Satellite Internet: Fast, Rural, and Ready for Africa

Satellite internet can reach places where fibre never will. If you live outside cities, run a remote school, or need backup connectivity, satellite gives reliable access without long cable work. Speeds and prices have improved a lot over the last five years. This guide explains how satellite internet works, what to expect in Africa, and how to pick the right plan.

How it works: satellites in low or geostationary orbit send and receive data to a small dish at your location. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems like Starlink or OneWeb sit closer to Earth, so latency is lower and speeds are higher. Geostationary satellites sit much farther away and can have higher lag, but they cover large areas and need fewer satellites.

What to expect: speed, latency, and costs

Real-world speeds vary. LEO providers often deliver 50–250 Mbps and latency around 20–50 ms. Geostationary services commonly offer 10–100 Mbps with latency from 400 ms and up. Setup costs usually include the dish and an installer, or a self-install kit. Monthly fees range from budget plans to premium unlimited packages. In Africa, prices may include import or local distribution fees, so compare final costs before signing up.

Installation and equipment: some services use a simple user-installable dish and app. Others require a technician. Make sure your site has a clear sky view toward the satellite arc—trees, buildings, or heavy rain can drop performance. Power is another consideration: in remote areas pair your dish with a stable power source or a UPS to avoid frequent reconnects.

Choosing the right satellite plan

Decide what you need first. For streaming and video calls, aim for higher speeds and low latency (LEO services). For basic browsing, email, and IoT devices, cheaper geostationary plans can work well. Check data caps, fair-use policies, and peak-time slowdowns. Ask about local support and warranty terms—repair time matters when a dish gets damaged.

Tips for rural users: combine satellite with a local Wi‑Fi router to share the connection across your house or community. Use data-saving settings for video apps and enable automatic updates at night. If you run a business or school, look for business-class SLAs that promise uptime and faster repairs.

Regulatory and availability notes: some countries require licensing or local partners to sell satellite services. Coverage maps change as new satellites launch, so check the provider’s current map for your exact location. If a provider is not yet in your country, ask about waitlists or regional partners.

Final thought: satellite internet is no longer a last-resort option. It can offer fast, consistent access in places where wired networks aren’t coming soon. Compare plans, check equipment needs, and pick a service that fits your budget and use case.

Popular providers to check: Starlink (LEO, fast, higher price), OneWeb (LEO, growing coverage), Viasat and Eutelsat (geostationary options with wide coverage), and local satellite ISPs that partner for installation and support. Compare service maps and local reviews. Ask neighbours about field experience before buying and costs.