Satellite internet has transformed the digital landscape in the USA, offering connectivity even in the most remote areas. Imagine tapping into the vast space for your daily dose of streaming, browsing, and communicating. With satellite internet providers bridging gaps, the world is becoming a more connected place. No more depending on terrestrial cables; it’s all about the power of satellites orbiting our planet.
The three most popular satellite internet providers in the USA include Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink. Let’s compare these providers in terms of speed, affordability, pricing, perks, and customer service to simplify your search for the most suitable internet connection for your home.
HughesNet
HughesNet is one of the best satellite internet providers that serves more than 1.5 million customers across North and South America. Their satellite internet service is available in all 50 states, giving them an extensive reach when it comes to providing internet access in rural and remote areas.
HughesNet offers consistent download speeds to all customers, even in remote areas, which makes them one of the most reliable internet providers for consumers alike. Their network has undergone extensive testing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and fared best for delivering actual median download speed at 150% or higher of the advertised speed.
In addition to its reliable internet service, HughesNet satellite internet offers other features that make it an attractive option for business owners. With its advanced technology and efficient customer service, HughesNet is an excellent choice for businesses looking for an efficient and reliable source of connectivity.
Pros
- Provides customers with reliable satellite internet access in rural areas.
- Offers many different satellite internet plans to fit customer budgets and needs.
- Installation fees are typically much lower than those associated with other satellite internet providers.
- Customers can purchase additional data whenever needed to avoid overage charges.
Cons
- Data caps can restrict the amount of streaming and downloading.
- Slower speeds compared to cable or DSL services in certain areas.
- High costs associated with their satellite internet plans.
Internet Plans
HughesNet offers customers various plans to choose from, with varying speeds and data limits. The company has raised the monthly data limits and prices on its plans this year. These satellite internet plans come with introductory rates that vary by location, with new customers being able to save up to $50 for the first half-year on the 100GB plan.
HughesNet internet plans range from as low as $39.99 per month for slower speeds and smaller amounts of data to up to $124.99 per month for more data and higher speeds. HughesNet provides an honest and balanced pricing approach, performance, and download speed consistency.
| HughesNet Internet Plans | ||||
| Plans | Price | Speed | Data Cap | Shop Now |
| HughesNet 15 | $49.99/mo. | 15 Mbps | 15 GB | Order Now |
| HughesNet 50 | $49.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 50 GB | Order Now |
| Fusion 100 | $74.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 100 GB | Order Now |
| Fusion 200 | $149.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | 200 GB | Order Now |
Availability
HughesNet is available in all 50 states of the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. It has a far better record of outages than many satellite internet providers. Additionally, it also offers coverage in Latin American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil.
However, there are some restrictions when it comes to HughesNet’s satellite internet service. In order for the service to work correctly, it must have an unobstructed view of the sky. This could be a problem if you live near trees, buildings, or mountains. Additionally, since the satellite is 22,000 miles from the earth’s surface, there is a slight latency with HughesNet that may be better for specific applications or tasks.
Customer Service Review
In 2023, HughesNet will remain one of the best satellite internet providers. With its fast speeds, reliable coverage, and excellent customer service, it’s a great option for those living in rural areas who need an internet connection. But what sets HughesNet satellite internet apart from other providers, is its commitment to providing customers with top-notch customer service. HughesNet customer service could use some improvements. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, HughesNet falls just above the industry average in customer satisfaction.
In addition, the 2020 J.D. Power study scored HughesNet 578 out of 1000 in the Southern region – a below-average score and 42 points less than their 2019 score. Despite this less-than-desirable score, it does provide some support options for customers.
Overall, HughesNet’s customer service could use some improvement, but they do offer some support options that may be helpful to customers.
