Satellite internet has high latency or frequent buffering

Symptoms

• Noticeable delay in video calls or interactive activities like gaming
• Streaming buffers periodically even with a good signal strength shown
• Connection worsens or drops during heavy rain, snow, or storms
• Speed test shows acceptable download/upload but very high latency (ping)

Likely causes

• CommonInherent latency from the distance to geostationary satellitesFor traditional geostationary satellite internet, round-trip signal delay of 500+ milliseconds is normal and expected, unlike low-earth-orbit systems.
• CommonDish misalignment or obstructionEven small obstructions like tree growth or a slightly shifted dish can degrade the signal and cause buffering or drops.
• CommonHeavy rain or snow attenuation ('rain fade')Satellite signals can be significantly weakened by heavy precipitation between the dish and the satellite.
• PossibleNetwork congestion during peak usage hours shared among satellite users in your beam areaSome satellite systems experience slower speeds during high-demand hours due to shared capacity.

What to do

1. Check the dish for any new obstructions, like tree growth, that may have appeared since installation.
2. Confirm the dish hasn't been physically knocked out of alignment, which can happen from wind or accidental contact; realignment usually requires a technician or specific alignment tools.
3. During heavy rain or snow, expect some signal degradation as normal for satellite systems, and check if the issue resolves once weather clears.
4. For latency-sensitive activities like video calls or gaming, understand that satellite (especially geostationary) has inherent limitations that can't be fully resolved through troubleshooting.
5. If you have a newer low-earth-orbit satellite service, check the app for any reported obstructions or outages, since these systems are more sensitive to brief obstructions like trees swaying in wind.
6. Restart the satellite modem/router periodically, since this can clear minor connection glitches similar to other internet types.
7. If problems persist beyond normal weather-related degradation, contact the satellite provider, since a technician may need to re-point the dish or check for equipment issues.

When to call a pro

Dish realignment and obstruction assessment are usually best handled by the satellite provider's technician, since precise pointing is required.

Safety