Comparing Internet Satellite Providers – Which One Offers the Value?

In many rural and under populated areas, mobile satellite internet is mostly the only choice for high-speed satellite internet access. Satellite internet Providers are presently the only type of satellite internet connection available to people in rural areas across all 50 states. It attends as a reliable choice for those who don’t have access to DSL, cable, or fiber internet. With satellite internet, you can connect your home internet modem to a satellite in space. At Top Internet Plans, you can compare top-notch and cost-effective satellite internet services.

Top Satellite Internet Service Providers of 2023

Starlink

First, Starlink provides faster maximum download speeds, ranging from 25 to 220Mbps. This is quicker than what you get with HughesNet and Viasat. Starlink also has less latency, which means your internet connection is reliable, ranging from 25 to 50 milliseconds, while HughesNet and Viasat usually have higher latency, between 450 to 700 milliseconds.

Second, Starlink makes things easy by providing just two satellite internet service plans: Starlink Standard and Starlink Priority. The Priority Internet plan comes with apart equipment for faster downloads but prices more.

Lastly, the equipment fees for Starlink are costly, $599 for the standard internet plan and a hefty $2,500 for Starlink Priority. However, different HughesNet or Viasat, Starlink doesn’t need you to sign a two-year contract. Standard users have unlimited satellite internet, but starting in April, there’s a liberal 1TB limit (up to 6TB if you spend $1,500 monthly) for priority customers. If they cross this limit, their speeds will be reduced until the finish of the billing cycle. Keeping in mind the good upload speed, these are valuable improvements for anyone using satellite internet. These details could change as Starlink expands, but there are interesting features of the service that could make it stand out from the competition.

Starlink Satellite Internet Plans and Costs

Hughesnet

HughesNet is known for keeping its internet download speeds compatible. Unlike some other satellite internet providers where speeds can be different depending on your location, HughesNet provides its maximum download speed to all users in remote areas. A report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found that HughesNet performed the best out of all the internet providers they learned, delivering real download speeds that were 150% or more of what they advertised.

But there are some things to understand. While HughesNet doesn’t have harsh data limits, once you use up all your data for the month, your speeds will go down to 1 to 3 megabits per second. Also, in a user satisfaction study by J.D. Power, HughesNet didn’t do as well and closed up in last place in the South region for overall user satisfaction.

HughesNet Satellite Internet Plans and Costs

Viasat

Viasat satellite internet lets you select an internet plan that best fits your necessities. Those satellite internet services plans add a few slower than you’ll observe with HughesNet and some faster. Packages also come with more data — up to 500GB — though, same as HughesNet, you may search your data “deprioritized” if you increase your monthly data allowance.

In 2022, Viasat made a change concerning its equipment. Before, you couldn’t purchase Viasat equipment, which might have looked fine because HughesNet demands $350 for equipment (which includes installation), and Starlink gear prices $599. However, with Viasat, you had to give a $15 monthly fee for equipment leased. But now, you can purchase Viasat equipment for a one-time price of $300, which is cheaper than what their competitors demand.

Viasat Offers Satellite Broadband Internet Plans and Costs

Final Words 

In 2023 when comparing satellite internet providers for rural areas, Starlink stands out with faster speeds and lower latency, offering two simple plans without long-term contracts, although the equipment costs are high. HughesNet, on the other hand, offers consistent speeds but may reduce your speed after reaching your unlimited satellite internet data limit, and user satisfaction varies. Viasat provides flexible plans and recently introduced affordable equipment purchase options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, location, and budget, so consider these factors carefully when selecting a satellite internet provider for your rural or underserved area.