What Is Satellite Broadband in Ireland?
Satellite broadband requires a satellite dish attached to your home that picks up signals from space and transfers them to a household modem. This wireless alternative differs from fixed broadband (ADSL/fibre) and suits rural areas lacking reliable fixed-line networks.
What's the Difference Between Satellite Broadband and Fixed-Line?
Satellite Broadband
Advantages
- Great for areas without fixed-line connections
- Stronger than mobile broadband in rural zones
- Long-lasting equipment
Disadvantages
- Weather-dependent with potential signal disruption
- Slower speeds (up to 100 Mbps)
- Requires professional installation
Fixed-Line Broadband
Advantages
- Speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Multiple providers and packages
- Wide router compatibility
Disadvantages
- Underdeveloped in rural areas
- Long contracts
- Complex pricing
What's the Difference Between Satellite Broadband and SIRO?
SIRO represents Fibre-To-The-Premises (FTTP) delivering up to 1Gbps speeds for downloads and streaming. Unlike satellite's wireless nature, SIRO requires wired connections but offers superior performance.
Is Satellite Broadband Better Than Mobile BB and Dongles?
| Criteria | Satellite | Mobile | Dongle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed limit | 100 Mbps | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Contract length | 12/24 months | 3-12 months | 1-12 months |
| Coverage | 99% | 90%+ | 90%+ |
| Monthly cost | €45 | €32.50 | €20 |
Dongles and mobile broadband use SIM cards enabling portability, whereas satellite is restricted to the immediate vicinity of the dish.
Who Are the Satellite Broadband Ireland Providers?
Six satellite providers operate in Ireland:
- Brdy
- Digiweb
- Rural WiFi
- Konnect
- Bigblu (no longer accepting new customers; acquired by Eutelsat)
- Irish Satellite Broadband
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What Are the Best Satellite Broadband Packages?
What Irish Satellite Broadband Plans Are There?
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Peak Data | Night Data | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Konnect Lite | €37.90 | 37 Mbps | 75 GB | Unlimited | €79 + €49 activation |
| Konnect Plus | €47.90 | 75 Mbps | 150 GB | Unlimited | Free + €49 activation |
What Do the Konnect, Rural Wifi, and Digiweb Packages Offer?
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Peak Data | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | €37.90 | 20 Mbps | 50 GB | €59 + €49 |
| Lite | €47.90 | 37 Mbps | 75 GB | €149 + €50 |
| Plus | €67.90 | 75 Mbps | 150 GB | €149 + €50 |
Rural WiFi temporarily reduced Plus to €47.90.
Why Are the Satellite Broadband Plans All Called Konnect?
Eutelsat's 2020 satellite "Konnect" dedicated to broadband expansion is used by all providers, explaining plan similarities. Service quality and customer support differentiate providers.
Can I Get a Short Contract with Satellite Broadband?
Most providers require 12-24 month contracts. Brdy uniquely offers month-long contracts, benefiting seasonal home users.
Is Satellite Broadband a Good Option for Businesses?
Satellite broadband suits single-user, non-data-intensive business operations. Multi-user offices requiring consistent speeds should avoid this option due to performance limitations.
What Are the Satellite Broadband Ireland Reviews Like?
Trustpilot Ratings:
- Digiweb: 4.7/5
- Rural WiFi: 4.5/5
- Brdy: 3.9/5
- Bigblu: 3.9/5
- Konnect: 3.1/5
- Irish Satellite Broadband: No Trustpilot presence
Find the Best Broadband Deal in Your Area!
Our broadband experts at Selectra can help you secure a fast, affordable plan in your area — completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions About satellite broadband
Yes. As long as the satellite dish can be safely attached to a stable surface, you should be able to receive satellite broadband services in mobile homes or caravans.
No. Satellite broadband does not require a connection to a fixed line network.
No. Due to satellite broadband having a high latency, it is not a good choice for activities that require fast responsiveness, such as online gaming.
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