Fiber Internet vs. Satellite: Why Your Neighbors Are Making the Switch
For years, rural areas across Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi had limited internet options. Satellite was often one of the few choices available where cable and DSL couldn’t reach. And for a while, having any internet connection was better than nothing.
But if you’re reading this, you probably already know the frustrations: slow speeds that get worse at night, data caps that run out mid-month, video calls that freeze, and rain storms that knock out your service entirely.
Here’s the good news: fiber-optic internet is finally reaching rural communities. And if you’re wondering whether it’s really that much better than satellite, we’ll break it down in plain terms.
What You Need to Know About Each Technology
Satellite Internet: How It Works
Your signal travels 22,000 miles up to a satellite in space, then 22,000 miles back down. That’s a long trip for every click, every video, every email. And it shows.
Fiber-Optic Internet: How It Works
Data travels through underground cables as pulses of light. Fast, direct, and weather-proof. No trips to space required.
The Real Differences That Matter
Speed: It’s Not Even Close
Satellite gives you:
- 25-150 Mbps download (on a good day)
- 3-25 Mbps upload
- Slower speeds during peak hours (evenings, weekends)
Fiber gives you:
- 100 Mbps to 2 Gigabits download
- Same speed for uploads as downloads
- Consistent speeds, all day, every day
What this means in real life: Uploading a video file that takes 10 minutes on satellite? Takes seconds on fiber.
Data Caps: Limited vs. Unlimited
Satellite: Most plans cap you at 10GB-150GB per month. Hit your limit, and your speed drops to dial-up levels for the rest of the month.
150GB sounds like a lot until you realize that’s only about 50 hours of HD streaming. For a family, that might last a week.
Fiber: Unlimited. No caps. No overage fees. Stream, work, game, and browse as much as you want.
Lag Time: The Video Call Killer
This is where satellite really struggles. Because your data has to travel to space and back, there’s always a delay, usually about half a second or more.
Why this matters:
- Video calls: Constant interruptions, talking over each other
- Online gaming: Nearly impossible
- Work from home: Frustrating at best
Fiber’s advantage: Minimal lag. Video calls feel natural. Gaming actually works. Remote work becomes doable.
Weather Reliability
Satellite: Heavy rain, snow, or thick clouds? Say goodbye to your connection. “Rain fade” is a regular occurrence.
Fiber: Buried underground. Uses light, not radio signals. Works the same whether it’s sunny or storming.
Contracts and Fees
Satellite:
- Usually requires 1-2 year contracts
- Early cancellation can cost $200-400
- Equipment fees and leasing costs
- Prices often jump after the first year
Swyft Fiber:
- No contracts
- No early termination fees
- Clear, upfront pricing
- Professional installation included
Why People Are Finally Making the Switch
“I Can Actually Work From Home Now”
Remote work exposed satellite’s biggest weakness. When your job depends on video calls and cloud access, a half-second delay and frequent disconnections don’t cut it.
Fiber makes working from rural areas actually possible.
“My Kids Can Do Homework Without Fighting Over Bandwidth”
When everyone’s home, satellite connections get overwhelmed fast. One person streaming means everyone else suffers.
With fiber, multiple people can stream, game, and work at the same time without issues.
“No More ‘You’ve Exceeded Your Data’ Messages”
Running out of data halfway through the month is frustrating. Paying overage fees is worse. With fiber’s unlimited data, that’s no longer a concern.
Real Customer Experience
“Been up and running a week now and for the first time in 15 years I actually have the real deal. Been with other providers – no comparison.”
This is what we hear over and over from people who’ve made the switch.
Common Questions About Switching
“Is fiber really available where I live?”
More places than you might think. Fiber is expanding across rural Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. We’re covering areas like West Feliciana, Hamburg, Crossett, Lonoke, Star City, Beauregard Parish, Allen Parish, and many more.
Check your address to find out if fiber’s reached your area yet.
“What if I’m still under contract with satellite?”
Do the math. Even if you have an early termination fee, you might break even in just a few months with fiber’s better pricing and no overage charges.
“Will installation tear up my yard?”
Fiber lines are buried underground with minimal disruption. Most installations are done in a single visit, and any landscaping impact is kept to a minimum.
Choosing Your Fiber Speed
Not sure which speed you need? Here’s a simple breakdown:
100 Mbps Good for: Singles, couples, small households with basic internet needs
250 Mbps Good for: Families, people working from home, moderate streaming and gaming
1 Gigabit Good for: Large households, serious gamers, 4K streaming on multiple TVs
All plans include unlimited data and no contracts.
The Bottom Line
If you’re on satellite internet right now, fiber is a major upgrade:
✓ 10-40x faster speeds
✓ Unlimited data (for real)
✓ Minimal lag for video calls and gaming
✓ Works in any weather
✓ No contracts or surprise fees
✓ Handle as many devices as you need
For rural areas that have dealt with limited options for years, fiber is finally here. And it’s making a real difference.
Ready to See the Difference?
Check if fiber internet is available at your address. See how much faster your internet could be.
No data caps. No contracts. No nonsense.
Quick Answers
Can I use my own router with fiber?
Yes, though Swyft Fiber includes an advanced, managed router with your service.
How long does fiber installation take?
Usually 2-4 hours, depending on your property.
Does fiber work during power outages?
Like satellite, fiber needs power to run. A battery backup will keep you connected during outages.
Is fiber actually more affordable than satellite?
When you factor in unlimited data and no overage fees, fiber often costs the same or less than satellite, with far better performance.
What if fiber isn’t available yet?
Many areas are getting fiber access in the coming months. Check back regularly or enter your address to get notified when it’s available.