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Satellite internet is a service offered by internet providers that operates by transmitting data from the ground to satellites orbiting the earth and back down to receivers. Since it doesn’t rely on wireline transmission and only requires a clear view of the southern sky, satellite internet is available almost anywhere. It’s one of the few broadband internet choices for consumers in rural areas.
Satellite internet is a great option for those that live in rural areas. In some cases, it may be your only option. It offers connectivity where other types of internet connections simply can’t reach, keeping you online for working from home, gaming online, and streaming video. Satellite internet can also provide connectivity if you’re a frequent traveler or live a mobile lifestyle. Despite potential limitations like higher latency compared to terrestrial options, advancements in technology have significantly improved speeds and reliability. If you’re considering satellite internet, it’s a good idea to run an internet speed test to determine if your current connection is meeting your needs.
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download | Max Upload | Data Caps | Find Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | No | Check Availability |
| Viasat | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps | 3 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| HughesNet | $44.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Provider | EarthLink |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. |
| Max Download | 5 Gbps |
| Max Upload | 5 Gbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Viasat |
| Starting Price | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 3 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | HughesNet |
| Starting Price | $44.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 25 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 3 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 08/17/2023.
Better Options and Add-Ons
$49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo.
5 Gbps
5 Gbps
No
EarthLink offers satellite internet in 48 states. With speeds up to 100 Mbps, EarthLink internet is a great option for rural customers who need reliable and affordable internet service. EarthLink also offers a variety of bundling options, so you can get the internet, TV, and phone service you need all in one place.
Best Satellite Speeds
$64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.
25 Mbps – 150 Mbps
3 Mbps
No
Viasat satellite internet offers high-speed internet to rural and remote areas across the United States. With speeds up to 100 Mbps, Viasat internet is a great option for customers who need reliable and affordable internet service in areas where fiber and cable internet are not available.
Best Overall Reliability
$44.99/mo.
25 Mbps
3 Mbps
No
HughesNet satellite internet offers reliable internet solutions for residential customers in all 50 states. With speeds up to 25 Mbps, built-in WiFi for greater home coverage, and no hard data caps, HughesNet internet is a great option for customers who need fast and affordable internet service.
The availability of satellite internet makes it an ideal option for those that live in rural areas, travel frequently, or live the mobile lifestyle. It provides broadband speeds and a reliable connection where other types of internet cannot.
Satellite internet differs from ground-based internet connection, such as cable and fiber internet. Since it doesn’t rely on wireline but rather satellites orbiting the earth, it is available anywhere with a clear view of the southern sky. This makes it ideal for rural residents, but where it excels in availability, it lacks in speed and low internet latency. It also can be disrupted by severe weather conditions. Due to the high operating costs of satellite internet, it is one of the most expensive types of internet.
Between hidden fees and price hikes, finding the right internet plan can feel overwhelming. To help with your search, our team of internet experts evaluates ISPs on categories including performance, affordability, and customer satisfaction to provide you with the best options near you.
DSL internet and satellite internet deliver comparable speeds. Both can offer speeds up to 100 Mbps, however, DSL is usually more reliable than satellite for its grounded wire technology. Satellite internet is susceptible to service interruptions due to bad weather or faulty equipment, while DSL runs along grounded telephone lines that are protected from the elements.
If you decide to go with satellite internet, you may be able to get speeds from 25 Mbps to 150 Mbps in speeds. These speeds can support low to moderate internet usage like web browsing and occasional streaming. However, everyone’s needs are unique. The internet speed you need will depend on your lifestyle.
If Viasat internet is available in your area, you can enjoy some of the fastest speeds on the market, with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps. However, in some areas, Viasat only offers speeds up to 12 Mbps.
Starklink deploys satellite technology that uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver faster internet speeds to residential customers than traditional satellite technology can.
Right now, customers are able to receive anywhere from 50-150 Mbps depending on how far they are from satellites in the sky. However, once fully deployed, Starlink internet is anticipated to offer equal download and upload speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. That’s unheard of for satellite internet like HughesNet and Viasat. Starlink is currently taking reservations, but the equipment may not ship until 2025.
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