As far as rural internet options go, Viasat Home Internet stands out as a top choice despite some drawbacks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into Viasat’s plans, pricing, speeds, data caps, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect with Viasat, how it compares to other rural internet providers like HughesNet, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Key Takeaways:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Availability | Extensive coverage in rural and remote areas across the U.S. |
| Speeds | Up to 100 Mbps in many areas, with some having access to 150 Mbps |
| Data Caps | High data caps suitable for varying internet usage |
| Plan Variety | Diverse range of plans to cater to different needs and budgets |
| Cost | Initial promotional rate for the first three months, followed by a rack-rate pricing |
| Comparisons | Generally faster speeds and higher data allowances than other satellite Internet options |
| Customer Satisfaction | A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though some complaints about service issues and unexpected fees as with most providers |
What Is Viasat?
Viasat Internet (formerly known as Exede and WildBlue) offers high-speed satellite internet service. It’s important to note that satellite-based internet, like Viasat, has unique characteristics. While it may not match the speed and data allowance of fiber optic or cable internet, it shines in terms of availability, particularly in rural areas. Viasat’s internet service spans all 50 states and reaches 98% of the U.S. population.
With over 30 years of experience, Viasat caters to both consumers and government agencies. Additionally, customers can opt for home phone services through Viasat and access television services via a partnership with DIRECTV.
ViaSat Home Internet: Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Max Speeds | Starting Price per Month | Regular Price | Contract Terms | Equipment Costs | Data Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | 12 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload | $70 | $100 | Two years | $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase | 40 GB |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | 25 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload | $100 | $150 | Two years | $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase | 60 GB |
| Unlimited Gold 50 | 50 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload | $150 | $200 | Two years | $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase | 100 GB |
| Unlimited Platinum 100 | 100 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload | $200 | $300 | Two years | $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase | 150 GB |
| Unlimited Diamond 100 | 100 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload | $300 | $400 | Two years | $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase | 300 GB |
Viasat offers a range of home internet plans, each catering to different needs and budgets. These plans are categorized as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, with the latter offering the highest speeds and data allowances. However, it’s important to note that plan availability varies by location, so your options may differ based on where you live.
Here’s a breakdown of Viasat’s internet plans:
Bronze
- Max speeds: 12 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload
- Starting price per month: $70
- Price after 3 months: $100
- Contract terms: Two years
- Equipment costs: $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase
- Data allowance: 40 GB
Silver
- Max speeds: 25 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload
- Starting price per month: $100
- Price after 3 months: $150
- Contract terms: Two years
- Equipment costs: $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase
- Data allowance: 60 GB
Gold
- Max speeds: 50 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload
- Starting price per month: $150
- Price after 3 months: $200
- Contract terms: Two years
- Equipment costs: $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase
- Data allowance: 100 GB
Platinum
- Max speeds: 100 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload
- Starting price per month: $200
- Price after 3 months: $300
- Contract terms: Two years
- Equipment costs: $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase
- Data allowance: 150 GB
Diamond
- Max speeds: 100 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload
- Starting price per month: $300
- Price after 3 months: $400
- Contract terms: Two years
- Equipment costs: $13 a month or $299 one-time purchase
- Data allowance: 300 GB
It’s essential to remember that Viasat’s pricing structure includes an initial promotional rate for the first three months, after which the monthly cost rolls to the regular price for the package you selected. After the initial promotional period, Viasat does offer a two-year price guarantee to help stabilize costs for the remainder of your contract.
Viasat Choice Plan
In 2022, Viasat unveiled its lineup of home internet offerings dubbed ‘Choice,’ initially rolling out in select regions with a vision for nationwide expansion. The Choice lineup offers a broader range of speed and data capacities, boasting download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to an incredible 150 Mbps in select areas. The benefit for some Choice plans is support for crisp 4K streaming and A leap to double download speeds in select areas.
Viasat Choice Internet Plans
| Plan | Speed | Data Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Choice 12 Mbps | 12 Mbps | 60 GB |
| Choice 25 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 40 GB / 60 GB / 100 GB |
| Choice 30 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 60 GB / 100 GB / 150 GB / 300 GB / 500 GB |
| Choice 35 Mbps | 35 Mbps | 150 GB / 300 GB |
| Choice 40 Mbps | 40 Mbps | 100 GB / 150 GB |
| Choice 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 60 GB / 100 GB / 150 GB / 300 GB / 500 GB |
| Choice 75 Mbps | 75 Mbps | 100 GB / 150 GB |
| Choice 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 150 GB / 300 GB / 500 GB |
| Choice 125 Mbps | 125 Mbps | 300 GB |
| Choice 150 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 300 GB / 500 GB |
Plan Availability and Speeds
The availability of these plans and the speeds you can access depend on your location. Viasat aims to cater to rural areas, but the specific speeds and data allowances may vary. In some regions, only the lower-tier plans might be available, while other regions have access to the higher-tier plans with faster speeds and more generous data allowances.
