When you want to pick a home internet plan, it's important to find a good internet service provider. You need one that offers the right balance of speed, data limits, and price. If you live in a rural area, your choices may be fewer. In this case, satellite internet is usually the best option. Viasat Internet is a top name in satellite internet. But is it the right choice for you? This complete Viasat review will share everything you should know.
Understanding Viasat Internet Services
Viasat is a satellite internet provider. It sends internet service straight to a satellite dish that you set up at your home. Since it does not use phone lines or cable lines, it can be found almost everywhere in the United States, even in very rural areas. This makes it a good choice for people who cannot access cable internet, fiber internet, or DSL internet. However, it often comes with a price.
Satellite internet is a great choice where there are few internet options. Yet, it has some downsides. You may notice slower speeds and higher delays when compared to other types of internet. Also, many providers require you to sign contracts. Equipment rental fees usually appear on your monthly bill. However, some providers let you buy your equipment upfront.
Overview of Viasat Internet Offerings
Unlike many internet providers that have different plan options and speeds, Viasat plans are straightforward. There is only one Viasat internet plan. The speeds depend on what is available at your address.
Viasat internet service is often seen as an unlimited data plan. However, it uses a soft data cap, but more details on this are coming! This simple way of offering plans can be good for some customers. Still, it might not fit those who want to select a plan that matches their needs and budget.
Also, Viasat internet service isn't available everywhere, even though it has a wide service area.
How Viasat Fits into the Broadband Landscape in the United States
Viasat is one of the top satellite internet providers in the United States. They have a big share of the market. Their main competitor is HughesNet, which also offers satellite internet across the nation. Recently, Starlink, a satellite internet service from SpaceX, has entered the market. This makes the satellite internet space more competitive.
Viasat stands out by offering faster internet speeds compared to other satellite options. They also provide unlimited data but with certain limits. This focus on helping customers in rural areas has helped them find a special place in the broadband market.
Customers need to rememberthat satellite internet has some unique features compared to regular internet providers. These features include things like delays, possible issues with bad weather, and higher costs.
Analyzing Viasat's Pricing Structure
Understanding Viasat's pricing is important when looking at their internet plans. Many internet service providers attract new customers with low starting rates. After a short time, they raise the prices. But with Viasat, the prices are mostly stable. This means the monthly price you agree to will stay the same while you are their customer.
The downside is that Viasat’s starting price is much higher than what many competitors offer at the beginning. Also, the speeds can be limited and change based on where you live. Because of this, it’s important to think carefully about the good and bad points before making your choice.
Detailed Breakdown of Viasat Plans and Pricing
Viasat keeps it simple by offering one plan called Viasat Unlimited. The starting price for this plan is $99.99 each month, but it can rise to $149.99 based on where you live. The speeds advertised range from 25Mbps to 150Mbps. However, your real speeds depend on what’s available at your address and may vary.
This plan is called unlimited data. But there is a catch. Once you use 850GB in your billing cycle, Viasat might slow your speed down during busy times. This is important because it doesn’t mean you will get extra fees, but it can harm your internet speed.
Also, Viasat prices do not include equipment rental, and you usually cannot use your equipment. Expect to pay an extra $15 each month for the satellite dish and modem/router.
Comparing Costs: Viasat vs. Traditional Broadband
Pricing for cable internet and fiber internet varies dramatically by provider. Still, it's safe to say that these internet types are almost always a better value than satellite internet if they're available at your address, especially if you need faster speeds. For example, a 1,000 Mbps fiber optic internet plan can cost as low as $50 per month in some areas, which typically comes with unlimited data.
Take a look at how Viasat’s pricing stacks up against other internet types.
| Internet Type | Starting Price* | Download Speeds* | Data Allowance* |
| Viasat | $99.99/mo. | 25–150Mbps | 850 GB (then throttled speeds) |
| Cable Internet | $30–$70/mo. | 100-1,000+ Mbps | Unlimited |
| Fiber Internet | $55-$245/mo. | 200-5,000+ Mbps | Unlimited |
*Pricing and speeds vary by location
As you can see, you get much more bang for your buck with cable and fiber internet.
Evaluating the Pros of Viasat Internet
Even though Viasat internet service may not be the cheapest or the fastest, it has some benefits. This is especially true if you live in a rural area.
One big advantage of choosing a Viasat internet plan is its availability. It works well in many places. Plus, it offers unlimited data. This means you won’t face extra charges for using more data. This makes it a great option for large families with many devices and users.
Benefits of High-Speed Satellite Internet
For people living in places without cable internet or fiber optic internet, high-speed satellite internet is a good choice. If DSL internet doesn’t work for you, consider satellite options. Viasat plans can be among the fastest at speeds from 25Mbps to 150Mbps.
With unlimited data, you don’t have to worry about how much you use. With a Viasat internet plan, you can stream, browse, and download as much as you want. Just keep in mind that the speeds may be slower sometimes.
Many internet providers, like Viasat, also offer bundles with satellite TV. This makes it simple to have both services in one easy package.
Unique Advantages of Choosing Viasat
Viasat is great at giving clear service and pricing. Their Viasat Unleashed plan makes it simple. There is no need to choose from many options. Customers know exactly what they are signing up for. Besides internet service, Viasat also has a voice option called Viasat Voice. This is available as an add-on in some areas.
