Satellite internet is a useful modern convenience. Many people use it for video chatting, researching, playing video games, and working daily. While it has become a staple in people's lives, it's only been implemented for residential use fairly recently. If you were curious about its beginnings, here's a brief overview of how it reached the consumer market.

How Did the Internet Begin?

The internet, as most people know it today, can be traced back to the Cold War, specifically the space race. After the Soviet Union launched their Sputnik satellite, the United States set out to do the same. To facilitate the research, the Department of Defense created the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), a computer network designed to help scientists and researchers communicate and share their work. The first message was sent on October 29, 1969, from UCLA to Stanford.

By the 1980s, programming had evolved to allow these communications to extend to a wider community. The Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) made it possible for multiple networks to exist and transmit information. TCP/IP is essentially the language that computer networks use to gather and decode data. 

How Did Satellite Internet Reach Homes?

In the 1990s, several companies applied for licenses to use satellites to transmit signals. In 1996, Hughes Network Systems started offering consumer satellite services, which later extended to businesses.

Unlike cabled connections, satellite internet isn't affected by local electrical issues or environmental factors. It uses satellites orbiting the Earth to send information wherever it needs to go. Innovations in telecommunications led to low-orbit models, which sit closer to the Earth and offer faster connections. Even decades after the space race, satellites continue to provide internet connections and tools for technology to grow even further in the future. 

When you need a reliable home internet connection, get in touch with Insight Satellite in Clover, SC. As an authorized HughesNet® retailer, they provide plans with fast speeds, no data limits, and built-in Wi-Fi. All customer calls are handled by local agents. Find information on their current plans and promotions on their website, or call (877) 788-9596 to discuss your needs.