4 Ways Bad Weather Can Affect Satellite Internet

Everything under the sun is susceptible to weather conditions, and your internet connection is no exception. Does the weather in your local area actually affect the speed and reliability of your service regardless of the wireless provider you have?

When it comes to satellite internet, you should be aware that radio waves carry signals between satellites in space and the antenna terminals on the ground, meaning certain atmospheric conditions can affect the strength of the connection. Here are four ways bad weather affects satellite internet.

Changes in Humidity Levels

General hot and cold temperature fluctuations should not affect the strength of satellite internet connection. Even though temperature changes may seem to impact the signal, humidity is actually to blame. Changes in moisture levels—or the humidity accompanying warming or cooling temperatures—can cause spotty signals.

High Fog, Cloud Coverage, or Wind

Bad weather affects your satellite internet by directly scattering the radio waves in your local area. As a result, the transmitting signal may take longer to travel between the satellite located thousands of miles away in space and your home or business’s dish. The most common weather conditions affecting the signal are heavy fog, extensive cloud coverage, and high winds—all of which can cause intermittent internet signal.

Rainstorms and Lightning

Rain and other forms of precipitation weaken satellite signals more than any other weather condition due to their density. Large raindrops or a steady downpour scatter and deflect the signal. Raindrops can also absorb the transmitting signal because their wavelength is similar to radio wave signals.

In addition, lightning strikes during thunderstorms create possible electrical interference and degrade the transporting signals in both directions. Lighting can even cause damage to mounted outdoor satellite equipment, causing local service interruptions.

Snow and Hail

Because water vapor reflects and refracts the radio waves, any form of atmospheric water vapor can negatively affect satellite signals. Snowflakes, sleet, and hailstones have less density than rain, but can still cause signal interference if the precipitation is heavy enough.

The Bottom Line

Spotty wireless internet connection may seem complicated, but keep in mind that cellular internet is often more reliable than satellite in bad weather conditions, especially in remote locations across the USA. Mobile wireless internet signals travel a shorter distance—from nearby network cell towers to a provider’s router or hotspot at your residence—minimizing the chance of atmospheric interference.

Trifecta Wireless offers contract-free cellular network plans that use 4G technology as an alternative to satellite internet in rural areas. Look up your tower coverage on our website today to see if our high-speed services could be right for you.