Fixed Wireless Internet vs Satellite Solutions
Picture this: fixed wireless internet swoops in, using radio signals to deliver data straight from a nearby tower to your property. It’s like having your own personal data delivery service without the need for pesky cables.
Fixed wireless internet, sometimes called fixed wireless broadband, is one of the best satellite internet alternatives due to the fact that the signal travels a much shorter distance and with fewer obstacles than satellite internet.
What’s the Difference Between Fixed
Wireless Internet and Satellite Internet?
Fixed wireless and satellite subscriptions both provide internet services to their subscribers by transmitting from a distribution point to an access point. The access point is where you access the internet, so it’d be an antenna or dish that’s connected to your home or business. The main difference is the composition of the distribution point and the distance of the distribution point from the access point.
Satellite internet’s distribution point is a satellite that’s orbiting the Earth about 22,000 miles away. Fixed wireless’s distribution point is more local—typically a cell tower within ten or so miles from your access point.
That distance creates many differences in the type of service you’ll get with satellite internet vs. fixed wireless internet. It impacts everything from latency to consistency of signal to the cost.
| Features |  Twin Internet |
 Satellite |
|---|---|---|
 Technology |
Fixed wireless (Microwave Towers) | Satellites |
 Coverage |
Upper Rio Grande Valley | Wide |
 Speed |
25 Mbps - 1 Gbps | 25 Mbps - 100 Mbps |
 Latency |
Low | High |
 Data Caps |
No | May have (throttling) |
 Cost |
Lower | Higher |
 Installation |
Faster (self-install or technician) | Professional installation required |
 Weather dependence |
Less affected | More affected (rain, snow, clouds) |
 Availability |
Limited to areas with tower coverage | Wide availability |
 Transparency |
No hidden fees, fixed pricing | May have hidden fees, price changes possible |
 Customer support |
Local, dedicated team | National call center |
 Uptime guarantee |
99.99% | Varies |
 Price increases |
Never | Possible |
Let’s Talk Tech: Fixed Wireless
Internet vs Satellite Internet
Dive into our FAQ section for comprehensive answers to common queries, guiding you through the key aspects of our services and ensuring clarity on your connectivity journey.
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How does fixed wireless differ from satellite internet?
Fixed wireless delivers faster, more reliable Internet connections, thanks to its use of ground-based towers to transmit signals rather than the use of a satellite in space. With signals delivered directly to the receiver installed at your location, you enjoy a better connection and more uptime.
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Will I get faster speeds and fewer delays with fixed wireless?
Yes, fixed wireless generally offers faster speeds and lower latency (fewer delays) compared to satellite internet, making it more suitable for real-time online activities like gaming and video conferencing.
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Is fixed wireless more reliable in bad weather?
If you are tired of losing your connection in the wind and rain, you will enjoy switching to fixed wireless internet. Thanks to the fact that this approach does not rely on signals traveling through the atmosphere, bad weather is less likely to interfere with the signal, making fixed wireless a more reliable choice than satellite internet.
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What are the data limits for fixed wireless?
Fixed wireless plans often come with higher or no data caps compared to satellite internet, offering more freedom in internet usage without worrying about overage fees.
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Can fixed wireless support multiple devices and heavy usage?
Yes, fixed wireless can efficiently support multiple devices and is well-suited for high-bandwidth activities such as HD streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads.
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What does fixed wireless installation involve?
Installation of fixed wireless internet is easy! It typically involves setting up a small antenna or receiver at your location to connect to the nearest wireless base station. It requires line-of-sight with the tower, but we can get you connected in time for you to tackle that next game or attend your remote meeting.
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How does fixed wireless pricing compare to satellite internet pricing?
Fixed wireless internet is affordable! At TWIN, our plans start at less than $40 a month, much less than you will pay for any satellite internet plan that depends on costly equipment to deliver your connectivity.
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What’s the customer support like for fixed wireless?
Customer support for fixed wireless internet varies by provider but generally includes technical support for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, often with local teams that can provide more personalized service.
