For a senior, one of the most crucial things they must have is fast internet at home especially when they are on that stage. You might be using the internet for social purposes to communicate with friends and relatives, for seeking medical advice, for purchasing foodstuff and other daily necessities, or for fun.
Viasat is one of those satellite internet service providers that offer Broadband Internet connection in areas where Cable and Fiber optic internet connection is impossible. However, seniors will ask how much Viasat costs them. I have further questions for you: does Viasat have any discount for its services for seniors or those who are on a fixed income?
This article will also explain the monthly subscription rates of Viasat satellite internet as well as additional discounts for the elderly and those who are 65 years old and above.
Viasat’s Monthly Pricing Plans
Viasat currently offers three residential internet plans:
- Viasat Basic 12 Plan: A plan by Viasat that provides clients with an internet connection for $50 every month.
- The Viasat Basic 25 Plan is relevant to this research as it offers a wider coverage area, faster download speeds, and more data allowance for a lower price than the previous plan.
- Viasat Basic 35 Plan is a low-data plan that is perfect for streaming HD movies, videos, and shows or using social media and other apps with their family.
The values and the data increase from the Basic 12 to the Basic 35 plan. Nonetheless, the said monthly standard pricing still exists, before any promotional offers and discounts. Here's an overview:
Viasat Basic 12
- Most of the current broadband connections offer download speeds of up to 12 Mbps.
- A reasonable amount of data allowance to be allowed for the usage is 40GB in a month.
- >$64.99 while on the standard monthly tariff.
Viasat Basic 25
- Download speeds of up to 25 megabits per second
- Internet data of 60GB in a month is provided.
- It offers the device for $84.99 per month, which is the standard monthly fee.
Viasat Basic 35
- Various packages offer download speeds of up to 35 Mbps.
- Availability of 4G data on offer with 100GB data allowance per month.
- The regular monthly price to be charged at $124.99
This is the internet plan if plans faster than the basic 12 Mbps are considered, before applying any discounts the prices are as follows; $85 per month. The Viasat plan with the top speed of 35 Mbps is the cheapest one that offers the top plan at $125 per month if billed at standard rates.
Seniors and Discount: What are the options?
The only disadvantage of Viasat is that there are not many promotions and offers available, but there are a couple of programs specialized for seniors and retirees, which means that you can find a package you can afford.
Affordable Connectivity Program
This is government assistance that offers up to $30 per month towards the cost of internet for low-income families. To get the $30 you have to, among other things, access a low-income service, and your annual income should be $39,750 or below, based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
So a senior receiving the Affordable Connectivity discount would pay:
- At $34.99 per month you get the Basic 12 plan.
- Even the cheapest plan offered is at $54.99 per month for the Basic 25 plan.
- $97.99 per month for the Basic 35 plan
The Affordable Connectivity Program is not complicated and the process of applying for it is rather easy. It is possible to download an application to complete it online or to use a printable version to mail it in. This program is available to elders, SSI/SSPD beneficiaries, veterans, and tribal families in particular.
Viasat Senior Discount
Viasat also has an offer for senior citizens where they can get a discount for the service if they are 62 years old or older. This one is a flat discount of $10 on your monthly bill.
So with both the Affordable Connectivity discount AND Viasat’s senior discount, monthly pricing becomes:
$24.99 per month for the Viasat Basic 12 plan
Viasat Basic 25 – $44.99 per month
$84.99 per month for Viasat Basic 35
For those who are senior citizens, and cannot afford to pay much for broadband, Viasat’s Basic 12 Mbps internet at only $25 a month makes satellite broadband affordable.
Viasat’s reduced internet pricing is achieved by these two offers, giving a total of $40 off on the normal monthly rates.
Is There More Information on Viasat Offers?
Another way is that currently for a limited time, Viasat is also offering a $100 discount for those willing to commit to a two-year contract. If you are an average internet user who surfs the internet a few hours each month, this discount shared between 2 years of usage will likely bring down the overall cost per month to an acceptable level.
Also, there are some months in the year when Viasat may have a sale or have a special deal for the season. Therefore, if you are strategic about the timing of signing up for the new service, you may get other extra discounts on top of the senior and Affordable Connectivity discounts above.
What About OneTime Fees?
During the registration process for an Internet connection, you will need to pay a one-time fee for the equipment lease and a $100 initial fee for installation. Still, Viasat often has sales that include waiving the $100 installation fee to not have the startup expenses.
Senior citizens have choices such as paying off the equipment fees in installments throughout the contract, which eases the pressure on the pocket.
Key Takeaways on Viasat Internet for Seniors:
- Standard prices for Viasat are $65 for Viasat Beginner which is good for one month $85 for Viasat Lucky which is also good for a month, and $125 for Viasat Infinite.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program provides $30 off on monthly cost
- The company offers senior citizens a $10 discount on their monthly bill at Viasat.
- There is also an option to get even more significant discounts if multiple plans are bought, and the prices may start from $25 monthly.
- For example, one-time fees may be asked to be paid only during promotions
Therefore, satellite internet is expensive, but the elderly can still afford the Viasat plans for important internet access. Availability in rural areas can also be a strong point for Viasat when it comes to those seniors who need a home internet connection but do not want to spend a lot of money.