When you get a Viasat Unleashed plan, you won’t be stuck in long contracts. You also don’t need to worry about hidden price hikes. All plans are month-to-month. This gives you more choices. Viasat may not have the low starting prices that some internet providers show, but they provide free professional installation in select areas for customers with good credit.
Considering the Cons of Viasat Internet
Viasat is a good choice if you want to stay connected in rural areas. It is stable and clear about its services. However, it does have some downsides. For example, although speeds can reach 150Mbps, they are still slower than fiber internet, cable internet, or even fixed wireless and 5G options.
Other issues include slower speeds if you use up your monthly data, high costs for the internet service, and the requirement for a satellite dish to be set up.
Limitations and Drawbacks of Satellite Internet
One of the biggest downsides of satellite internet is the cost. Viasat internet prices are much higher than most starting offers for cable internet or fiber internet. The data caps are also lower, but most companies do not charge extra fees even if you hit those caps.
Besides the high monthly fees, satellite internet often has high upfront costs. This includes installation fees and deposits. Although speeds are better now than before, satellite internet users often face lower latency. This can cause delays during gaming or video calls.
Another point to think about is that satellite internet sends and receives data from a satellite in space. This means that weather can affect the quality of your internet service. Heavy rain or snow, though rare, can sometimes interrupt service.
Common Customer Complaints and Issues
Viasat has received mixed feedback on customer satisfaction. Some users like the helpful customer service, while others mention they have ongoing issues. Viasat does not have ratings from J.D. Power or the American Customer Satisfaction Index. This makes it hard to see how it compares to other internet providers.
Many complaints focus on surprise fees, billing problems, and trouble reaching customer support. Some users also complain about the service's speed and reliability. However, these problems often happen with satellite internet and are not just an issue for Viasat.
It's a good idea to read customer reviews and compare Viasat internet plans with other internet options. If you worry about signing a long-term contract service, Viasat’s easy month-to-month option can be a big advantage.
Viasat Speed and Reliability
Evaluating how fast and reliable Viasat internet is means understanding satellite internet technology. The speeds that Viasat talks about are better than past satellite internet. But, they do not always show how it performs in real life.
Things like where you are, what time of day it is, and the weather can affect how well the internet works. Also, satellite internet usually has more delay. This means that even if your download speed is quick, activities like online gaming might still be slow.
Real-World Performance: What to Expect
Viasat’s speeds can go up to 150Mbps. However, the plan you can get depends on your address. You can do things like stream and browse on Viasat’s network. But remember, the download and upload speeds they share might not match what you experience. This is especially true during busy times when lots of users are online.
Also, Viasat’s data policy states that after you use 850GB each month, you might see slower speeds compared to those who don't. This means that if many users are online, your internet might be slower if you go past this data limit.
Like with any internet service, speeds can change based on how old your devices are and their abilities.
Network Reliability and Downtime Concerns
Satellite internet often gets a bad reputation for being unreliable. Viasat service is known for this as well. Although Viasat’s network has gotten better in recent years, problems and interruptions happen more often than with other types of internet.
Many Viasat customers report slow speeds and occasional outages. This is common for all internet service providers. Good customer service can make a big difference. It can keep customers happy and stop them from looking for other providers.
Network reliability can change based on where you are and the weather. The best way to check how reliable Viasat’s service is in your area is to read what other users in your area say in their reviews.
Customer Service and Support Quality
Customer service is very important when you are picking an internet provider. Viasat provides many ways to get support. Their website has a helpful online help center. Here, you can find many support articles, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips. There is also a live chat option for assistance.
If you would rather talk to someone, you can call Viasat customer service. However, some customers have said they had trouble getting quick help or sorting out issues. So, it’s good to think about this if you are thinking of becoming a Viasat customer.
Accessing Viasat Customer Support
Getting in touch with customer support can be hard, and you may have to wait a long time. Thankfully, Viasat gives you several easy ways to reach customer service. You can use their website for online support, chat live, or call on the phone.
If you need help putting in your new Viasat service, customer service can help you set up an appointment for professional installation. They can also assist you if you have problems with your Viasat service. This includes slow internet speeds, connection issues, or problems with your equipment.
Still, some Viasat customers have said they face long wait times or find it tough to get help with their issues.
User Experiences and Satisfaction Ratings
Customer satisfaction ratings can give helpful information about using VViasat'shome internet. Although Viasat is not included in big satisfaction studies like J.D. Power or the American Customer Satisfaction Index, user reviews from different sites can show the good and bad sides of their service.
Some people like Viasat because it offers dependable internet in rural areas where there aren’t many other choices. Many users also enjoy the unlimited data plan, even if speeds may slow down after reaching 850GB. However, some users are unhappy with Viasat's customer service. They mention long wait times and trouble with billing or technical problems.
In the end, when picking the best internet providers, consider what is available in your area. Think about whether they fit your needs for speed, data limits, reliability, and price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Viasat Internet gives you a special satellite internet service. It has both good and bad points. It offers high-speed connection and flexibility. However, you should think about possible downtimes and the quality of customer service. It is important to understand your needs, like if you do a lot of streaming or gaming. You should also consider how weather can affect the service. To decide if Viasat is a good fit for you, look at the pricing, performance, and customer feedback. Your choice should match how you use the internet. In the end, whether Viasat Internet is right for you will depend on what you prefer and need.
Call (844) 778-1116 and Start Your Viasat Internet Service Now!