Viasat
Viasat is also a well-known satellite internet provider specializing in providing satellite broadband and secure networking infrastructure to both the public and private sectors. Formerly known as Exede, Viasat was established in 1986 and has since become a household name in rural areas across the United States. The company has extensive coverage, providing phone and internet services to a sizable population. The company uses satellite technology to provide high-speed internet access to customers anywhere in the U.S. with a clear view of the southern sky. In 2023, Viasat remains a top contender among satellite internet providers due to its high-speed plans, competitive pricing, and coverage area. Additionally, Viasat’s satellite internet coverage area reaches far beyond Starlink, with over a million nationwide subscribers. Viasat internet service is generally reliable and fast, but it can be affected by weather and other environmental factors.
Pros
- Viasat offers fast speeds of up to 100 Mbps
- Provides reliable service with low latency and no data cap limits
- Offer flexible plans that can fit any budget
- Customer service is well-rated
- Installation fees are typically waived
Cons
- Speed may vary significantly depending on the area
- The installation process can be time-consuming
Internet Plans
Viasat is a top-notch satellite internet provider in the US, and their packages come with more data than HughesNet, ranging from 40GB to 300GB depending on the package you choose. Viasat doesn’t require you to buy equipment. You can buy your Viasat equipment for a one-time purchase of $300, which is cheaper than its rivals.
Viasat and HughesNet require you to sign a 2-year contract to enjoy their services. However, Viasat offers more flexible pricing options.
The most affordable plan offered by Viasat costs $69.99, which is $40 less than what Starlink charges. The following table provides the details of Viasat Internet plans.
| Viasat Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Price | Internet Speed | Data Caps |
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | $69.99/mo. | 12 Mbps | 40 GB |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | $99.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 60 GB |
| Unlimited Gold 50 | $149.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | 100 GB |
| Unlimited Platinum 100 | $199.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 150 GB |
| Unlimited Diamond 100 | $299.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 300 GB |
| Call 877-412-0759 Now to Subscribe to Your Preferred Plan | |||
New Choice Internet Plans
Viasat’s New Choice Internet plans provide some of the fastest speeds in the industry. This package comprises six plans ranging from 25 Mbps to 150 Mbps. These plans are perfect for streaming movies and TV shows or playing online games. These new choice plans that Viasat offers include:
| Viasat Choice International Plans | |||
| Plan | Price | Internet Speed | Data Caps |
| Choice 25 | $64.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 40 GB |
| Choice 50 | $84.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | 60 GB |
| Choice 75 | $119.99/mo. | 75 Mbps | 100 GB |
| Choice 100 | $169.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 150 GB |
| Choice 125 | $249.99/mo. | 125 Mbps | 300 GB |
| Choice 150 | $249.99/mo. | 150 Mbps | 300 GB |
| Call 877-412-0759 Now! | |||
It’s worth noting that the actual speeds you will experience may vary depending on some factors, including your location, the configuration of your computer and home network, and the number of devices connected to the internet.
Coverage
Viasat offers service in many areas where other types of internet service are not available or are unreliable. However, the availability of Viasat service can vary depending on where you live and your location’s distance from the Viasat satellite. However, Viasat has coverage in every U.S. state and rural and remote areas of the United States. They use satellite technology to deliver customers high-speed internet, regardless of location.
However, Viasat is only available in 48 ZIP codes in 31 states, so not all areas are eligible for this service. Additionally, a clear view of the southern sky from your home is required for you to be able to access the service.
Customer Service Review
When it comes to customer service, Viasat is a mixed bag. The American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power omit Viasat in their yearly customer satisfaction reports; therefore, it’s hard to know what customers think of their service. However, customer reviews seem to vary widely, with some customers praising Viasat for their helpful customer service and others complaining about long wait times, unhelpful agents, and slow problem resolution.
Viasat does appear to try to respond to every complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). As of this writing, Viasat has approximately 2,000 complaints filed with the BBB in the last few years, most of which are what you’d expect to see for any internet service provider: service issues.
