What is LEO Satellite Internet?
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet is a new generation of satellite-based connectivity that uses constellations of thousands of small satellites orbiting much closer to Earth than traditional satellites.
While traditional geostationary satellites orbit at 35,786 km above Earth, LEO satellites operate at just 340-2,000 km altitude. This dramatic difference in distance fundamentally changes the user experience — making satellite internet fast enough for video calls, gaming, and modern applications for the first time.
💡 Key Insight
LEO satellites are ~100x closer to Earth than traditional satellites. Since signals travel at the speed of light, this means your data reaches the satellite and returns in milliseconds rather than half a second.
How Does LEO Satellite Internet Work?
LEO satellite internet works through a carefully orchestrated system of ground equipment, satellites, and ground stations:
Your Dish Sends a Signal
A phased-array antenna (the "dish") at your home transmits your data request to passing satellites overhead.
Satellites Relay the Signal
The satellite receives your signal and beams it to a ground station, or relays it through other satellites using laser inter-links.
Ground Station Connects
Ground stations connect the satellite network to the terrestrial internet backbone, routing your request to its destination.
Data Returns to You
The response travels back through the same system — all in just 20-50 milliseconds.
LEO vs Traditional Satellite: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between LEO and traditional geostationary (GEO) satellite internet helps explain why services like Starlink and Kuiper are game-changers.
| Feature | LEO Satellite | Traditional (GEO) |
|---|---|---|
| Orbit Altitude | 340-2,000 km | 35,786 km |
| Latency | 20-50 ms | 600-800 ms |
| Download Speed | 50-400 Mbps | 25-100 Mbps |
| Gaming/Video Calls | Excellent | Poor |
| Coverage per Satellite | Smaller area | 1/3 of Earth |
| Number of Satellites Needed | Thousands | 3-5 |
| Maturity | Emerging | Established |
Key Benefits of LEO Satellite Internet
Low Latency
20-50ms latency enables video calls, gaming, and VoIP — impossible with traditional satellite.
Fast Speeds
Download speeds of 50-400 Mbps rival or exceed many terrestrial options.
Global Coverage
Service available anywhere with a clear view of the sky — no infrastructure required.
Constantly Improving
As more satellites launch, coverage and speeds continue to improve over time.
Current LEO Satellite Providers
Starlink (SpaceX)
The current market leader with 5,000+ satellites and service in 70+ countries. Available now in most of the US.
Compare Starlink →Project Kuiper (Amazon)
Coming 2025Amazon's upcoming constellation of 3,236 satellites promises competitive speeds and pricing, with potential Prime member benefits.
Kuiper vs Starlink →OneWeb
Focused primarily on enterprise, maritime, and aviation markets rather than residential service.
Installation Requirements
LEO satellite internet requires specific conditions for optimal performance:
- Clear sky view: The dish needs an unobstructed view of the northern sky (in the US) with minimal trees or buildings blocking the signal.
- Mounting location: Roof mount, pole mount, or ground mount options depending on your property.
- Power source: Standard 120V outlet within cable reach of the dish (typically 75-150ft cable included).
- Professional installation recommended: Proper mounting, weatherproofing, and cable routing ensures reliable long-term performance.
Ready to Install?
InstallLEO provides professional installation for both Starlink (available now) and Project Kuiper (when available). We handle site assessment, optimal positioning, mounting, and setup.
Get Installation QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Is LEO satellite internet good for gaming?
Yes! With 20-50ms latency, LEO satellite internet is suitable for online gaming — a major improvement over traditional satellite's 600+ms latency. While not quite as fast as fiber, most online games are very playable.
Can I use LEO satellite for video calls?
Absolutely. LEO satellite's low latency makes video conferencing on Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and other platforms work smoothly. This is one of the biggest improvements over traditional satellite internet.
Does weather affect LEO satellite internet?
Heavy rain or snow can temporarily affect signal quality, but impacts are generally less severe and shorter than with traditional satellite due to signals traveling through less atmosphere. Light weather has minimal impact.
How much does LEO satellite internet cost?
Starlink currently costs $120/month for residential service with a $499 equipment fee. Project Kuiper is expected to offer competitive or lower pricing when it launches. Professional installation is an additional one-time cost.