Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?
Satellite internet terminal
Needs the grid
One of 3 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.
What your site needs
Clear sky view (no dense tree canopy or structure overhead)
A dish that connects to internet satellites passing low overhead. It works almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky, without fibre or mobile coverage, so it fails for different reasons than they do. It needs power, can slow at busy times, and depends on the company’s subscription.
Build it
This solution is not buildable as a DIY project.
Cost
High
Upkeep
Occasional
Skill to build
Specialist
Lifespan
Terminal hardware: 5-10 years typical consumer-electronics cycle; the underlying satellite constellation itself has individual satellites with a 5-7 year design life, replaced by the operator, not the household
Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.
Satellite internet terminal (This page) Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: High · Skill to build: Specialist · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: No Choose it if neither fixed lines nor mobile coverage reach the site.
Fixed broadband / fibre connection Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Specialist · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: No Choose it if fibre or cable reaches the house and you want the fastest, steadiest connection.
Cellular router Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: No Choose it if no fixed line reaches you but mobile coverage is good.
Sources
BroadbandNow / US Mobile Starlink reviews
Limitations of this page
We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.