Viasat brings high-speed satellite internet to rural and remote spots all over America. They use advanced satellite technology to cover 98% of the country, offering speeds up to 150 Mbps and unlimited data.
Viasat is one of America’s top satellite internet providers. They use geostationary satellites sitting 22,000 miles above Earth to beam internet right into your home.
They focus on connecting rural households where cable and fiber just don’t reach. Viasat steps in where ground-based providers can’t go, thanks to tough geography or low population.
Viasat runs several high-capacity satellites that cover the continental US. These satellites use Ka-band frequency tech for faster speeds than older systems.
The company’s latest satellite constellation powers the Viasat Unleashed plan. That plan gives speeds up to 150 Mbps, no data caps, and no contracts—but only in certain areas.
Satellite internet sends your data through space, not underground cables or cell towers. Your dish talks to Viasat’s satellites, which sit fixed above the equator.
When you click a website, your request shoots from your dish to the satellite. The satellite beams it down to Viasat’s ground stations, which connect to the main internet lines.
The answer comes back the same way: from the server to the ground station, up to the satellite, and down to your dish and modem.
This whole process creates latency of about 600-700 milliseconds because of the distance. It’s fine for browsing and streaming, but real-time gaming and video calls might feel laggy.
Viasat’s newer satellites use spot beam technology. They focus signal strength into smaller areas so more people can share bandwidth efficiently.
You can get Viasat in 98% of America. It covers places where cable, fiber, and DSL just don’t exist.
Most plans include free professional installation. Viasat sends a technician to mount the satellite dish and set up everything, so you don’t have to worry about the details.
Viasat offers several plans for different needs. If you use the internet lightly, you can go with a basic plan. If you stream a lot, there are higher-speed options with bigger data allowances.
The Viasat Unleashed plan gives you unlimited high-speed data with no throttling. That means you don’t have to stress about hitting a data limit during busy months.
Customer support is available by phone, chat, and mobile app. They’re open from 6 AM to 11 PM Eastern Time every day for current customers.
You can lease your equipment for $15 a month or buy it outright for $250. That way, you can choose what works best for your budget.
Viasat has two main satellite internet plans for different needs and budgets. The Viasat Essentials plan comes with a 12-month contract and 150 GB of high-speed data. The Viasat Unleashed plan offers unlimited high-speed data and doesn’t lock you into a contract.
Viasat Essentials is the affordable choice for moderate users. It requires a 12-month commitment and gives you 150 GB of high-speed data each month.
Once you use up your 150 GB, you still get unlimited standard data. But during network congestion, Viasat may slow your speeds as they prioritize other traffic.
Viasat Unleashed is for heavy users who want steady high speeds. You pay month-to-month and can cancel anytime—no early termination fees.
This plan includes unlimited high-speed data. If your usage goes way above normal residential use, you might see slower speeds during busy times.
Both plans come with professional installation, live customer support, and nationwide coverage. You can get these plans in rural and remote areas where cable companies don’t go.
Take a look at your monthly data habits before picking a plan. If you mostly browse, check email, and stream a little, the Essentials plan should do the trick.
If you stream on several devices, work from home, or game online, the Unleashed plan is probably better. The unlimited data feature keeps your speeds from dropping due to high usage.
Think about your budget too. The Essentials plan is cheaper each month but requires a year-long contract. The Unleashed plan gives you flexibility but usually costs more per month.
People in rural areas often have limited choices, so Viasat is appealing no matter which plan you pick. Their satellite technology brings internet where fiber and cable can’t reach.
Viasat pricing depends on where you live and current deals. They run different promotions throughout the year to help new customers save on startup costs.
Sometimes you’ll pay a standard installation fee at sign-up. Monthly bills include your service fee, equipment lease, and any taxes.
It’s best to contact Viasat directly for a quote based on your address and needs. Prices change from time to time, so what you see advertised might not match current rates.
You can also bundle home phone service, which includes unlimited local and long-distance calling to all 50 states and Canada.
Viasat covers almost the entire United States with its satellite internet network, serving 327 million people across all 50 states. To get the best signal, you’ll need a clear view of the southern sky and professional installation for your equipment.
