With a large number of people getting their entertainment from the internet these days, it’s more important now to find out about a service’s streaming capabilities before you sign up. Whether you’re looking at YouTube DIY videos or bingeing the latest Netflix or Amazon Prime show, the last thing you want is to get a buffering alert during a tense moment or cliffhanger.

Can satellite internet stand up to the demands of streaming in San Bernardino County? The short answer: yes. The most convenient internet anywhere will allow you to watch whatever you want, whenever you want it.

Streaming with satellite internet

Streaming videos on the internet usually requires about 3 to 4 megabytes of data per second, whereas the lower end of satellite plans start at around 12 mbps or higher. That’s plenty of leeway for streaming, no matter what you’re watching.

However, you should be aware that even as great as satellite internet is—it’s readily available anywhere in the world, whereas fiber and cable services need to be physically wired to your home or business—it does have some drawbacks. First, the data travel time (latency) is longer when you’re using satellite—all that information has to be bounced to a satellite and sent back to your receiver. Second, even though satellite speeds are fast, they’re not as fast as fiber optic and cable internet. Finally, many services have data caps, which slow down your internet once you’ve downloaded a certain amount of data. Depending on the service and the cap, this could make it impossible to stream, or just require a lot of extra buffering.

If you’re a serious streamer, want to watch on multiple devices or need extra bandwidth, satellite internet might not be the right option for you. But for most people who like to watch Netflix on the couch at night, satellite internet should serve all of their needs.

What to expect with satellite streaming

When you’re deciding on a satellite internet service, the first two questions you should ask are, “What are the streaming speeds?” and “What are the data caps?” This will help you determine whether the plan will be suitable for your streaming needs.

You should also expect that most satellite streaming services are going to be slower and a little less responsive than cable or fiber, just by virtue of how they’re set up. However, for people who live in rural areas or don’t like the wired services available, satellite internet can be a real boon.

Ultimately, satellite internet is a good service, especially if you’re in a remote area. You may need to spring for a higher-speed unlimited plan if you stream media and use the internet for gaming. The extra bandwidth is useful to eliminate lag and keep up with media in real time.

Do you need satellite internet for streaming in San Bernardino County? JDS Systems has you covered—call us today to learn more about our satellite internet services. We look forward to working with you soon!