The world of telecommunications is varying a lot. Big Tech Giants like Google, Facebook, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic want to offer satellite internet. This means you’ll have lots of choices soon. Internet users can also explore and choose the most appropriate internet plans with one of the internet providers i.e. Top Internet Plans. However, picking the right and best satellite internet provider can be troublesome. Here are some easy tips that can help you to choose the best one.
- Satellite Internet Availability In Your Location
- Know Your Satellite Equipment Cost
- Check Satellite Internet Expiration Period
- Consider Satellite Equipment Upgrades
- Require Satellite Internet Contract Or Not
- Check Satellite Internet Speed
Satellite Internet Availability In Your Location
You should find out if you can get satellite internet in your area. It’s usually available in most places, and it’s easy to check. Just type in your zip code, and we’ll show you all the internet options you have. It’s really simple. To use satellite internet provider services, you need to be able to see the southern sky clearly. This is important. It’s a good choice if you live in the countryside or travel in an RV.
But if you have big buildings or lots of trees near your home, it might make it hard to get satellite internet. So, talk to the company that provides internet to make sure that things like buildings or trees won’t block your signal.
Know Your Satellite Equipment Cost
To get satellite internet, you need to put a satellite dish in your house. It should face the satellite in the sky that gives you the internet. This is a bit tricky, so you’ll need a professional to install it. You might also have to pay extra if the dish needs to be moved.
Let’s talk about how much all this costs for both Viasat and HughesNet.
Satellite Equipment Installation Costs
| Provider | Installation Cost | Equipment Rental Fee | Equipment Buyout Price |
| Viasat | $95.95 | $9.99 per month | $299.00 one-time free |
| HughesNet | $99.00 (If renting equipment) | $14.99 per month | $449.99 one-time free |
Apart from the satellite dish, you’ll need a modem and maybe a router to make sure your internet works on all your devices at home. The good news is, the cost of renting the modem is already included in the fee you pay for the satellite dish. So, you don’t need to worry about an extra charge for the modem on your bill.
Check Satellite Internet Expiration Period
All types of internet can sometimes stop working, and that includes satellite internet. Bad weather can sometimes make your satellite internet not work, but this doesn’t happen all the time. It’s a good idea to check your satellite dish and the cables that connect it to make sure they’re not broken or covered in stuff like leaves or branches. These things can also make your internet slow.
If you want to know how often Viasat or HughesNet have these internet problems, you can go to their DownDetector pages.
When you look at these pages, you’ll see a part that says “Resolved issues” and a link to see past problems. This can help you see how often these companies had issues before. But remember, sometimes the person reporting the problem might be the reason, or it might be because of bad weather in one place. Still, looking at these pages can give you an idea of how good your new internet company is.
Consider Satellite Equipment Upgrades
Sometimes, internet satellite providers put new satellites in the sky. If your internet is connected to one of these new satellites, you might need new equipment or a computer program update.
It’s a good idea to ask if these upgrades are free and how you can get them. We don’t think you’ll have to pay for these things very often, but it’s better to know about them ahead of time than to be surprised later.
Require Satellite Internet Contract Or Not
Both Viasat and HughesNet will ask you to sign a contract. Usually, it lasts for 24 months. When you sign a contract, you often get a better price each month or a deal on things like equipment or installation. For example, with Viasat, your monthly price stays the same for those 24 months (except for the first three months, where there might be a special price).
But if you decide to stop using Viasat or HughesNet before your contract ends, they might charge you something called an “early termination fee” (ETF). The amount of this fee depends on how much time is left on your contract, and it can be quite a bit.
Here’s what you might have to pay:
- Viasat’s early termination fee is $15 for each month left in your contract.
- HughesNet’s early termination fee is between $85 and $400, depending on your specific situation.
Check Satellite Internet Speed
The speed of the Satellite Internet is approximately 25 Mbps every time you access it on your device. With Viasat, you can get internet speeds ranging from 12 to 150 Mbps. But remember, faster speeds usually cost more money.
We suggest having at least 25 Mbps if you can afford it. This speed lets you do regular internet stuff and even watch some HD TV shows online. But keep in mind that your internet speed and how much data you use are connected when it comes to satellite internet. We’ll talk about data in the next part.
Let’s break down the internet speeds and prices for both Viasat and HughesNet.
Viasat and HughesNet Satellite Internet Prices
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Download Speeds | Data Cap |
| HughesNet | $49.99 to $149.99 | 15 to 50 Mbps | Unlimited |
| Viasat | $69.99 to $299.99 | 12 to 100 Mbps | 200 Mbps |
Final Verdict
So, as the telecommunications infrastructure develops, choosing the right satellite internet provider is crucial. First, ensure satellite TV services and internet are available in your area and that you have a clear view of the southern sky. Understand the equipment costs, including installation fees, and be aware of potential upgrades.
Consider the contract terms, as both Viasat and HughesNet typically require a 24-month commitment with associated early termination fees. Moreover, assess your internet speed needs and budget accordingly, aiming for at least 25 Mbps for a smoother online experience.
Ultimately, comparing prices, download speeds, and data caps will help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements. With these considerations in mind, you can select the best satellite internet provider for your area and enjoy reliable connectivity.