Viasat’s satellite internet reaches pretty much every corner of the US, even the most remote rural areas where cable and fiber aren’t available. They also serve Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Rural customers make up most of Viasat’s market. These places often don’t have other broadband options, so satellite internet is their best shot at a fast connection.
Coverage Requirements:
Their satellites sit in geostationary orbit, 22,000 miles above Earth. This high altitude gives them huge coverage but also means higher latency compared to low-Earth orbit systems.
You can check if Viasat is available in your area by entering your ZIP code on their website. The system instantly shows you coverage and plan options for your address.
Viasat sends a pro to install your system so the dish lines up just right and everything works. The technician handles the whole setup, from mounting the dish to testing the system.
Installations usually take 2-4 hours, depending on your location and how tricky it is. The tech finds the best spot with a clear southern sky.
Installation Includes:
Your monthly plan covers equipment rental. The technician will show you how everything works and offer troubleshooting tips before leaving.
Bad weather can delay installation. If there’s heavy rain, snow, or wind, they may need to reschedule for safety and better performance.
Viasat uses a tiered data system. You get high-speed data up to your plan’s limit, then unlimited standard data at possibly slower speeds. Most plans have caps from 12 GB to 300 GB per month, and speed management kicks in after you go over.
Each Viasat plan has a set monthly high-speed data allowance. Entry-level plans give you 12-40 GB. Mid-tier plans offer 60-100 GB. Premium options go up to 150-300 GB.
Unlimited data means you never get completely cut off or charged for overages. Once you use your high-speed data, you still get unlimited standard data for the rest of your billing cycle.
The switch from high-speed to standard data happens automatically. You can still stream, browse, and use smart home devices. Standard speeds work for basic web use and email, but streaming quality might drop.
Viasat’s Data Allowance Policy helps keep the network stable for everyone. It stops heavy users from slowing things down for others during busy times.
Unlimited standard data kicks in after you hit your monthly high-speed limit. Viasat gives priority to users still within their high-speed data during network congestion.
Standard data speeds depend on network traffic and your location. Rural areas might see bigger slowdowns than suburbs with newer satellites.
You can buy extra high-speed data in your online portal. Add-ons usually cost $10-15 for every 5 GB, and they give you full speed until your next billing cycle.
Some older plans have Free Zones at night. Data used between 3 AM and 6 AM doesn’t count toward your cap on those plans.
The MyViasat app and customer portal let you track your data usage in real time. You can set alerts at 50%, 75%, and 90% of your monthly limit to avoid slowdowns.
Streaming uses the most data. Standard definition video takes about 0.7 GB per hour, while 4K can burn through 9 GB an hour. Netflix and Hulu have data-saver modes to help you out.
Smart home devices vary a lot. Security cameras can use 60-140 GB a month, depending on quality settings. Smart thermostats barely use any—maybe 50 MB per month.
Background app updates and cloud syncing can waste data. Turn off auto-updates and schedule big downloads during Free Zone hours if you can. For social media, disable autoplay videos and turn on data-saver settings.
Viasat internet gives you download speeds from 12 to 100 Mbps, with steady upload speeds on all plans. It’s solid for streaming, but real-time gaming isn’t great because of satellite latency.
Depending on your plan and where you live, Viasat offers 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps download speeds. The basic 12 Mbps plan is fine for light browsing and email. If you need more, mid-tier plans go up to 25-50 Mbps and work well for households with several devices and moderate streaming.
The top-tier plans hit 100 Mbps in some places—the fastest you’ll get from traditional satellite providers. These speeds can handle HD streaming, video calls, and lots of simultaneous device use.
Upload speeds are lower than downloads across all plans, which is normal for satellite internet. Most folks find them good enough for video calls and file sharing.
Weather, network congestion, and dish alignment can affect your actual speed. During peak hours, you might notice things slow down a bit.
Viasat can handle HD streaming pretty well if you’ve got speeds of 25 Mbps or more. On the faster plans, you can run several streams at once and usually don’t run into much buffering.
If you want 4K streaming, you’ll need to spring for the premium 100 Mbps plans to keep things smooth.
Video conferencing usually goes smoothly for remote work or online meetings. Platforms like Zoom and Teams run with decent video quality. Upload speeds generally meet the needs of most video calls, so interruptions are rare.
