Remote work has shifted from a rare perk into a daily reality for millions — but reliable internet isn’t always easy to find, especially in rural or underserved areas. Satellite internet has emerged as a viable solution for many remote workers, but performance can vary widely between providers. In this guide, we’ll dive into real-world speed tests, latency measurements, and user experiences — so you know which satellite internet options truly support remote work this year.
Why Performance Matters for Remote Work
Before we look at specific providers, it’s important to understand what remote work demands:
- Low latency — critical for video calls and real-time collaboration
- Consistent upload and download speeds — for file sharing, cloud work, and streaming
- Reliable connection — no surprises during important meetings or upload tasks
Satellite internet historically struggled in areas like latency and upload speeds, but new technology — especially low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites — has changed the game.
Satellite Internet Performance: Key Metrics to Know
| Metric | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Download Speed | How quickly you receive data (e.g., streaming, downloads) |
| Upload Speed | How fast you can send data (e.g., video calls, cloud sync) |
| Latency (Ping) | Delay between your device and the server — crucial for calls and collaboration |
| Reliability | Connection consistency, especially during peak hours or weather events |
Starlink: The Leader for Remote Work Performance
Speed & Latency Results
Starlink users consistently report significantly faster speeds and much lower latency compared with older satellite systems. Recent test data shows:
- Median download speeds around ~100 Mbps in early 2025 — and commonly 50–200 Mbps in real-world use. TS2 Space+1
- Latency typically in the 25–50 ms range — similar to many DSL or fixed wireless connections. swiftspeedtest.com
- Uploads often between 10–20+ Mbps — a big advantage for video conferencing or cloud work. TS2 Space
These figures mean Starlink can comfortably handle:
✅ HD video calls (Zoom, Teams)
✅ Cloud-based workflows
✅ Large file uploads/downloads
✅ Real-time collaboration tools
Compared to older satellite systems, Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) network significantly reduces the time it takes for data to travel (latency), which is one of the biggest blockers for remote work tasks like interactive meetings. techblog.comsoc.org
💬 Real user experience also reflects these results, with customers in rural areas often reporting smooth remote work performance — occasional weather impacts aside. swiftspeedtest.com
HughesNet: Moderate Performance but Limited for Real-Time Work
Speed & Latency Overview
HughesNet uses traditional geostationary satellites (GEO), positioned much higher above Earth, which results in:
- Moderate download speeds — around ~40–50 Mbps median. techblog.comsoc.org
- Low upload speeds — typically <5 Mbps. techblog.comsoc.org
- High latency — often ~600–700+ ms. techblog.comsoc.org
Remote Work Implications
While HughesNet’s speeds are adequate for basic browsing and email, latency over half a second (600+ ms) creates sluggish experiences for:
❌ Video conferencing (Zoom/Teams feels delayed)
❌ Interactive collaboration tools
❌ Real-time apps like remote desktop access
Even though HughesNet has improved speeds in recent years, the high latency remains a significant drawback for the demands of modern remote work. techblog.comsoc.org
Viasat: Better Speeds than HughesNet, but Still Behind Starlink
Performance Snapshot
Viasat’s GEO satellite setup delivers:
- Moderate download speeds — median ~45–50 Mbps. techblog.comsoc.org
- Low upload performance — sometimes dropping under 2 Mbps in recent measurements. RCR Wireless News
- High latency — ~600–700+ ms due to GEO architecture. techblog.comsoc.org
Real User Perspective
While Viasat can support basic web use and standard-definition video streaming, the high latency and weak uploads make it less suitable for remote work-heavy tasks, particularly if you rely on frequent HD video meetings or cloud collaboration.
Comparing Satellite Providers: At a Glance
| Provider | Typical Download | Upload | Latency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | 50–200 Mbps+ | 10–20 Mbps | 25–50 ms | Video calls, remote work, cloud tools |
| HughesNet | ~47 Mbps | ~4 Mbps | ~683 ms | Basic browsing, email |
| Viasat | ~49 Mbps | ~1–3 Mbps | ~684 ms | Standard streaming and browsing |
These figures are based on recent median tests and real-world user reports from early 2025. techblog.comsoc.org+1
Real User Results: What People Are Saying
Across online forums and speed reports:
📡 Users switching from GEO systems like HughesNet or Viasat to Starlink frequently comment on dramatic improvements in both speed and latency, especially for:
- Video conferencing
- Uploading large files
- Faster page loads
One rural user shared that after switching from slow GEO satellite service, their Starlink connection delivered 400 Mbps down and ~20 ms latency — “like night and day” for remote tasks. Reddit
Meanwhile, many longtime viewers noted that traditional GEO satellite options felt useless for interactive work due to latency. Reddit
Can Satellite Internet Replace Traditional Broadband for Remote Work?
The answer depends on the provider:
Starlink
✔ Yes — for most remote work needs
✔ Great for video calls, file sync, cloud applications
✔ Continues to expand coverage
HughesNet & Viasat
⚠ Can work for:
- Browsing
- Standard-definition video
❌ Not ideal for:
- Frequent HD video conferencing
- Real-time collaboration
- Low-latency workflows
In many rural areas where fiber or cable simply isn’t available, Starlink’s performance often rivals or even exceeds some fixed wireless or DSL connections, giving remote workers a real alternative. swiftspeedtest.com
If you’re evaluating satellite internet for remote work, Starlink currently stands out as the best option thanks to real-world speed tests and far lower latency compared with traditional GEO satellite services like HughesNet and Viasat. 🎯
Starlink’s LEO satellite network delivers the responsiveness remote professionals need, including reliable video conferencing and smooth cloud workflows. While older GEO-based services have improved speeds, their high latency still limits performance for real-time work tasks.
In short:
⭐ Starlink — Best overall satellite choice for remote work
📉 HughesNet & Viasat — Acceptable for basic use, not ideal for intensive remote tasks