Compare Satellite Internet & TV Providers in Your Area

Satellite Internet Plans Available In Your Area

As there aren’t too many satellite internet options available in your area, you’re most likely to find either HughesNet, Viasat, or Starlink near you.

You can’t expect speeds like fiber internet service when it comes to satellite internet. You can however get speeds up to 200 MBPS with high latency. You can stream, but you can’t do any online gaming.

The only upside about satellite internet service is that it is available throughout the country. So, regardless of where you live, you’ll be able to find a provider.

HughesNet Internet Breakdown - Consistent Speeds

HughesNet introduced 2 new plans that offer 100 GB and 200 GB data with 25/3 broadband speeds. They’ve named the plans “Fusion”. While HughesNet claims users will get lower latency, don’t expect to be able to play online multiplayer games.

Plan Name	Download Speed	Price	Ideal for
15 GB	25 MBPS	$64.99/mo.	Single users with lightweight usage.
30 GB	25 MBPS	$74.99/mo.	Small households that use social media.
100 GB	25 MBPS	$89.99/mo.	Households with heavy internet usage.
200 GB	25 MBPS	$149.99/mo.	Families looking for the highest data caps.
Fusion 100 GB	25 MBPS	$99.99/mo.	Families that want high data limits with less latency.
Fusion 200 GB	25 MBPS	$174.99/mo.	Families that want high data limits with less latency.

What We Like About HughesNet:

• Price and Speed Consistency
  

  For the amount of speed you’re getting, paying the price ($64.99) is a good option for most users.

• Minimal Equipment Costs

  HughesNet has very low equipment rental fees, starting around $14/mo.

• Accurate Speeds

  Despite being satellite internet, HughesNet is one of the ISPs that they actually advertise. While HughesNet advertises 25 MBPS, according to FCC’s reports the median speed offered is 31 MBPS.

What We Dislike About HughesNet:

• Two Year Contract

  There’s no way around HughesNet’s contractual period. You have to sign a 2-year contract for their services. Canceling or changing the service agreement results in termination costs.

• High-Latency

  This is to be expected out of a satellite internet plan. You can expect high latency across all plans, even the Fusion plans that advertise low latency.

What We Like About Viasat:

• Great Speeds

  HughesNet has a fixed speed across all plans, while Viasat offers up to 100 MBPS on its plans. However, the exact speeds are based on where you live.

• More Data

  Viasat plans have a range of data between 40 - 150 GB. Viasat plans give you value for money for the price.

• Accurate Speeds

  The average download speed for Viasat plans is 12 MBPS. According to FCC’s reports, Viasat actual speeds come down to around 11 MBPS.

What We Dislike About Viasat:

• 2-Year Contract

  Similar to HughesNet, you’re expected to sign up a 2-year contract. Do keep in mind that there could be a price hike after 6 months.

• Slower Speeds After Data Consumption

  Once you hit your data limit, Viasat will slow down your speed until your next billing cycle.

Starlink Breakdown - Balanced Offering

Starlink is the newer player in the satellite internet niche, but it does offer lower latency, higher speeds, and unlimited data. The aim of Starlink is to allow households with limited bandwidth to learn and work from home.

Although, Starlink is costlier than both HughesNet and Viasat as plans start at $120/mo. and a $599 equipment fee.

What We Like About Starlink:

• Great Speeds

  Starlink currently offers speeds up to 200 MBPS across all areas, far better than the current speeds available.

• Low Latency

  Starlink offers far lower latency compared to other satellite internet providers. Allowing for activities that can’t be performed ordinarily.

• Unlimited Data

  Starlink currently doesn’t have any data caps for any of its plans. There’s no confirmation whether this situation will remain the same or not.

What We Dislike About Starlink:

• Expensive Onboarding Costs

  Users are expected to pay a $599 setup cost plus a $50 shipping cost. This cost is beyond affordable for most users.

• Limited Availability

  Being a satellite internet provider, Starlink currently has limited availability. You can sign up on Starlink’s website and wait till it becomes available in your area.

FAQ's

1. What is a satellite internet service?

A satellite internet service is a type of internet connection that utilizes satellites in orbit around the Earth to transmit and receive data signals. It provides internet access to areas where traditional terrestrial connections like cable or DSL are not available or are unreliable.

2. How does satellite internet work?

Satellite internet works by transmitting data signals from a user's dish or antenna to a satellite in space. The satellite then relays the signals to a ground station, which is connected to the internet backbone. The process is reversed when data is sent back from the internet to the user.

3. What equipment do I need for satellite internet service?

To access satellite internet, you typically need a satellite dish or antenna, a modem, and a router. The dish or antenna is installed outside your home or building to communicate with the satellite, while the modem and router are used to establish the connection within your premises.

4. Is satellite internet available everywhere?

Satellite internet can reach remote or rural areas where other types of internet connections may not be feasible. However, it's important to note that certain geographical factors, such as obstructions like tall trees or buildings, can affect the quality of the signal and impact the availability of satellite internet.

5. What are the advantages of satellite internet?

Satellite internet offers several advantages, including:

• Wide coverage: It can provide internet access in areas where other options are limited.
• Quick installation: Satellite internet can be set up relatively quickly compared to some wired connections.
• Mobility: Satellite internet can be used in mobile applications such as RVs, boats, or vehicles.
• Reliability: Satellite connections are less prone to service outages caused by local infrastructure issues.

6. What are the disadvantages of satellite internet?

While satellite internet has its benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Latency: Due to the long distances the signals have to travel, satellite internet experiences higher latency compared to other types of connections. This can result in noticeable delays during real-time activities like online gaming or video calls.
• Data caps: Many satellite internet plans have data usage limits, which can lead to reduced speeds or additional charges if exceeded.
• Weather-dependent: Inclement weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow can affect the signal quality and temporarily interrupt the service.

7. How fast is satellite internet?

Satellite internet speeds can vary depending on the service provider and plan you choose. While advancements have been made, satellite internet speeds generally tend to be slower than those offered by cable or fiber-optic connections. However, recent satellite internet technologies like low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations aim to provide faster speeds and reduce latency.

8. Can I use satellite internet for streaming or gaming?

Satellite internet can support streaming and gaming activities, but the higher latency can result in delays and buffering during real-time online gaming or video streaming. However, with the advent of newer satellite technologies, the performance of such activities is expected to improve.

9. Are there any alternatives to satellite internet?

Depending on your location, alternative options to satellite internet may include cable, DSL, fiber-optic, or fixed wireless connections. It's recommended to check with local service providers to determine what options are available in your area.

10. How much does a satellite internet service cost?

The cost of satellite internet service can vary depending on the service provider, the plan you choose, and any additional equipment or installation fees. It's advisable to compare pricing and packages offered by different providers to find the best option that suits your needs and budget.