DSL stands for digital subscriber line, a group of technologies that provide digital data transmission through the local telephone network. DSL is also commonly known as ADSL, which stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. ADSL is one of the most popular methods for accessing the Internet, with a number of advantages over most other connection infrastructures. DSL over satelite (Sat DSL) is a specific type of connection technology that uses satellite infrastructure, in order to take advantage of remote connectivity. Many people who live and work in remote settings rely on satellite communication, as they have no access to regular telephone infrastructure.

Satellite Internet offers them with the ability to communicate with the rest of the world, and conduct personal and business relationships that would not otherwise be possible. Satellite Internet access is provided to users through low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These geostationary satellites are able to offer high data speeds to users, although they do have some disadvantages over hard wired Internet connections. There are a number of different configurations of satellite Internet on the market, some of which provide two-way communication and others that offer simple one-way services. One way receive services are reliant on terrestrial transmit infrastructure, with traditional dial up access often used to send outbound data at low speeds. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) connections are also available, which use GPRS or EDGE connections for the upload channel.

Satellite Internet is used by thousands of people all over the world, especially in remote areas where regular DSL services do not function. Both two way and one way satellite connections are used to transmit and receive data, with specific hardware components used to provide an uplink to satellites. The main advantage of Satellite Internet is its ability to be used in remote locations, in order to provide access to people who may not otherwise be able to use the Internet at all.