The Importance of Upload Speed for Satellite Internet

When advertising internet plans, providers typically only mention their download speeds. While fast download speeds are most important to the average household, a good upload speed is also essential for more use cases than you realize. Have you noticed that it takes longer to upload a file than to download one? Or maybe your coworkers notice that your video calls are laggy and you have to repeat yourself constantly? Your upload speed could be the culprit.

This guide breaks down why upload speeds matter, how they interact with latency, and how to optimize your setup for work and play.

Upload speed is just that, the speed at which you transmit data from your internet-connected devices through your internet provider to the web. Download pulls data (watching Netflix); upload pushes data (sending a video to TikTok).

Upload speed is inherently slower than download speed because internet connections are typically asymmetric. Providers prioritize download speed over upload since it’s the most used. Another factor is that the provider, whether via a wireless signal or a hard-wired connection, has a greater capacity to transmit data than your home modem does.  

Your upload capacity is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), the same as your download speed. Fortunately, for most use cases, you don’t need nearly as much upload power, since its primary function is to send requests to the web to download data. However, more is needed when you’re interacting with the web in more advanced ways.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband internet as having at least 100 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed.

When shopping for a new internet plan and the provider doesn't show the expected upload speed, look up or ask for the plan's Broadband Consumer Label, which contains all the necessary data for that plan. Here are the average speeds of certain plans that different internet types have.

While residential internet is mostly used for consuming content, running a business often requires creating and sharing content, so upload speed is equally important. If you operate a business, farm, or full-time remote office from a rural location, slow upload speeds can directly impact your productivity and bottom line.

Upload speed is essential for cloud backups and syncing if you need to automatically save large batches of data. You want to quickly send large files, high-resolution photos, and videos to clients. A fast VoIP system for customer service can't have any poor quality or dropped calls. And Point-of Sale systems should be able to process customer credit card transactions quickly and securely.

If your livelihood depends on a stable connection, a business-specific plan is worth the investment. Business tiers (like Starlink Business or Viasat Business) often provide upgraded hardware, such as a high-performance dish that delivers significantly higher upload speeds. Business plans usually include "priority routing," meaning your data is prioritized and pushed to the front of the line during network congestion. Plus, these plans usually include dedicated customer support, as well as options for server hosting, advanced security, and VPNs.

Before paying for a more expensive plan, first try these troubleshooting tips if you're experiencing slower-than-expected upload speeds. 

Restart your network

• Unplug the modem/router to clear out bugs and refresh the connection to the satellite.

Move your router

• Place the router in a central location, away from thick walls or microwaves, to ensure devices aren't struggling to send signals back to it.

Use fewer devices

• Disconnect background devices (like smart TVs or tablets) that might be auto-syncing or uploading data to the cloud.

Avoid being online during peak hours

• Explain network congestion. If you need to upload a massive video file or back up your hard drive, do it late at night.

Clear physical dish obstructions

• Make sure snow, leaves, or new branch growth aren't blocking the satellite dish's line of sight to the sky.

Latency is the brief delay that happens when a signal is being processed between the network and the user. It's measured in mere milliseconds, but high latency can be really noticeable—think laggy video streams and poor response times while online gaming.

Satellite internet that uses geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites, such as Hughesnet and Viasat, has some of the highest levels of latency because the internet signal has much farther to travel. Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, like those used by Starlink, have much lower latency.  DSL has much lower latency since the signal is transferred over the relatively stable copper wiring of a telephone company.

If you plan to stream video or play online games, look for a Wi-Fi package with the lowest latency possible.

Yes, 3 Mbps is generally enough for one person to comfortably browse the web, send emails, and participate in standard-definition video calls. However, it will struggle with multiple users or large file uploads.

ISPs allocate most of their satellite bandwidth to download speeds because the vast majority of consumer internet activity (streaming TV, browsing) relies on downloading.

While upload speeds might technically meet the minimum requirements for gaming, the high latency of traditional GEO satellite internet makes fast-paced multiplayer gaming nearly impossible. LEO satellites (like Starlink) perform much better.