VSAT Benefits

VSAT technology rolls out an "instant infrastructure" by providing benefits such as: quick installation (hundreds of sites per month); low initial investment; low per-minute operating costs that enable service providers to offer affordable rates; utilization of existing satellite technology and frequencies; no topographical barriers; and a total solution that can fit on a pole, if necessary.

Another major point in favor of VSATs is the ease of managing the network. VSATs generate flexibility, particularly where new VSAT sites need to be added, or existing sites need to be moved or removed from the network. Installation is carried out independently of the local telecom operator, again reducing the possibility of error and delay.

VSATs are also a reliable means for recovery networks of terrestrial systems. If the terrestrial network in place should become ineffective, satellite systems offer an almost immediate recovery solution. Banks, stock exchanges, fast food chains, retail, hotels, etc., all of which require information on a constant and continual basis without any room for a breakdown in communications rely on VSAT recovery systems.

The broad satellite coverage means that initial cost for multinational networks is relatively lower than the infrastructure build-out necessary for terrestrial solutions. Space-segment savings are also made through advancing modulation schemes and coding techniques, which permit digital information to be transmitted more efficiently from the satellite. In addition, because satellites are generally more powerful, they enable the use of smaller, and therefore cheaper, antennas on the ground.