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Are you in a rural area and struggling to find internet providers in you area? While options are limited, there are a few satellite providers worth checking out. You’ve probably heard of Viasat, an established ISP available virtually anywhere in the US. However, Starlink, a new competitor, is also making waves in the internet arena.
In this comparison, we look at Viasat internet plans and Starlink internet plans to help you decide which one is right for you.
- Fast satellite internet
- Ideal for rural areas
- Up to 3x faster than DSL*
- High-speed satellite internet
- Low-latency connection
- No annual contracts
Internet Plans
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Data Caps | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps | No | $12.99/mo. |
| Starlink | $110/mo.* | 200 Mbps | No | None |
| Provider | Viasat |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. |
| Max Download Speed | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Equipment Fee | $12.99/mo. |
| Provider | Starlink |
| Starting Price | $110/mo.* |
| Max Download Speed | 200 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Equipment Fee | None |
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 4/21/22.
Viasat is HighSpeedOptions’s #1 choice for fast satellite internet due to its available speeds.
Viasat Internet Plans
We’ve done the research on everything Viasat has to offer, so you can quickly assess if it meets your needs. Viasat currently offers four different internet plans with speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps. There are no hard data caps or overage fees to worry about, so you can enjoy the full benefit of your service without your speeds getting throttled.
Starlink Internet Plans
Starlink is a newer satellite internet provider, powered by SpaceX. While availability is limited to select parts of the US and Canada right now, the ISP announced that customers can expect worldwide Starlink coverage by the end of 2023. For now, users can achieve download speeds up to 200 Mbps, depending on where you live.
Internet Features
Viasat offers lower introductory prices ideal for budget shoppers, while Starlink offers higher download speeds. Check out how else these two rural internet providers differ below.
No Hard Data Caps
Viasat internet plans come with a data allowance. When exceeded, you still have unlimited access to Standard Data, though speeds may be slower.
No Hard Data Caps
Starlink internet offers unlimited data, meaning you can stream, game, and browse online all you want, but will slow speeds if more than 1TB of data is used during the month.
Contract Required
Viasat requires a 24-month service agreement for all internet plans. If you wish to cancel service before your term is up, you may incur an early termination fee.
No Contract Required
Starlink does not require contracts, so you can cancel service at any time. They even offer a full refund of your hardware payment if you return your Starlink Kit within 30 days of receiving it.
Wide Availability
Viasat has been in business for decades, growing its satellite network to be available virtually everywhere in the world.
Limited Availability
Starlink is only available in select regions of the US and Canada at the moment. However, availability should open up significantly by the end of 2023.
Internet Security
Viasat offers Viasat Shield Premium in partnership with Bitdefender, which offers customers cybersecurity and antivirus protection. On its own Viasat charges $8.99/mo., but is free with all internet plans.
Internet Security
While Starlink doesn’t offer internet security features, its router does support WPA2 and WPA3 security.
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No Hard Data Caps
Viasat internet plans come with a data allowance. When exceeded, you still have unlimited access to Standard Data, though speeds may be slower.
Contract Required
Viasat requires a 24-month service agreement for all internet plans. If you wish to cancel service before your term is up, you may incur an early termination fee.
Wide Availability
Viasat has been in business for decades, growing its satellite network to be available virtually everywhere in the world.
Internet Security
Viasat offers Viasat Shield Premium in partnership with Bitdefender, which offers customers cybersecurity and antivirus protection. On its own Viasat charges $8.99/mo., but is free with all internet plans.
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No Hard Data Caps
Starlink internet offers unlimited data, meaning you can stream, game, and browse online all you want, but will slow speeds if more than 1TB of data is used during the month.
No Contract Required
Starlink does not require contracts, so you can cancel service at any time. They even offer a full refund of your hardware payment if you return your Starlink Kit within 30 days of receiving it.
Limited Availability
Starlink is only available in select regions of the US and Canada at the moment. However, availability should open up significantly by the end of 2023.
Internet Security
While Starlink doesn’t offer internet security features, its router does support WPA2 and WPA3 security.
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Internet Fees
It’s important to know what features your provider charges for before signing up for service, so you’re not caught by surprise or left unsatisfied. We break down the most common internet fees to inspect while shopping around.
Professional Installation
Viasat charges a one-time fee of $99 for a professional home installation
Self-Installation
Self-installation is the only option you get, and there are no technicians available to help you in person. It’s free of course but offset by a $499 Starlink Kit charge, which is a pretty steep ask.
Early Termination
If you wish to cancel your Viasat service before your contract is up, you’ll automatically be charged $15 for each remaining month of your term.
Early Termination
Starlink does not charge ETFs. However, if you cancel your service outside their 30-day grace period, you are stuck with the expensive equipment you purchased upfront.
Equipment Rental
Viasat equipment rentals cost $10 per month, which is on par with most providers.
Equipment Rental
Aside from the one-time charge for the Starlink Kit, there are no equipment fees. Starlink allows its customers to use their own WiFi router.
Price Hikes
Viasat increases the introductory monthly price of its internet plans once by $50.00 after the first three months of service. After that, the price remains fixed for the duration of your service agreement.
Price Hikes
As of now, Starlink offers one flat rate for satellite internet. Since they are so new, we haven’t seen any information on its website hinting at future pricing structures.
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Professional Installation
Viasat charges a one-time fee of $99 for a professional home installation
Early Termination
If you wish to cancel your Viasat service before your contract is up, you’ll automatically be charged $15 for each remaining month of your term.
Equipment Rental
Viasat equipment rentals cost $10 per month, which is on par with most providers.
Price Hikes
Viasat increases the introductory monthly price of its internet plans once by $50.00 after the first three months of service. After that, the price remains fixed for the duration of your service agreement.
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Self-Installation
Self-installation is the only option you get, and there are no technicians available to help you in person. It’s free of course but offset by a $499 Starlink Kit charge, which is a pretty steep ask.
Early Termination
Starlink does not charge ETFs. However, if you cancel your service outside their 30-day grace period, you are stuck with the expensive equipment you purchased upfront.
Equipment Rental
Aside from the one-time charge for the Starlink Kit, there are no equipment fees. Starlink allows its customers to use their own WiFi router.
Price Hikes
As of now, Starlink offers one flat rate for satellite internet. Since they are so new, we haven’t seen any information on its website hinting at future pricing structures.
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Picking a Provider
All in all, it’s pretty clear who the winner is in this lineup. While Starlink offers faster speeds, its service is very limited. Viasat, on the other hand, is a well-established provider that offers better plan variety, pricing, and availability. See below what user best fits each ISP.
Viasat: Budget Shopper
Budget shoppers can appreciate the low cost of Viasat internet as you get more plan options and special rates for the first three months of service. You’ll also avoid the massive upfront costs associated with Starlink when you go the Viasat route. $499 for equipment is steep no matter what type of service you offer.
Starlink: Data-Heavy User
Starlink internet takes the lead in this category simply for its higher bandwidth. Users have raved about its surprisingly low latency and unlimited data that can support streaming TV and gaming. If you’re a data-heavy user who lives in a remote area, you may want to consider Starlink.
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