Satellite-based Internet access

Satellite-based Internet access services are an option for consumers that live in areas where wireline, cable, or terrestrial wireless Internet access is unavailable. With a few exceptions, none of the three most widely subscribed satellite-based Internet access services satisfies, however, the Federal Communication Commission’s definition of advanced services, which calls for a minimum transmission speed of in excess of 200 kbps downstream and upstream. Satellite services account for only approximately 0.7% of the total high-speed lines in the United States.