Viasat Internet Plans
The Ultimate Guide to Viasat Internet
ntroduction to Viasat Satellite Internet
Viasat (formerly Exede) is a major satellite internet provider offering service to rural and remote areas where cable/fiber isn't available. While it has higher latency and data limits than ground-based internet, it provides crucial connectivity where few alternatives exist.
This in-depth Viasat review covers:
✔ Current plans & pricing
✔ Real-world speed performance
✔ Coverage availability
✔ Key advantages & limitations
✔ Comparison with competitors
✔ Tips for optimizing service
✅ Key Features:
"Unlimited" data (Speeds slow after cap)
Free standard installation ($299 value)
No hard cutoffs (Still works at reduced speeds)
⚠ Note: All plans have 600-800ms latency - unsuitable for gaming.
⚡ Viasat Speed Performance
Real-World Experience
| Activity | Performance |
|---|---|
| Web browsing | Decent (noticeable lag) |
| Email/Social media | Works well |
| SD video streaming | Possible (1-3 Mbps needed) |
| HD video streaming | Struggles (5+ Mbps ideal) |
| Online gaming | Not recommended |
| Video calls | Possible but choppy |
🔍 Why Consider Viasat?
✅ Available where no other internet exists
✅ Higher data caps than HughesNet
✅ No long-term contract required (2-year agreement but no ETF)
📍 Viasat Availability
Viasat covers all 50 states, serving areas with:
No cable/fiber options
Limited cellular coverage
Check Availability
Visit Check Availability
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⚠ Requires clear southern sky view for dish installation.
👍 Pros & Cons
✅ Advantages
✔ Nationwide rural availability
✔ Higher speeds than HughesNet (up to 100 Mbps)
✔ No hard data cutoff
❌ Limitations
❌ High latency (600ms+)
❌ Expensive for limited data
❌ Weather disruptions possible
🔍 Viasat vs Competitors
| Provider | Type | Max Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $70-$200/mo |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 25 Mbps | $65-$160/mo |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo |
| T-Mobile Home | Wireless | 400 Mbps | $50/mo |
💡 Best Alternatives:
For faster speeds: Starlink (where available)
For lower cost: T-Mobile Home Internet
📢 Final Verdict
⭐ Rating: 3.2/5
Best For:
Rural users with no alternatives
Light-to-moderate internet users
Avoid If:
You need low-latency for gaming/video calls
You consume 150GB+ data monthly
💡 Optimization Tips
Schedule large downloads overnight (3AM-6AM free zone)
Use data-saving modes on streaming apps
Consider Starlink if available in your area
Need help deciding between satellite providers? Ask about your specific usage! 🛰️