How to boost your satellite internet signal in 6 easy steps

Having trouble with your satellite internet speed and home Wi-Fi connectivity? You’re not alone. 30% of Americans say their internet is too slow. But before you throw in the towel on getting faster internet speeds, or spend more money trying to upgrade your service, check out our tips to help speed up your satellite internet connection right now. 

Speed up your home internet and Wi-Fi

Often, your wireless internet router signal can be the culprit behind slow internet issues. Check out our suggestions on boosting your Wi-Fi signal and range. You can use the tips mentioned in that article to boost your Wi-Fi signal and internet speed at home whether you are using DSL, fiber or cable internet. (If you’re not sure what type of internet connection you have, we can help you find out.)

Why satellite internet is different 

Satellite internet is a bit different than DSL, fiber and cable internet because it involves a dish outside the home. If you have satellite internet service, use some of the satellite-specific tips below to boost your signal and get the most out of your satellite internet.

How to get faster satellite internet today

1. Remove surrounding shrubbery or other obstacles

Trees and bushes growing around your satellite dish may affect your satellite internet speed. Anything from summer shrubs to snow piling up in the winter could block your dish from receiving satellite internet signals, which in turn slows down your internet speeds.

2. Add a satellite in-line amplifier

A satellite in-line amplifier could boost your satellite signal by enhancing the signal that runs along the line from your satellite dish to your home’s receiver or multiswitch. To boost your satellite internet signal, use a bi-directional, auto-gain amplifier and a splitter. An auto-gain amplifier can also lessen your internet latency and improve both download and upload satellite internet signals.

3. Move your satellite dish closer to your home

Just as satellite signals and Wi-Fi signals can weaken the further they travel, internet signal strength can weaken the further it travels from your satellite dish to your internet modem inside. If possible, move your satellite dish closer to your modem inside to raise your internet speeds. Ask your provider if your satellite dish can be safely placed on your roof, affixed to the side of your home or set up on your patio.

4. Ask your service provider if you need to reposition your satellite dish

Your satellite internet service provider should have set up your satellite dish to face the right direction. However, weather conditions such as high winds can cause a satellite dish to move out of the correct spot. You can check the position yourself by making sure your satellite dish points south (all satellites in the northern hemisphere should face south), but your service provider can confirm whether or not your satellite faces the correct direction.

5. Ask your service provider about switching satellites

Along the same lines, you may need to ask your satellite provider if you can switch which satellite your dish receives signals from. Many providers have multiple satellites orbiting the earth, which increases the chance of getting a good signal at home. One satellite may be better located for your dish than another, so ask your service provider if you can switch which satellite your dish is directed at to boost your satellite internet speeds.

6. Consider switching service providers

You may only have one satellite option for receiving and sending signals. That satellite may not give you a good signal, though. If you ask your service provider about switching which satellite your dish is directed at and they can’t offer another option, consider switching satellite internet providers. 

What speed am I getting with my satellite internet service?

To measure any improvements in your satellite internet speed, make sure to test your speed before and after making any changes. A great way to gauge your current internet signal is by testing your internet speed in different parts of your home. 

If you notice your internet is significantly faster in your living room than in the basement or in a second-floor room, you may want to consider moving your router or using another one of our tips to enhance your signal range. Let us know which of these tips helped you, or if you have other ways to speed up your internet signal by contacting us at our Facebook or Twitter pages. 

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