Satellite: Fast, Reliable, and Flexible
Satellite connectivity has come a long way. With services like Starlink, and soon Amazon Leo (formally Kuiper), you can see speeds of 300-400 Mbps on download and 150 Mbps plus on upload. For many sites, that’s more than enough to support teams of 20 people or more.
One of the biggest advantages of satellite is how easy it is to set up. For site cabins or offices with access to the roof, installation can usually be completed in a day by one or two people. You don’t need to wait months for surveys, ECC checks or line installation. Once it’s in place, it’s stable and reliable.
Furthermore, unlike cellular networks, which can slow down due to congestion in busy areas, satellite isn’t affected by the same issues. When managed correctly and paired with a good CPE router, you shouldn’t see much packet loss, and bandwidth tends to remain consistent.
Fibre: Reliable but Onerous
Fibre does offer certain benefits. Once it’s in place, you know the speeds are uncontested and stable. But getting it set up can be time-consuming and expensive. You need surveys, ECC checks, and the installation itself can cost thousands of pounds. On top of that, the ongoing monthly fees for bandwidth can add hundreds more to your costs.
Fibre is still a top choice for long-term sites, especially where satellite isn’t feasible, such as offices in large buildings without roof access. In these cases, fibre is necessary. But it’s worth asking whether that choice is always required, or if it’s simply following a long established habit.
Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the strongest points in favour of satellite is adaptability. If your site cabins move, the antenna can be relocated and reinstalled in a day. Fibre, by contrast, would require new cabling, surveys and installation each time your site layout changes.
For shorter-term projects, or even sites with a few years of operation, satellite can be just as cost-effective and reliable as fibre. If your team is small, and you have clear line of sight to the sky, you could achieve all the connectivity you need without the delays, upfront costs or long-term commitments associated with fibre.
Rethinking Connectivity Choices
The real question isn’t which technology is better. It’s about asking the right questions: do you genuinely need fibre, or are you choosing it because it’s what you’ve always done? In many situations, satellite is now a viable permanent solution. It’s high-speed, reliable, and flexible enough to meet modern site requirements.
Before you commit to an expensive fibre installation, evaluate your options. Consider team size, project duration and site logistics. Satellite, especially when combined with 5G for dual connectivity, can provide fast, reliable and resilient performance.
Interested in Satellite?
Fibre isn’t going away, and there are situations where it’s necessary. But in many construction and temporary office scenarios, satellite offers a strong alternative. It’s quick to install, flexible, and can provide the speeds your team needs, all without months of waiting or thousands in upfront costs.
So next time you plan connectivity for your site, ask yourself: do you need fibre because it’s the best solution, or are you choosing it by default? Satellite might just be the smarter choice.
If you’re considering options for your site and want to explore how satellite could work for you, get in touch today. Fast, reliable connectivity could be just a day away.
