Satellite Wireless Internet
Satellite internet service is similar to satellite TV service. You mount a dish on your home that communicates with a satellite (approximate 32,000kms away) back to a dish at your service provider’s NOC (Network Operations Center) where the main internet connection is then managed. Because of the long distances for your signal to travel, satellite internet is known to have issues with latency (the time it takes for data to travel), thus not ideal for things like online gaming and video calls or VOIP services. Due to the far path the signal has to travel, weather may also impact your speeds and/or ability to connect.
Mobile/Cellular Wireless Internet
This is the internet service offered by cellular companies . You purchase a portable modem or USB wireless modem which connects to the closest cell tower for the provider you’re with.
This can be a popular choice for people in rural areas due to the availability of cell tower infrastructure and ability to use the mobile modem at other locations.
The main downside to using cellular for you main internet connection is the cost. Often you pay a base rate for the service, then pay additional based on how much bandwidth you use in the month. It is paramount to track your data usage to ensure you are won’t get hit with a costly bill at the end of the month or run out of data after 2 days. Binge watching Netflix is not an option.
Fixed (Terrestrial) Wireless
This is the type of service that Rapid Wireless, LLC provides. This type of wireless service requires a “radio” which is mounted on a high point on your property (on top of your house, garage, or we may put up a pole/tower/antenna).
The radio is pointed to the tower with the best Line of Sight. There can be some obstacles in the way and the signal will still get through, but for the strongest connection, no large obstacles can be in the way (lots of trees, hills, other houses). We do offer a tower program where a customer can purchase a small tower to gain the necessary height for a quality service connection; overcoming the trees, hill and other obstacles. This does come at an additional cost.
From the tower your house radio communicates with, the signal goes to either another tower or a fiber link back to out network operations center. Traffic is then forwarded to and from the Internet as required.