Gaming performance is where things get tricky. Satellite latency makes fast-paced, competitive games frustrating. Casual and turn-based games work okay, but if you’re into first-person shooters or real-time strategy, expect some noticeable delays.
Latency sits around 600-700 milliseconds—way above what gamers want. This happens because the signal has to travel all the way up to geostationary satellites and back down.
Viasat Voice gives you reliable phone connectivity through satellite, offering unlimited calling across all 50 states and Canada. This VoIP service works with your existing smartphones and doesn’t eat into your data allowance.
Viasat Voice offers comprehensive communication features that fit right into most households. You just plug it into the Viasat modem with a regular phone cord—setup’s quick and simple.
Core calling features give you unlimited local and long-distance calls to the US and Canada. Call quality stays steady thanks to satellite optimization for VoIP.
Smart integration lets you use the Find Me, Follow Me feature, so home phone calls can go straight to your mobile. Voicemail messages also show up on your smartphone for easy checking.
Standard features like caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, and voicemail are all included. You can block unwanted calls or send them to voicemail, so you only answer what matters.
Number portability means you can usually keep your old phone number, or you can pick a new one during setup.
You won’t use up your Viasat internet data when you make calls, so your bandwidth stays free for everything else.
Viasat Voice starts at $25 per month for the first three months, with $10 off each month as an intro deal. After that, the regular price kicks in.
Cost advantages make this VoIP service a solid alternative to old-school landlines. You do need an active Viasat internet subscription, but that opens up bundle savings.
Billing includes your monthly fee, taxes, E911 charges, and other regulatory fees, all charged automatically. If you call outside the US or Canada, you’ll see extra charges.
Service flexibility is a plus—you pay month-to-month, and there are no early termination fees. Cancel anytime without a penalty.
Emergency situations need a power backup, since the phone runs on your internet connection. If the power goes out, both internet and phone stop working, so 911 is unavailable.
Battery backup systems can keep things running for several hours if the electricity cuts out.
Viasat gives you a few ways to combine services for more convenience and maybe some savings. They team up with other providers to build bundles that suit different households.
You can bundle Viasat satellite internet with Viasat Voice for a full communication setup. This works well for homes that want both solid internet and a traditional phone line.
Viasat Voice uses the same satellite connection as the internet. That means you get phone service even out in the sticks, where cell towers just don’t cut it.
The phone service includes caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting. Long-distance calls within the US are included—no extra charges there.
Bundling internet and phone can lower your monthly bill versus buying them separately. The exact savings depend on your plan and location.
Viasat partners with DISH Network for TV and internet bundles. These packages let you combine satellite internet with live TV, local channels, and streaming, all in one place.
The DISH partnership brings hundreds of channels and plenty of on-demand content. Professional installation covers both internet and TV gear.
You can add premium channels or DVR service to your bundle. Combined billing makes it easier to keep track of your monthly costs.
Some places might offer Viasat’s fixed wireless internet, which provides faster speeds, easier self-installation, and no contract.
One customer service team handles all bundled services, so troubleshooting is less of a headache when something goes wrong.
Viasat sends professional technicians to handle setup. They usually install home satellite internet within 3-5 days after you schedule. The installation includes mounting a satellite dish and getting the Wi-Fi modem up and running.
After you place your order, Viasat schedules a technician visit within 3-5 days. The installer brings all the gear: satellite dish, Viasat router, coaxial cables, and mounting hardware.
The technician starts with a site survey to figure out the best spot for the dish (it’s about 30 by 28 inches).
Standard install options:
The installer checks signal strength and looks for anything that could block the satellite, like trees or buildings.
If your home needs something different, non-standard installs are available—like non-penetrating roof mounts or under-eave setups. These might cost up to $75 extra, especially for pole mounts.
Installation usually takes 2-3 hours. Technicians mount the dish, run coaxial cables, and connect everything inside.
New installations include a Wi-Fi modem that also acts as your router. The technician sets this up to link your dish to your home network.
Equipment setup includes:
Once everything’s installed, the technician activates your satellite internet. They’ll test your speeds and make sure all your devices connect to Wi-Fi.
The modem’s indicator lights show the connection status. Different colors help you keep tabs on performance or spot any issues after the install.
Viasat gives you digital account tools and several customer support options. You can reach their 24/7 technical support by phone, chat, or online, whether you’re a home or business customer.