For example, if your area’s maximum available speed is 12 Mbps, you may find that the Bronze plan is your only option. In such cases, upgrading to the Silver or Gold plan will primarily increase your data allowance rather than your speed. Viasat strives to tailor its offerings to match the available infrastructure and demand in different regions.
State Availability
One of Viasat’s significant advantages is its extensive coverage. It’s available in all 50 states, making it an excellent choice for those living in remote or rural areas where other internet options might not be feasible.
Regions with Viasat’s Fastest Speed Offerings
Viasat has been working to enhance its internet services, and in select areas, it now offers speeds of up to 150 Mbps. According to Viasat, these high-speed options are available in 48 ZIP codes across 31 states. Some of the top service areas include suburban and rural regions around Chattanooga, Tennessee; Frankfort, Kentucky; Indianapolis, Indiana; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Dallas, Texas.
Exploring Viasat’s Extended Service Offerings
Apart from its standard internet plans, Viasat offers additional services to cater to different needs. One such service is Viasat Liberty, which is available in select locations. Viasat Liberty plans come with speeds of up to 12 Mbps and data allowances ranging from 12 GB to 50 GB.
One unique feature of Viasat Liberty plans is the “free zone” during which unlimited data usage is allowed from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. This can be advantageous for users who can schedule their downloads during these hours or for night owls who prefer to use the internet during that time. However, it’s worth noting that with a maximum speed of 1 2Mbps, downloading larger files, such as video games and HD movies, may still pose some challenges.
Navigating Viasat Internet Plans
Regardless of the Viasat service or plan you choose, there are some common aspects you can expect:
- Equipment Fees: Viasat offers equipment for lease at a monthly fee of $13. Alternatively, you can purchase the equipment outright for a one-time fee of $299. While the upfront cost of equipment purchase may seem high, it can be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Installation Costs: Viasat installation typically comes with a fee of $100, although free installation may be available to customers with qualifying credit in select areas.
- Contract Requirements: Most Viasat plans require a two-year contract commitment. However, if you prefer a no-contract plan, Viasat offers this option with a $500 upfront, nonrefundable payment.
Evaluating Viasat Against HughesNet and Alternative Rural Internet Solutions
When considering Viasat, it’s essential to compare it to other rural internet providers like HughesNet and alternative internet options:
Viasat vs. HughesNet
Compared to HughesNet, Viasat generally offers faster speeds and higher data allowances for similar monthly prices. HughesNet plans come with download speeds of up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps, with data allowances ranging from 15 GB to 200 GB per month. While HughesNet customers have the option to purchase additional data via tokens during the month, Viasat customers don’t have this option.
Viasat vs. Other Internet Types
In some rural areas, Viasat and HughesNet might be the primary broadband options, but it’s worth exploring other internet types like fixed wireless, cellular, and DSL:
- Fixed Wireless: Some fixed wireless providers can offer faster speeds of up to 50 Mbps at competitive prices compared to Viasat’s speed tiers. Fixed wireless also tends to have lower latency than satellite internet but may be susceptible to weather-related disruptions.
- Cellular Internet: Cellular internet, including 5G service from providers like Verizon and T-Mobile, can provide faster speeds, more data, and lower latency than Viasat. Verizon LTE, for example, offers speeds of up to 50 Mbps and unlimited data starting at about $50 per month.
- DSL Internet: DSL internet is often cheaper than Viasat, with speeds ranging from under 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps, depending on your location. Many DSL providers also offer truly unlimited data or higher data allowances than Viasat plans.
Viasat Customer Satisfaction
As of the time of writing, customer satisfaction with Viasat is challenging to gauge, as it is not included in reports by organizations like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. However, it’s worth noting that Viasat has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, despite having customer complaints that primarily revolve around service issues and unexpected fees. But these complaints are pretty common across the board in the home internet industry.
Conclusion
Viasat Home Internet presents a great rural internet option with its competitive speeds and data allowances. If you find yourself in a remote area with limited broadband choices, Viasat may be your best bet. However, it’s essential to be aware of the three-month promotional period followed by rack rate pricing and the data limitations associated with each plan.
Before committing to any provider or plan, explore all your internet options, consider your specific needs, and weigh the costs and benefits. With careful consideration, you can make an informed decision about whether Viasat is the right choice for your rural internet needs.
For more information on internet providers and services, explore our guides and reviews on ISO.
