-owner of CRS Technology Consultants, recently appeared on ABC7’s popular Tech Bytes segment to discuss satellite internet. The six-minute interview covered the rising popularity of satellite internet, including Starlink, in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. Hurricane Ian in 2022 helped shape John’s newfound appreciation for satellite internet.
“That was a big aha moment for us,” John says. “It wasn’t our first hurricane, but that one was a little different.”
That’s because the typical pre-storm preparation like buying generators, gas and food didn’t prepare businesses and homes for life without the internet.
“That communication breakdown in the critical hours and days after the storm was a big issue, and it’s one we look back on and say what can we do to prevent that next time,” John says.
And the answer is satellite internet. Watch the ABC7 segment below.
Impact of Severe Weather
Severe weather – hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters – impact all facets of life. Communication systems, though, are especially vulnerable.
Three environmental factors can destroy communication towers, antennas and data centers:
- High winds: tropical storm-force or hurricane-force winds.
- Flying debris: branches, sticks and leaves.
- Flooding: storm surge, rising tide and flash floods.
Separately, the loss of power renders some technology useless, like televisions, home telephones and desktop computers. Data networks often are congested because of a surge in online traffic immediately after a storm.
Utility companies assemble disaster response teams that begin restoration work once it’s safe to do so. No matter if the outage lasts hours, days or weeks, the loss of communication is significant. No one realizes how connected the world is until everyone is forced to unplug. When power and cell service is out, you cannot text, make a call, browse the web or scroll through social media. For many, being stuck at home with no connection to the outside world can be frightening. It’s an abrupt lifestyle change.
Impact on Business
Businesses are especially vulnerable after a natural disaster. Even if a structure remains intact, businesses need two pieces of technology to work before they can reopen.
- Internet: most businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, hotels and attractions, use the internet to log transactions. It doesn’t matter if customers pay with credit cards, cash or a check; it’s all logged electronically.
- Power: businesses need electricity to provide minimal lighting and to power up cash registers.
After a hurricane, businesses can communicate their store hours and product availability over social media, on websites and through email. Nonprofits also use those platforms to communicate with supporters, donors and those in need of services.
Starlink Renews Interest in Satellite Internet
In 1996, HughesNet became the first satellite internet provider. It was a great option for rural communities where service was spotty… but it was slow.
Meanwhile, dial-up services transitioned to broadband, Wi-Fi and eventually 5G, steadily improving with each technological upgrade.
It wasn’t until recently, though, that satellite internet reentered the conversation. Technology has advanced so much that speeds are nearly equivalent to traditional high-speed internet. Starlink is leading the charge. It is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. In 2022, Starlink reached the 1 million subscriber milestone. In 2023, the company announced Starlink service was available across the entire U.S.
The primary difference between Starlink and other satellite internet providers is latency. That’s the round-trip time it takes for data to travel between the device user and the satellite. With Starlink, speeds are significantly faster – 25 milliseconds for Starlink vs. 600+ milliseconds for Geo Satellites.
“It’s almost as good as a wired connection,” John says.
Like all forms of internet, satellite internet needs power. However, businesses can purchase a solar adaptor or even a generator to power their devices. That’s made them attractive as an insurance option for communications.
“They’ve really become popular because they’re cost efficient,” John says. “You can get them up and online very quickly.”
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