Rural dwellers get a raw deal. Not only do they have to put up with long drives to access the essentials, but they’ve also been left out of fibre broadband roll-outs that the rest of Aotearoa get to enjoy.
But does that mean you have to put up with slow, inconsistent, and outdated copper broadband? As it turns out, no. Satellite broadband is fast becoming a desirable option for farmers and rural dwellers alike. Is it worth the switch? Can you switch from copper broadband to satellite? Read on to find out.
What is Copper and ADSL Broadband?
Unless you live and breathe internet services and terminology, you likely don’t have an in-depth understanding of what we’ve been using to access the internet. Before fibre arrived in New Zealand, we relied on a copper phone line network that had been in place since 1881, when we gained access to the first landline telephones.
Those same copper lines went on to deliver VDSL copper broadband, the fastest internet service at the time, and ADSL, which uses the same copper network to provide a dedicated internet line to your property.
When most of New Zealand upgraded to fibre broadband, copper lines largely became redundant. However, many rural dwellers are still relying on copper broadband since they’ve been unable to access fibre.
Why Is Copper Broadband No Longer the Best Option?
Copper broadband used to be the crème de la crème of internet access, even though we’ve come a long way since then. These wires would transmit information through underground cables and ensure we could browse social media to our heart’s content.
However, you wouldn’t have met too many internet users who hadn’t encountered poor connections, low transmission ranges, and dangerous conditions with copper broadband. Copper broadband might have provided us with a connection, but there are many reasons why it’s no longer the best option.
Corrosion is a standout disadvantage of this type of internet connection. With age, oxygen, and other elements, copper can turn green, grimy, and begin to corrode. Even with the utmost care, copper lines can eventually succumb to their damage and need to be replaced.
Even without corrosion, copper broadband lines can be unsafe. They require electricity to transmit information, which can present shock and fire hazards. When you mishandle the lines, you run the risk of damaging them or yourself.
Then there’s the speed. Copper broadband just isn’t very efficient, and most internet users become frustrated with slow speeds. Speed can also directly link to how much copper cable is used to connect your property to the internet. The more line used, the slower your internet connection can often be.
What Is Satellite Broadband?
Satellite broadband internet is a wireless internet service available when satellites orbiting the Earth beam down wireless internet. This is in direct contrast to land-based internet, which typically transmits data through wires.
Out of all available internet services, satellite broadband is also the only internet type available nationwide, which means people living rurally in isolated locations who might not have access to land-based internet can still use the internet in a different way.
How satellite broadband works is simple yet incredibly advanced at the same time, with radio waves communicating with satellites orbiting the Earth. All data is sent from your device before travelling through your modem to your installed satellite dish and out to a satellite in space. It then travels back to network operations centers, known as ground stations, on Earth. Upon reaching the ground stations, data travels through the same network to space and through your satellite dish to deliver data to your computer, phone, or another internet-ready device.
Five components form part of satellite broadband: your device, modem, satellite dish, the satellite in space, and the network operations center.
Is Satellite Broadband Better Than Copper Broadband?
When you’ve had copper broadband for several years, it’s only natural to be daunted by change. However, there can be many astounding benefits associated with making the switch.
High-Speed Coverage
A slow internet connection typically goes hand in hand with a rural location, but that’s not the case with satellite broadband. You can enjoy a fast internet connection no matter where you live. There are multiple satellites in the sky, and your location is no barrier to fast upload and download speeds.
Contrary to popular belief, satellite internet services can also be much faster than copper broadband. For example, the new WOI 2 plan from WOI sees users enjoying download speeds eight times faster than copper broadband and upload speeds up to 10 times faster. This plan is a highly competitive $159 a month, comparable to many land-based internet plans.
Easy Installation
The hassle and stress of a new internet connection can put many people off making the switch from outdated copper broadband to satellite internet. However, switching internet providers is simple with WOI.
You simply need to email sales@woi.co.nz, phone 0800 GET WOI (0800 438 964), or fill out the online form on the contact page. The sales and installation teams handle everything from start to finish, including ensuring you can have internet connectivity within a matter of hours, subject to suitable weather.
All satellite broadband kits with WOI come with a roof mount, dish, transceiver, modem, cables, and a WiFi router. There’s nothing extra you need to do or buy.
Ideal for Rural Dwellers
Living rurally certainly has its upsides, but connectivity with the world has traditionally been one of the drawbacks. Not anymore. If you’re battling with slow internet or no internet, purchasing a satellite broadband internet plan can make that a problem of the past.Switch to Satellite Internet Today
Switching to a new internet service can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how satellite internet works. However, if you’re fed up with buffering, slow speeds, and inconsistent service with Copper/ADSL, now might be the right time to make the switch.
Switching to satellite broadband with Woi is fast, easy, and stress-free. Just email sales@woi.co.nz, phone 0800 GETWOI (0800 438 964), or fill out the online form on our contact page. You can be up and running with a faster, more reliable form of rural internet in a matter of days.
