What is a significant limitation of VSAT systems?

Latency issues represent a significant limitation of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems due to the characteristics of satellite communication. When data is transmitted between the ground station and a satellite, the signal must travel a considerable distance to and from the satellite in geostationary orbit, which can be approximately 35,786 kilometers (approximately 22,236 miles) away. This long distance introduces a delay, or latency, in the communication process. The latency can be especially pronounced in applications requiring real-time interaction, such as voice communications or certain industrial control systems, making it less suitable for scenarios where quick response times are critical.

The other aspects, while they might seem relevant, do not contribute to the primary limitation of VSAT systems. For example, while VSAT can handle various types of data, the support for high-frequency data is not typically presented as a major limitation. Additionally, VSAT systems can be relatively expensive to set up and maintain, rather than being low-cost and widely available. Moreover, while satellite coverage can be vast and include remote regions, it is not truly unlimited; factors such as the satellite's line of sight and specific frequency band limitations can restrict coverage in certain areas.