Starlink
Starlink is one of the most renowned satellite internet providers that was initially developed within SpaceX, the space exploration and aeronautics company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. In 2020, Starlink began launching its satellites into orbit to provide high-speed satellite internet to underserved areas of the world.
Since then, Starlink has made tremendous progress, launching over three thousand satellites into space, making it one of the best satellite internet providers. The company has stated its goal of launching 12,000 total satellites by 2024, and they’re currently offering service in 37 countries worldwide.
Starlink has made significant progress in expanding access to satellite internet, but there are still many areas where their service is unavailable. Additionally, due to the backlog of customers awaiting equipment, the wait time for installation can be quite long. Nevertheless, those who can receive Starlink services have praised the quality of the connection, making it one of the most promising satellite internet providers on the market.
Pros
- Lower latency than most traditional internet connections.
- Ability to provide secure and reliable connections.
- The service is fast and reliable.
- It is easy to set up.
Cons
- The high upfront cost for hardware and installation fees.
- Limited coverage area.
- High power consumption is required for optimal performance.
- Internet may experience outages.
Internet Plans
Starlink’s internet speeds vary depending on location, but most customers report download speeds of around 100 Mbps. The cost for service also varies based on location, with a starter package costing approximately $110/month. This plan provides download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. This is especially impressive since most other satellite internet providers offer much slower speeds with higher latency rates that can cause buffering issues or even complete disconnects when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
Compared to other satellite internet providers, Starlink does not require its customers to sign a term agreement, which can often make it more attractive to those who don’t want to be locked into a long-term contract.
However, an upfront equipment cost of $599 includes a Starlink router, modem, mounting tripod, and mounting pole. Customers may also need additional accessories to install their satellite internet, depending on the type of environment they live in.
Starlink is also a business internet provider. It also offers internet for RVs, maritime, and aviation industries.
| Starlink Internet Plans | |||
| Starlink Tier | Starting Price | Speed Range | Hardware Cost |
| Residential | $110/mo | 50- 250 Mbps | $599.00 |
| Business | $550/mo | 150- 500 Mbps | $2,500.00 |
| Recreational Vehicle (RV) | $135/mo | 50- 250 Mbps | $599.00 |
| Maritime | $5,000/mo | 100- 350 Mbps | $10,000.00 |
Coverage
Starlink is slowly gaining traction across the world. The company behind the service, SpaceX, is launching thousands of satellites into orbit to expand its coverage map. Currently, Starlink is available in selected regions within specific countries.
Starlink’s satellite internet coverage in the United States is scattered and limited to certain parts of 33 states. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which recently added Starlink to its database of broadband providers, the service was available to 26.70% of Americans as of June 2021. This number is expected to grow significantly over the next few years as more satellites join the constellation. But at present, the service is limited to users in the states.
Customer Service Review
Starlink is the newest satellite internet provider on the market, offering users access to some of the most technologically advanced internet connections available. However, when it comes to customer service, Starlink does not have an official helpline or physical center. Everything is done online, and it can take days for customers to get a response.
Customer reviews suggest that users have waited weeks, even after paying, in order to hear back from Starlink. Moreover, there is no chat option available on the website to offer instant tech support. This makes it difficult for users to get their queries answered on time.
Overall, Starlink provides innovative technology but falls short in customer service. If you are considering signing up with Starlink, be prepared for long wait times for help and support.
Final Verdict
Satellite internet has come a long way from its humble beginnings. With providers like Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink, it’s now more reliable and accessible than ever. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote mountain cabin, the sky—quite literally—is the limit.
When it comes down to Viasat and HughesNet, both providers have been around for some time and offer reliable, high-speed internet plans. While Starlink is an exciting new option that has recently become available, at present, it has limited coverage and has not been tested thoroughly enough to recommend it confidently. However, as technology advances and more customers get their hands on Starlink services, this may change. For now, Viasat and HughesNet are the best options for those looking for reliable satellite internet service in 2023!
FAQ’s