The My Viasat app is your main tool for managing your account. You can check real-time data usage and see how much data you’ve got left in your billing cycle.
The app lets you view and pay bills, set up autopay, and look at your billing history. You’ll get notifications if you’re close to your data limit, so you can avoid surprises.
You can change your plan or update your service online—no need to call customer service. The portal keeps your account info and service history handy.
Viasat support is available in a few ways. Call 855-462-9333 for billing, tech help, or service changes. You’ll get both automated help and live reps.
Online chat gives you real-time help through the website. You can also email for less urgent questions. The support team handles tech issues, billing, and installations.
24/7 monitoring keeps an eye on network performance and outages. Tech specialists walk you through troubleshooting and help you get the best performance. Business customers get their own support lines.
There’s also a library of help articles and guides online. These cover common tech issues, billing, and managing your account.
Viasat brings high-speed satellite internet to places where cable and fiber just don’t reach. The service covers 99% of the US, so it’s a go-to for remote spots.
Viasat satellite internet works differently from cable or fiber. Satellites 22,000 miles up send internet signals straight to your home.
Rural areas usually don’t have the infrastructure for cable. It’s expensive for companies to lay lines out to places with just a few homes. Viasat skips all that by using satellites, so ground infrastructure isn’t needed.
You’ll find two main plans for residential use. The Essentials plan gives 150 GB of high-speed data with a 12-month contract. The Unleashed plan has unlimited high-speed data and doesn’t tie you down to a contract.
Professional installation is standard for all plans. Technicians set up the dish and equipment to make sure you get the best signal.
Viasat’s coverage reaches places other providers ignore. Mountain cabins, farms, and tiny communities can get connected. The satellite network goes where cell towers and cable lines don’t.
Remote customers can get speeds up to 150 Mbps with Viasat. That’s enough for multiple devices, streaming, and video calls.
Wi-Fi calling comes in handy where cell service is weak. You can make calls over the internet instead of relying on spotty cell signals.
Rural businesses get reliable connectivity, too. Farmers can use precision ag tools that need internet. Remote workers can join video meetings and use cloud software.
Streaming music and video is possible, so even isolated users get the same entertainment options as folks in the city. Families can use different devices at once.
Viasat’s month-to-month option is great for seasonal residents. Cabin owners or RV travelers can turn service on or off as needed, so you’re not stuck in a contract.
High-speed satellite internet opens up online education and telemedicine services. Students in rural areas can join virtual classes. Patients can talk to doctors through video appointments without long trips.
Viasat uses advanced security measures and network redundancy to keep home satellite internet connections safe and reliable. The company processes over 150 billion security events every day and relies on military-grade encryption standards.
Viasat keeps its network stable by spreading out its infrastructure and constantly watching system performance. The company runs several ground stations and network operations centers, so a single failure doesn’t bring everything down.
They build in network redundancy with backup pathways and automatic failover systems. If a satellite or ground station has trouble, traffic just finds another route, and users barely notice.
Viasat’s monitoring teams track traffic and performance 24/7. They often spot problems before customers do, and can fix many issues remotely.
Maintenance schedules usually fall during times when usage is low to keep disruptions to a minimum. Viasat gives customers a heads-up through their portal and sends automated alerts if maintenance might interrupt service.
Severe storms can still cause weather-related outages, but the network bounces back quickly once things clear up. The way they’ve designed the satellite constellation helps keep coverage even if a few satellites get hit by interference.
Viasat’s service comes with several layers of security to keep customer data safe and block unauthorized access. They encrypt all data sent between customer locations and the network.
Type 1 encryption meets government standards and guards sensitive communications. This military-grade protection keeps data secure as it travels through satellites and ground networks.
Their security monitoring combines signature-based detection with behavioral analysis. The system flags weird traffic and automatically blocks anything suspicious.
Customers can control how their data gets collected and see their own records. Viasat sticks to strict data handling rules and follows federal privacy laws.
The company regularly updates its security protocols and firmware to patch new vulnerabilities. Customers get these security updates automatically through their satellite modems, so there’s nothing extra to do.
Viasat keeps pushing satellite internet forward with laser communication systems and direct-to-device connectivity. They’re rolling out new hardware and beefing up their network infrastructure.
