Antarctica is just starting to become a more habitable place for short-term visitors and tourists. Comparing life on Antarctica versus life in another country may show a drastic difference. In our day and age, the internet is an integrated part of our everyday lives. You may be wondering, is there internet on Antarctica ? The answer is both yes and no.

Internet access is a tricky trade in Antarctica. The internet is provided through satellite, as there are no submarines cables to Antarctica that can provide better internet coverage. If you are visiting Antarctica for research or scientific purposes, you will be granted internet access for your work. Most of the broadband is given priority to those using the internet for their jobs on Antarctica. However, if you are looking to use the internet for something more leisurely, such as watching a YouTube video or checking your social media, internet access is pretty limited. Furthermore, the internet is incredibly slow. Trying to load a video or website that has a lot of content is virtually impossible and will take up too much broadband to attempt. You will most likely be able to use the internet to check and send emails, catch up with a phone call, and other simple tasks.

If you are visiting Antarctica on a private expedition, internet access is not provided. You would need to find your own way of buying internet access and it will be incredibly expensive. Devices such as Iridium phones and modems allow for access to satellite internet coverage, but again, it is very slow and expensive.

Keep in mind that surfing the web in Antarctica is monitored constantly by governing countries. Certain websites are allowed while others are not. Keep in mind that your internet activity is being recorded and you may not have full privacy while on the web.