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What Are the Pros and Cons of Viasat Internet?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Viasat Satellite Internet?

The Pros and Cons of Viasat Internet include the plusses and minuses for satellite internet in general

Viasat Internet: Pros and Cons

Satellite internet speeds were once slower but have improved depending on the provider. Broadband speed is defined as a minimum of 25 Mbps download. Satellite plans did not always meet this thresshold but now meet or exceed it in most locations. In the most remote locations, the available bandwidth for radio waves to transmit data may be limited. Additionally, depending on the satellite technology used, there can be latency issues (evidenced by the buffering wheel) due to the significant distance signals must travel to and from the satellites. Starlink publishes its speeds in real-time on its website, promising speeds between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps, with an average of 100 Mbps. This is considered fast, even for broadband cable connections. Other satellite providers offer plans with speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 150 Mbps. In a notable recent development, Viasat announced a new “Unleashed" plan promising speeds of 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps, positioning Viasat as a strong competitor to Starlink.

  • Viasat Pro: The new Unleashed Plan offers speeds of 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps, depending on the location. This surpasses HughesNet's average plan speed and competes closely with Starlink.

Outside Equipment: Satellite internet requires the installation of a dish transceiver, either oval or rectangular, outside your property. A cable runs from the dish transmitter inside your house to your modem or modem/router.

  • Viasat Pro: Viasat does not require the dish and receiver to be purchased upfront; they can be leased. Conversely, Starlink requires a $599 equipment purchase upfront to open a residential account.

Clear View of the Sky: Both Viasat and HughesNet require the dish transceiver to have a clear view of just the southern portion of the sky above your home. Viasat and HughesNet use large, single satellites in geostationary orbit, 22,000 miles above the Earth. These satellites align with the Earth's rotation, always pointing to the southern sky. On the other hand, Starlink utilizes thousands of smaller satellites in low Earth orbit, necessitating a clear view of a large area of the overhead sky for signal reception.

  • Viasat Pro: Viasat signals only require a clear view of the southern sky from your home.

Cost Comparison: Satellite internet is generally more expensive than the best deals offered by mobile fixed wireless 5G providers, such as T-Mobile. This is due to various factors, including introductory pricing by carriers to attract new customers, which pressures all providers to lower rates. With satellite providers like HughesNet or Viasat, the lowest-cost plan might be around $65/month after incentives but offer slower speeds. However, Viasat now offers a $199 no-contract, no high-speed data limit plan called "Viasat Unleashed," comparable to Starlink and an improvement over all HughesNet plans.

  • Viasat Pro: The new Unleashed plan is $119/month. This rate matches Starlink's monthly price and is competitive with broadband cable internet services in some locations.

Data Caps: Some providers impose caps on the amount of the fastest-available data you can use in one billing period. Exceeding this cap means you still have internet access but at reduced speeds. This policy allows more users to access the network and manages bandwidth for all customers. Viasat recently introduced a new plan, "Viasat Unleashed," offering unlimited high-speed data for $119 per month, making it an attractive option for its widespread availability in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, and its higher speeds.

  • Viasat Pro: Unlimited High-Speed Data

Contract Requirements: Some providers still require a 2-year commitment, but not all do. Starlink does not require a contract, while HughesNet does. Viasat used to have this requirement but has now introduced a new plan without a contract, called "Viasat Unleashed," priced affordably and competitively at $119/month.

  • Viasat Pro: No contracts with the new Viasat Unleashed plan.

Security Benefits: Viasat offers enhanced security compared to public networks. With satellite internet at your home, you can set up your own private Wi-Fi network. If you're currently relying on public Wi-Fi on your cell phone or using a computer at a public library, you're likely exposed to less secure public Wi-Fi networks. A private Wi-Fi network at your home, established with a satellite internet signal and a Wi-Fi router, will be password-protected and more secure than public networks. Additionally, using a VPN can further encrypt your data. While this may slow down your speed, the added security is invaluable in today's internet environment.