Viasat has built space laser communication terminals that send data across huge distances in space. The U.S. Space Force gave them a contract for next-gen laser communication terminal prototypes, part of a possible $100 million Enterprise Space Terminal program.
This tech creates a space mesh network connecting orbits from Low Earth Orbit to beyond Geostationary. Military space systems stay compatible and can talk from anywhere.
Direct-to-device connectivity is another big leap. Viasat teamed up with Skylo to launch the first global direct-to-device network, linking industrial IoT, personal devices, and vehicles almost anywhere.
It works even outside cellular coverage. New chipsets let devices connect to both cell networks and satellites at the same time.
Viasat also improves phased array antenna technology for moving platforms. During European test flights, these antennas delivered solid video streaming and internet on several devices at once, with no drops. The antennas are self-installing, so they’re flexible for ground, sea, or space use.
Viasat plans to add its ViaSat-3 constellation to current services. The NexusWave system will use ultra-high capacity Ka-band from ViaSat-3 satellites, offering office-like and home-like internet for ships.
They’ve launched Viasat Amara to improve in-flight connectivity. This solution upgrades proven terminal hardware on aircraft with new software for better multi-network connections.
Advanced Air Mobility support grows through partners like uAvionix. Viasat’s Velaris Partner Network enables real-time monitoring for UAVs flying beyond visual line of sight, supporting electric vertical takeoff aircraft and drones in commercial airspace.
New satellites launching in 2026 could really boost Viasat’s internet capabilities. The company keeps expanding, aiming to serve 50 million passengers a month across 60+ airlines, and is working on new solutions for remote areas.
Viasat customers often ask about plan choices, weather impacts, speeds, security, gaming, and installation. These questions help set expectations and cover the technical basics for satellite internet users.
Viasat offers several satellite internet plans, mostly varying by monthly data allowance instead of speed. Every plan provides the fastest speed available for that area.
They structure plans around how much data you get each month. Heavier users can pick higher-tier plans with more data. Folks in rural or remote spots can choose what fits their needs.
Each plan includes unlimited data, though speeds might drop after you hit your monthly threshold. No matter the plan, everyone gets the same satellite tech and equipment.
Bad weather can temporarily mess with satellite signals, especially during heavy rain, snow, or strong storms. The signal travels between your dish and satellites orbiting about 22,000 miles above Earth.
Rain fade is the most common weather-related problem, since heavy rain can absorb or scatter radio waves. Snow piling up on the dish can block the signal until you clear it off.
Most light weather doesn’t cause much trouble. Viasat’s advanced satellite tech is designed to keep connections going during typical weather in most places.
Viasat offers download speeds from 12 Mbps up to over 100 Mbps, depending on your location, plan, and network conditions. Upload speeds usually range from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps.
Speeds can change based on network traffic, time of day, or where you live. During peak hours, you might notice things slow down as more people get online.
Their newer satellites deliver faster speeds in many places compared to older tech. When you order, you’ll get speed estimates tailored to your address.
Viasat uses several security layers, including encrypting signals between your equipment and their satellites. They rely on advanced encryption protocols to keep your data safe as it moves across the network.
Security measures include firewalls, intrusion detection, and nonstop monitoring for threats. Your data travels through protected paths from ground terminals to satellites.
The company follows industry-standard security practices. You can also add your own protections, like firewalls, antivirus, or secure browsing habits.
Viasat works for streaming and online gaming, but satellite internet has higher latency than cable or fiber. Video streaming is usually fine if you have enough data and a stable connection.
Gaming performance depends on the game and how sensitive it is to lag. Turn-based or slower-paced games tend to work better than fast, competitive ones.
Streaming quality adjusts itself based on your bandwidth and data use. If several devices are streaming or gaming at once, performance might dip depending on your plan’s data allowance.
A professional installer will mount a satellite dish, run cables, and set up the indoor equipment. They’ll align the dish and fine-tune the signal to get you the best performance.
If you’d rather do it yourself, Viasat offers a self-installation kit. The kit comes with everything you need—satellite dish, mounting hardware, modem, cables, and step-by-step instructions.
You’ll need to mount the dish somewhere with a clear view of the southern sky. After that, just connect the modem and follow the setup guide to get your network running.
