Finding the Best Satellite Internet Providers Near Me in 2023

Matthew Harrington
Internet Provider Comparisons

Finding excellent internet connections in rural areas can be a difficult task. The countryside is not as advanced as major cities in terms of infrastructure and amenities. This means that residents have to rely on basic services, which can be limited or even nonexistent in some areas – so finding high-speed internet can be a challenge for many. HomeLinkd has done the hard work for you – we've curated a list of the best satellite providers across the country to give you everything you need to know about satellite internet, why it's perfect for rural areas, and how you can get your hands on some of the best deals out there.

What is a satellite internet service provider?

A satellite internet service provider ("satellite ISP") is a company that offers high-speed internet services to customers via satellite. This type of service is perfect for rural areas where other types of infrastructure, like cable or DSL, are not available. Satellite ISPs use a satellite dish to connect to a satellite in space, which then relays the signal back down to Earth. This signal is then beamed directly to your home, where it is converted into an internet connection.

Why is satellite internet perfect for rural areas?

There are many reasons why satellite internet is perfect for rural areas. Firstly, as we mentioned before, it's one of the only options available in these areas - so if you want fast internet speeds, satellite is usually your only choice. Secondly, satellite internet is very reliable. Unlike other types of internet, like DSL or cable, there are no physical lines that can be damaged or disrupted. This means that you can always rely on your satellite connection, even in the most remote areas. Finally, satellite internet is very fast. speeds of up to 25Mbps are available, which is more than enough for most activities like browsing the web and streaming movies or TV shows.

Comparing the best satellite internet providers: HomeLinkd's choices

Now that we've gone over everything you need to know about satellite internet, it's time to take a look at some of the best providers out there. HomeLinkd has carefully curated a list of the best satellite ISPs in the country, so you can easily find the perfect one for your needs. Here are our top four picks for the best satellite internet providers of 2023:

1. Viasat: Best overall

Viasat is our top pick for the best satellite internet provider of 2022. They offer a wide range of plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, making them perfect for activities like streaming and gaming. Viasat also has great customer support, so you can always rely on them if you have any problems with your connection.

2. HughesNet: Best value

HughesNet is our pick for the best value satellite internet provider. They offer speeds of up to 25 Mbps and plans start at just $49.99 per month. HughesNet is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable way to get high-speed satellite internet.

3. Starlink: Best for heavy users

Starlink is our pick for the best satellite internet provider for heavy users. They offer speeds of up to 100 Mbps, making them perfect for activities like online gaming and streaming 4K video. Starlink is a great choice if you need a lot of bandwidth for your home internet usage.

4. Windstream: Best customer service

Windstream is our pick for the best satellite internet provider with the best customer service. They offer speeds of up to 25 Mbps and have a team of helpful and friendly customer service representatives. Windstream is a great choice if you need help troubleshooting your connection or if you have any questions about your service. These are four of the most popular and well-reviewed satellite ISPs in the country, and they all offer excellent service and speeds.

Satellite internet plans you need

Now that we've gone over the best satellite internet providers, it's time to take a look at some of the different types of plans they offer. Here are three of the most popular satellite internet plans you need to know about:

1. Viasat choice plans:

Viasat satellite internet plans reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps. These plans are perfect for heavy users who need a lot of bandwidth for activities like online gaming and streaming 4K video. You are required to sign up for a two-year contract if you choose a Viasat plan, and there are early termination fees if you decide to cancel your contract before the two years are up. We recommend the Choice 75 plan for those looking for fast speeds and a higher data allowance.

2. HughesNet gen5 plans:

HughesNet offers data plans with speeds of up to 25 Mbps. These plans are great for light users who only need a basic connection for activities like web browsing and email. Most plans come with a two-year contract, and there are early cancellation fees if you end your contract before the two years are up. You will also have to pay a monthly rental fee for equipment.

3. Starlink home internet plans:

Starlink satellite offers data plans with speeds of up to 250 Mbps. These plans are perfect for users who need a lot of bandwidth, lower latency and unlimited data for activities like online gaming and streaming 4K video. There are also no cancellation fees if you end your service with the company. These are three popular satellite internet plans that offer great speeds and features for different types of users. If you're not sure which one is right for you, be sure to contact a satellite ISP to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

How does satellite internet work?

Satellite internet works by beaming a signal from a satellite in space down to a dish on your property. The dish then sends the signal to a modem, which translates it into an internet connection that you can use for activities like web browsing and email. So, in essence, your internet signal goes to space and back.

How can I get satellite internet?

If you're interested in getting satellite internet, the first step is to check if it's available in your area. You can do this by using an online availability checker or contacting a satellite ISP directly. Once you've confirmed that service is available, you can sign up for a plan and have a dish installed on your property.

Is satellite internet best for rural areas?

Yes, satellite internet is a great option for those in rural areas who need an alternative to traditional forms of broadband. This broadband internet is available virtually anywhere, and it can provide internet speeds that are fast enough for activities like online gaming and streaming shows and movies.

Is satellite better than DSL or cable internet?

Satellite, DSL or cable? It can be impossible trying to decipher the difference and decide on a connection for yourself. Here's our opinion on the matter. Satellite internet is available almost anywhere in the contiguous United States, and is not affected by inclement weather the way that cable and DSL can be. So if you live in an area where severe weather is common, satellite may be a more reliable option. Satellite internet does have some drawbacks, however. The biggest one is high latency, or the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the satellite and back. This delay can cause issues with gaming and video streaming. Additionally, satellite internet is more expensive than both DSL and cable.

Is satellite the best internet option for me?

The best internet option for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you live in a rural area, satellite may be your only option. And if you need an alternative to DSL or cable, satellite may also be a good choice. However, if speed is your main concern, you may want to consider other options like fiber optic internet.

Find the best satellite internet packages with HomeLinkd

Satellite internet plans are available from a number of different providers, and they offer a variety of speeds and data allowances to suit different users. If you're not sure which plan is right for you, visit HomeLinkd to find out which provider and package are perfectly suited to you through our handy guides and easy-to-use tools.

Get great internet access and compare providers, today.

Written by:
Matthew Harrington

I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.

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