Latency Explained: Satellite Internet (UK)

Overview

Latency is the delay between sending a request and getting a response. It matters more than raw speed for video calls, gaming and interactive use.

Why satellite latency varies

Latency is driven largely by distance travelled. Geostationary satellites are very far away, producing high latency. Low-earth-orbit satellites are much closer, producing far lower latency that is acceptable for most interactive tasks.

What it affects

High latency is most noticeable in real-time activities. Streaming and downloads depend more on speed and consistency than on instant response.