Viasat internet plans, pricing and review
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Viasat internet, available nationwide, is a provider specializing in servicing rural or hard-to-reach locations. Viasat covers many remote areas where geographically challenging terrain prevents cable, fiber or DSL connections.
Viasat internet plans start at $49.99/mo. with 60 GB of high-speed data. The fastest Viasat plan has up to 150 Mbps and 500 GB of high-speed data. Viasat service supports email, web browsing and streaming with the ability to connect multiple devices to Wi-Fi.
Best Viasat internet plans
Choose from five Viasat plans by selecting the speed and amount of data you need per month. Viasat satellite internet is unlimited, but your speed will significantly slow down after you reach your plan’s high-speed data amount.
The starting prices for Viasat Wi-Fi last three months, then increase to the standard rate for the rest of the two-year contract. Viasat prices vary by location, so the following chart lists the price range you will find depending on your coverage area. Viasat currently offers free professional standard installation on all plans.
Download speeds | Starting price* | High-speed data limit | Standard rate* |
---|---|---|---|
up to 25 Mbps | $49.99–$64.99/mo. | 60 GB | $69.99–$84.99/mo. |
up to 50 Mbps | $69.99–$84.99/mo. | 100 GB | $99.99–$119.99/mo. |
up to 75 Mbps | $99.99–$119.99/mo. | 150 GB | $149.99–$169.99/mo. |
up to 100 Mbps | $149.99–$169.99/mo. | 300 GB | $199.99–$249.99/mo. |
up to 150 Mbps | $199.99–$249.99/mo. | 500 GB | $299.99–$349.99/mo. |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How we reviewed Viasat
Viasat received a 2.1 out of 5 in our internet comparison evaluations. However, this does not mean Viasat isn’t a quality internet service. Satellite providers will rank lower against other internet connection types, like fiber and cable internet, because the technology and infrastructure are more expensive to implement and upkeep.
The Viasat review is similar to plans from competing satellite provider Hughesnet, and Viasat’s Wi-Fi availability in all 50 states was a positive value point. Satellite internet, including Viasat, has higher-than-average prices and typically has contracts and early termination fees (ETFs) due to the upfront expense of installing the service at a home. For these reasons, Viasat’s cumulative rank is lower. Still, Viasat can provide high-speed internet in many areas that cable, fiber and 5G connections cannot reach.
Viasat internet reviews
Viasat internet plans differ by speed and data amount, but all plans share the following details:
- Viasat plans: Five Viasat home Wi-Fi plans range from 25 to 150 Mbps speeds in most areas.
- Viasat equipment: A 30” x 28” Viasat satellite dish is attached to the roof or an exterior wall. A modem and router are plugged into the interior of the home to provide Wi-Fi.
- Viasat installation: Installation is typically free, but it costs $75 for the dish to be mounted on a pole instead of on the house.
- Viasat email: Customers do not get a Viasat email address with their account, unlike other providers such as AT&T or Spectrum.
- Viasat contracts: Viasat plans are 24-month agreements, and the Viasat cancellation fee is $15 for each remaining month left on the contract (i.e., if you cancel after one year, your fee is $15 x 12 months, which is $180).
Pros
Available nearly anywhere
Standard data is unlimited
Up to 150 Mbps is available, faster than other rural internet providers
Cons
Must put a satellite dish on your home or property
Two-year contracts with an ETF
Not typically sufficient for real-time gaming
Viasat 25 Mbps – Best budget-friendly plan
For rural internet on a budget, Viasat’s 25 Mbps plan is the provider’s cheapest Wi-Fi option. Although the starting price is $49.99, the cost increases to $69.99 three months into the 24-month agreement (in some areas, the starting price is $64.99 with an increase to $84.99 after three months). This plan has 60 GB of data at 25 Mbps. If you go over 60 GB, speeds slow down significantly.
Estimate your monthly data usage with AT&T’s data calculator to get an idea of how long 60 GB will last for your typical internet activities. If you use more than 60 GB, consider a higher-tier Viasat plan to ensure that your high-speed data amount is enough for your household.
Viasat 75 Mbps – Best for streaming
Viasat’s 75 Mbps plan with 150 GB of high-speed data is ideal for streaming. You can stream about 200 hours of standard-definition video content as well as check email and browse the internet with this amount of data. However, if you stream in high-definition, you can stream for around 60 hours, and in 4K, about 25 hours.
Viasat 150 Mbps – Best for multiple devices
Viasat’s fastest plan has 500 GB of data at 150 Mbps per month. While the price is steep ($299.99–$349.99/mo. after the three-month introductory rate), the cost could be worth it if you have multiple internet devices in need of high-speed connections. Running a small business from home, attending online school or regularly doing remote work are a few scenarios that could require large amounts of monthly data. This plan is also more in line with the average U.S. household that uses 641 GB per month, according to the Q4 2023 OpenVault report.
Viasat vs. other providers
The following chart compares Viasat to other popular high-speed internet providers. Viasat’s starting price of $49.99/mo. is similar to other providers. However, the Viasat promotional period only lasts three months before the price increases by $20–$100 (depending on the plan), whereas other top internet providers guarantee prices for 12 months or longer.
For cheap internet in rural areas, try fixed wireless or 5G internet from providers like T-Mobile 5G where available.
Provider | Speed range | Starting price range* | Connection type | Nationwide availability** |
---|---|---|---|---|
Viasat | 12–150 Mbps | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | Satellite | 98% |
T-Mobile 5G Home | 72–245 Mbps | $60/mo. | 5G | 58% |
Spectrum Internet® | 500–1,000 Mbps | $50–$70/mo. | Cable, fiber | 30% |
AT&T | up to 5,000 Mbps | $65–$255/mo. | Fiber | 34% |
Xfinity | 50–6,000 Mbps | $9.95–$299.95/mo. | Cable, fiber | 35% |
**Source: FCC Broadband Map.
Viasat availability
According to the FCC, Viasat is available in 98% of the U.S. Areas not covered by Viasat include the parts of Washington, North Dakota, Montana and Minnesota that border Canada.
Since no lines are required, most satellite internet providers are available virtually anywhere. Of the three main providers, Viasat has about 1% less coverage than competing satellite providers Hughesnet and Starlink, which have over 99%.
Viasat customer service
- Existing customers can reach Viasat customer service at 1-855-810-1308.
- Chat with a Viasat customer representative by logging into your account.
Viasat bill pay
- Set up autopay online.
- Make a one-time payment. You will need your account number and phone number.
Viasat internet FAQs
How much does Viasat cost per month?
Viasat plans range from $49.99–$249.99/mo. for speeds between 25 and 150 Mbps. High-speed data limits range from 60–500 GB.
Is Viasat worth it?
Viasat provides a valuable option for rural internet. If you are in a city that has cable internet or fiber connections, those internet plans are likely cheaper and faster. If you live in a hard-to-reach area like the mountains and have limited internet access, Viasat is worth it to be able to get home Wi-Fi.
How do I cancel Viasat?
Cancel Viasat by calling customer support at t 1-855-810-1308.
How can I speed up Viasat internet?
You can get faster speeds by moving your gateway closer to your devices or disconnecting Wi-Fi devices that are not in use. Try these other ways to fix slow internet or upgrade your Viasat plan to a faster speed.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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