Does Satellite Internet Compromise Your VPN?

Satellite internet is always the most reliable source of gaining access to the web when you live in an area where high-profile ISPs have no coverage. Sure, it may never be superior to fiber or DSL, but satellite internet still gets the job done for people who are isolated from urban society.

The modern Internet age is no longer safe since there are a lot of potential hackers, illegal data sellers, or perhaps online trolls snooping around personal information on the internet that can compromise your privacy. This is why you need a VPN connection to keep all your key data safe from cybercriminals and even from your Internet provider.

Now, you may be wondering if satellite ISPs are any different from the likes of cable internet when it comes to privacy and security. Do satellite ISPs such as Viasat and Hughesnet know that you’re on VPN? Could they possibly know what you’re doing?

We’re here to figure out if a satellite ISP can fiddle with your online activities. Maybe you’re looking for torrent files or perhaps searching for “particular” content.

Whatever the case may be, the last thing anyone with a Satellite Internet would want (besides constant interruptions from weather) is their ISP tampering with their privacy.

What Makes Satellite Internet Different from Others?

Unlike DSL or cable, which are entirely ground-based connections, satellite internet establishes a connection through...well, a satellite dish. But, it’s more complicated than that.

You see, there are 3 crucial satellite dishes for the whole process to work: a satellite dish from the service provider, a satellite dish literally in space, and a satellite dish located in your home.

This is the most favorable service for small counties and places that are literally in the middle of nowhere (pardon my French). Anyone who lives in this type of area certainly wants a ground-based internet connection but sadly, these ISPs do not cover their areas. That is why satellite internet exists.

While you may think satellite Internet is cool because you heard and read that the Internet service comes from space, you’d be underwhelmed with its internet quality.

Quite honestly, it is never the cream of the crop when it comes to Internet speeds. Not only is it slower than wired connections, but it’s also quite expensive because you’re paying for their space services.

Well, it’s either that or dial-up. Of course, you’d go with the former instead.

It’s not the ideal Internet service for when you want to watch HD streams on Netflix or live-stream your gaming sessions at 1080p but at least it still gets the job done when you just want to do run-of-the-mill Internet stuff like browsing on social media, watching funny videos on YouTube or playing online games within your server region.

However, even with a so-so Internet quality, that still does not exclude you from the fact that big brother might be watching. Besides, a VPN is capable of miracles you never thought were possible.

Is VPN over Satellite Possible These Days?

While it is true that you need very low latency for proper VPN usage, there are now numerous solutions popping up all over the internet on how to use VPN with a satellite ISP.

You see, the main problem with satellite Internet is that it’s much slower than any other modern Internet connection. Be that as it may, it is still way better than dial-up.

The Internet relies on TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), which connects you to Internet service through packets of data. In return, the packets need acknowledgment through a “receipt” aka the IP - your location. So, the TCP/IP exchange has to be fast and consistent.

However, satellite Internet doesn’t have that speed because the packets get too congested due to the IP not responding quickly. This is closely connected with the travel time from the company satellite, to the space satellite and your home satellite.

VPN compromises the IP by pretending that you “live” in a different country or region. Because of that, the TCP goes out of the comfort zone and sends packets of data in a farther location to you based on the new IP tapped by the VPN.

As a result, the exchange between the local TCP and the foreign IP does not process hastily.

That was until now, when numerous products have introduced a new way of combating this conflict; by converting TCP into UDP. That way, the transfer doesn’t need a call-back or receipt anymore, resulting in a consistent flow of data.

So, in short, yes, you can now use a VPN with a satellite ISP through services in the market called SSL VPN.

Does That Mean VPN is Stable with Satellite Internet?

Yes, it does, but make sure you have a high-quality satellite router like Orbi Satellite or Linksys to keep the Internet flowing at a good pace. Services like GroundControl, SquireTech, and VPNSAT promote high-quality VPN browsing with a satellite ISP.

But, just like we mentioned earlier, do keep in mind that some situations are still unavoidable such as strong weather and obstructions around the household that block the satellite’s unseen path.

You will experience a much slower pace when you’re VPN browsing via satellite net but you’ll have to make do when it comes to protecting your own privacy.

Will the Satellite ISP interrupt your VPN Browsing?

Similar to ground-based Internet connections, your satellite ISP won’t do anything with your VPN session. With the right VPN browser, your ISP isn’t going to track your complete data from time spent online to website visits.

Is It Necessary for a Satellite Internet User to Get a VPN?

To be sure, no Internet provider is safe anymore. Now that we live in the age of 5G connections, that means any ISP - whether cable, fiber, DSL or satellite, can get a hold of your data now more than ever. So if you value privacy, then by any means, get a VPN browser.

Of course, a VPN can be very costly, especially if you want one that people trust the most. While there are other solutions including using a Tor browser or using web proxies, those alternatives have some wormholes that, without your knowledge, allow the ISP (and EVEN the government) to snoop on your Internet activity.

With a VPN, your privacy security tightens. Yes, there are entirely free VPN browsers, but we highly recommend getting a paid VPN especially if you do think that your privacy matters more than anything when you go to the Internet.

Guess that makes crazy people with tinfoil hats look sane now, huh?