Satellite broadband hits 20Mbits/sec - with unlimited data

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 30 Jan 2013 at 12:09

Satellite broadband provider Eutelsat has revamped its consumer packages and increased download speeds to 20Mbits/sec.

The speed increase – which includes a 6Mbits/sec uplink – puts satellite on the front foot compared to the fastest ADSL connections, but the biggest change for end users comes from more relaxed limits on how much data can be downloaded.

Under previous satellite packages, many providers throttled traffic – even within pre-defined data caps - once set milestones had been reached throughout the month.

According to Eutelsat, its Tooway 20Mbits/sec packages reflect customer frustration over tight and confusing data caps, with 10GB, 20GB 30GB and unlimited allowances offered at prices between £30 and £75 per month.

The satellite industry attempted traffic management … people don't like throttling mechanisms so that's gone now

"We're trying to align ourselves with broadband delivery in the cities and towns and what people can get in those regions, so that people in notspots can actually get something equivalent, if not better," Steve Petrie, UK commercial director for Tooway, told PC Pro.

"We've simplified the packages, so there's no fair access policy. The satellite industry attempted traffic management... people don't like throttling mechanisms so that's gone now. There's improved throughput on the satellite."

According to Eutelsat, the KA-SAT that powers the services has a 90Gbits/sec capacity, so users should see bandwidth close to the advertised download rates, but the company admits the data still has to get to and from a satellite in high orbit, so latency issues could affect gamers, although VoIP should work.

Eutelsat says it's aiming to be competitive on price with terrestrial ISPs, but BT's ADSL 16Mbits/sec unlimited service costs £26 per month, plus £10.75 line rental – significantly cheaper than the Tooway equivalent.

Rural alternative

However, that is of little relevance to consumers stranded in the UK's slow spots, where fibre and faster ADSL services aren't available. 3.3m people live with connections slower than 2Mbits/sec, according to figures released by Ofcom last July.

Although there is a £6 a month equipment rental charge unless users buy the kit, EutelSat says that quality-of-service assured VoIP means customers could do away with a fixed line altogether, which could make the service more attractive.

That 6Mbits/sec upload rate could also appeal to rural businesses with large files to transfer, as it is significantly faster than the typical 1Mbit/sec over copper.

With Broadband Delivery UK still trying to push faster speeds to rural areas through government-funded regional procurement deals, Eutelsat also said it was working with several regional authorities and could play a role in the public projects.

"Satellite is on the BDUK's list of acceptable technologies for projects and we're working with several authorities, such as Devon and Cornwall, where some people would probably never get fast broadband any other way," said Petrie.