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*Taxes & fees extra and subj. to change. See disclaimer for details. Restrictions apply.
*Taxes & fees extra and subj. to change. See disclaimer for details. Restrictions apply.
*Taxes & fees extra and subj. to change. See disclaimer for details. Restrictions apply.
*Taxes & fees extra and subj. to change. See disclaimer for details. Restrictions apply.
Viasat is available in 51 states across the United States, including District of Columbia. See if Viasat is available in your area using our coverage map.
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If you’ve ever gone stargazing and noticed a moving star that suddenly disappears, you might think it’s a UFO, but chances are it’s a satellite reflecting sunlight from over 22,000 miles away. That might not fit your uncle’s alien conspiracy theories, but it’s still an awe-inspiring piece of human engineering.
Viasat uses satellites like these to beam internet service to 327 million people in all 50 states, as well as the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. With all this coverage, Viasat ranks as the second-largest satellite internet provider in the U.S. in terms of availability.
Viasat download speeds top out at 150 Mbps, which is slower than the max speed of most of its terrestrial competitors, but keep in mind that Viasat's signals go to space and back (which isn’t a short journey). Pricewise, Viasat internet plans start at $39.99 per month, though prices may change based on current Viasat deals and promotions.
Connection type | Transmission method | Price (starting at) | Download speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
Satellite | Radio waves to a satellite in geosynchronous orbit | $119.99 per month | Up to 150 Mbps |
When it comes to Viasat, there are a lot of intricacies, including contracts, fees, plan options, and soft data caps. To help you sort through all these subtleties, here’s a list of pros and cons of Viasat internet:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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For many people, Viasat is a shining light in a sea of darkness, where traditional wired internet providers don’t reach. We know how hard it can be to find quality internet in remote areas. While there are some drawbacks to satellite internet, Viasat offers a happy middle ground with no hard data caps, relatively quick speeds, and the option to bundle your internet with voice or satellite TV. If you live in a remote or rural area and need the internet to keep you connected to the outside world, then we recommend Viasat.
Viasat’s new "Unleashed" plans have eliminated hard data caps and annual contracts, making it a much friendlier, flexible option for rural customers who rely on satellite internet. The upfront equipment costs can still be steep, so call a sales representative directly and ask if they can waive the installation fee to earn your business.
While Viasat isn't included in national surveys of internet providers, the ISP has a history of proactively responding to customer issues even when the occasional billing error or service disruption occurs. Some reviews we read noted high latency with Viasat, which is quite common with satellite internet. Others mention data throttling, particularly during peak hours or after reaching their monthly data limit. Again, this is par for the course on a satellite plan.
Overall, Viasat has a fairly positive reception, with positive customer reviews appreciating the company's unlimited data options, no-contract plans, and widespread availability.
Signing a contract for internet service can feel like a slippery slope if you don't know whether you'll be staying in one place for the foreseeable future. With Viasat, you can choose one of the provider's Unleashed plans and get off scot-free without a contract. However, if you choose its Essentials plan, you'll be required to sign a 12-month contract. In our opinion, if you know you're staying in your home for a while, you won't have to worry.
As with contracts, Viasat's data caps vary by plan. The Unleashed plan has unlimited standard and high-speed data. The Essentials plan comes with unlimited standard data and a 150 GB cap on high-speed data. If you go over your allotted monthly data, you won’t be charged a fee. Instead, you’ll experience slower internet while Viasat prioritizes users who haven’t gone over their monthly allotment yet.
| Connection type | Data cap |
|---|---|
Satellite | 150 GB to Unlimited |
Viasat provides satellite internet exclusively, but it also offers voice and satellite TV.
| Connection type | Starting price | Download speeds (up to) |
|---|---|---|
Satellite | $39.99 per month | 150 Mbps |
Viasat has nearly 100% availability across the 51 U.S. states, including certain U.S. territories.
Viasat satellite internet plans start at $39.99 per month, with the highest-tier plan at $119.99 per month.
No, all Viasat internet plans come with unlimited standard data. For high-speed data, the Unleased plans are unlimited, and the Essentials plan has a 150GB cap.
The fastest Viasat satellite internet plan comes with 150 Mbps.
Viasat is offering a $30 monthly discount on its Essentials and Unleased internet plans, for a total savings of $90.
