In recent years, advancements have been made which improved data throughput, particularly for satellite connectivity operating in spectrum in the Ka-band. MorClick said that while older satellite technologies had operated in lower frequency ranges – between 12GHz and 18GHz – Ka-band uses frequencies in the 26.5GHz to 40GHz range.
“This higher frequency increases bandwidth, which means a higher data transfer rate and, therefore, higher performance and speed,” MorClick said.
MorClick and Vox use the YahClick service provided by Hughes, one of the world’s leading satellite Internet providers. Entry-level plans from Vox start at less than R200 per month, while both ISPs offer uncapped packages at the following prices:
* Up to 5Mbps Uncapped – R849
* Up to 10Mbps Uncapped – R1,099
* Up to 20Mbps Uncapped – R1,299
So although it is a bit more expensive than fibre, fibre has not reached many more rural areas. This is likely similar technology to that that Elon Musk has been launching for his Starlink service so it will be interesting to see if our local services get a good foothold, or whether Elon Musk’s service swamps the world.
See Satellite Internet will take on Fibre and LTE in South Africa
Satellite-based Internet services continue to grow and will begin to compete with fibre and mobile broadband in the coming years.