Due to the slow and unsteady internet connection that affects the lives of rural dwellers, satellite internet from Viasat can be seen as a favorable choice. So, Viasat which offers an internet connection with the highest possible download speed of 100 Mbps surely sets great expectations. However, is Viasat internet even decent for the rural community? How so, you ask? Well, several contingencies need to be taken into account.
Speed
There are many different speed plans offered by Viasat, with the fastest download speed listed at 100 Mbps. However, the actual speeds are far lower than the given speeds, which are generally applicable when the internet is used under ideal circumstances. The speed for average Viasat is similar to the average speed for satellite internet, which is 25 Mbps. However, even though the mentioned speed of 25 Mbps is still faster compared to old copper DSL lines, it might still not feel fast enough for modern internet usage.
Reliability
Another disadvantage that satellite internet has is that it becomes very Powell’s during natural disasters such as flooding or blizzards. This is because satellites use the air to transmit signals to the Earth and from one satellite to another. This is because other things such as trees and any form of obstruction can also hinder the signals. This could be an implication that reliability is a potential weakness.
Data Caps
In their plans, even the most affordable, the data allowance is limited, with some plans offering as little as 12GB of data per month. This makes the internet go very slow when the user goes over the monthly data allowance. In particular, the consumer of rural Internet uses more streaming video and smart home applications. That is where Viasat’s caps make it difficult.
Latency
Some of the concerns with Viasat include high latency – the time taken to get data from one point to another. Latency hampers every kind of interaction like video, voice, and even data by making such activities as video calling, gaming and even browsing a nightmare. Viasat has an issue with its latency that is six times higher than cable internet plans.
However, if the high speed and unmetered data are important, then the rural users of Viasat will be let down. But it does offer enhanced throughput than old copper networks. While for the rural people who don’t have a choice, Viasat is a blessing. Maybe, the conjunction of Viasat with other sources of the internet such as public WiFi can somehow alleviate constraints for rural consumers.
Call (844) 7781-116 to get started with Viasat Internet today!