There are many ways to connect to the internet, from old-fashioned dial-up service to faster options like DSL, fiber optic and cable. What all of those options have in common, however, is that they all require that some sort of wire come into your home or business, whether that wire is an ordinary telephone line, a cable connection or a fiber optic cable.

Satellite service is different in that it does not require any sort of wiring. Instead, satellite internet service uses a simple roof-mounted antenna, similar to the one used to access some premium television services.

That lack of wires can be quite appealing, especially for those who live in rural areas or parts of the country where traditional DSL, cable and fiber optic broadband service is hard to get. One of the biggest advantages of satellite internet service is that it can be installed anywhere, even on top of a mountain or in that cabin in the woods.

Another advantage of satellite broadband service is that it is always on and always connected to the internet. That can be extremely important in areas that are prone to power outages and other events that can disrupt regular internet service. That uninterrupted service may not be important to the casual user, but for someone who makes a living on the web it can mean the difference between a profit and a loss for the month.

That may be why so many business owners are looking at satellite internet service and choosing it over DSL, cable, fiber optic and other common choices. Online businesses, freelancers and others who make their livings online need to be able to communicate instantly, without worrying that they will not have service. Satellite internet service provides that reliability and helps keep those business owners connected. At the same time, satellite service can also provide connectivity while on the go, something that can be very important to sales professionals and other businesspeople.

It is important to keep in mind that satellite service tends to be more expensive than many other broadband alternatives. Consumers and business owners need to carefully weigh the benefits of an always on and reliable internet connection against the extra costs that satellite often comes with. Those who live in parts of the country where traditional broadband service is not available may find that satellite is their only choice for internet service. Those who do have a choice should shop around carefully and weigh the pros and cons of each option on the table. Satellite internet service can be an excellent choice, especially for business owners, but it can also be a bit more costly than the alternatives.

Sam Jones, the author, lives in the country and uses mobile broadband pay as you go but is considering upgrading to satellite broadband for a better connection.