Viasat satellite internet review: Why it's the best choice for you

Matthew Harrington
Internet Provider Comparisons

You've heard of Viasat, one of America's biggest satellite internet providers, but how much do you know about the company and its offerings? According to their website, they offer fast speeds, unlimited data and big savings, but is it the right internet option for you?

HomeLinkd provides an unbiased review of Viasat internet services, what they offer, and why you should use Viasat as your preferred provider, especially for those living in rural areas.

What is Viasat?

Viasat is a global communications company that offers satellite internet and television services to residential and business customers in the United States. According to their website, they are one of America's fastest-growing broadband providers and offer some of the quickest download speeds available via their satellite internet connection. Viasat service is a great rural internet option, allowing users from these areas to enjoy the perks of high speed internet, such as being able to browse the internet, work from home and game online.

What does Viasat include?

Viasat provides both unlimited and capped plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The company provides a free modem and installation with their service, as well as 24/7 customer support, plus discounts for bundling your internet with television or home phone services from Viasat.

How does Viasat internet work?

Viasat uses a dish to connect your home to their satellite, which then sends a signal back to their ground station. This type of internet access is ideal for those who live in rural areas where other broadband options, such as cable and fiber internet, are not available.

Viasat customer ratings

Viasat has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is accredited by the organization. The company has been in business for over 20 years and currently serves over 600,000 customers.

Complaints about Viasat

The most common complaints about Viasat are related to their customer service, billing, and installation process. Other complaints include outages, slow internet connection, and data caps.

What you should know about Viasat internet speeds

Viasat offers some of the quickest download speeds available, with plans starting at 12 Mbps and going up to 100 Mbps. The company also provides unlimited data for all plans, so you never have to worry about overage charges while you use the internet!

Exploring Viasat internet plans

Viasat offers a variety of internet plans to meet your needs and budget. The company has both unlimited and capped data options, as well as discounts on internet bundles. Although not as fast as cable or fiber internet, these plans offer some of the fastest satellite internet speeds in remote areas so you can use your internet without any hassle.

Let's explore their plans a bit more:

Viasat Unlimited Plans

Viasat Unlimited Bronze 12 Plans

Max Speed: 12 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

Features: Built-in WiFi, up to 11 hours of 4K streaming, 40 GB data allowance

Viasat Unlimited Silver 25 Plan

Max Speed: 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

Features: Built-in WiFi, 60 GB data allowance, 24 month contract

Viasat Unlimited Gold 50 Plan

Max Speed: 50 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

Features: Built-in WiFi, no data caps - but after 100 GB of data is used, your speed will be reduced to about 3 Mbps, 24 month contract

Viasat Unlimited Platinum 100 Plan

Max Speed: 100 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

Features: Built-in WiFi, free 30-day trial, 150 GB data allowance

Viasat Unlimited Diamond 100 Plan

Max Speed: 100 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

Features: Built-in WiFi, can be used for gaming and streaming up to 33 hours in 4K, 300 GB data allowance

Viasat Liberty Plans

Viasat also offers a variety of Liberty Plans, which are designed for those who do not want a contract.

Here's a look at the Liberty Plans:

Viasat Liberty 12

Max Speed: 12 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

Features: No data caps, no long-term contract, free standard installation

Viasat Liberty 25

Max Speed: 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

Features: No data caps, no long-term contract, free standard installation, 50 GB data allowance

Viasat internet coverage

Viasat satellite internet is available in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The company has over 600,000 customers and is one of America's fastest-growing broadband providers.

To check the best Viasat deals in your area, use our Coverage Map tool, where all you have to do is enter your address or zip code into our search bar. From there, you'll be able to find and compare the best Viasat deals according to your location.

The Pros and Cons Of Viasat

Pros:

- No hard data caps

- Fast download speeds

- Available in all 50 states

- Discounts for bundling services

Cons:

- Installation can be tricky

- Customer service is mixed

- Higher prices than some competitors

Overall, we think that Viasat's satellite internet is a great choice for those who need fast internet speeds and unlimited data, especially where cable internet and fiber are unavailable. The company offers discounts on their plans when you bundle them with other services, such as the Viasat voice service, making it a more affordable option. While their customer service could be better, they do have 24/7 support available. If you're looking for an internet provider that can give you the speed you need without breaking the bank, then Viasat is a great option for you.

Viasat vs HughesNet: Battle of the biggest satellite internet service providers

When comparing satellite internet, Viasat and HughesNet are the two biggest names, and for good reason. They both offer a wide range of satellite internet plans with speeds that can reach up to 100 Mbps, as well as unlimited data. But which one is the better choice for you?

To help you decide, we've put together a side-by-side comparison of the two providers.

Viasat

- Download speeds of up to 100 Mbps

- Upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps

- No hard data caps

- Available in all 50 states

- Discounts for bundling services

HughesNet

- Download speeds of up to 25 Mbps

- Upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps

- Hard data cap of 50 GB

- Available in all 50 states

- Discounts for bundling services

As you can see, both Viasat and HughesNet offer a lot of the same features. However, there are some key differences that could make one or the other a better choice for you. For instance, Viasat's download speeds are up to four times faster than HughesNet's. If you need fast internet for gaming or streaming, then Viasat is the better option. However, if you're on a budget, then HughesNet might be a better choice since their plans are generally cheaper.

Viasat FAQ

What is Viasat Shield Premium?

Viasat Shield Premium is a security feature that helps protect your devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats. It's available for an additional monthly fee and can be added to any Viasat internet plan.

What is Viasat Voice?

Viasat Voice is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service that allows you to make and receive calls over the internet. It's available for an additional monthly fee and can be added to any Viasat internet plan.

What is the Viasat Flex24 Plan?

The Viasat Flex24 plan is a 24-month contract that offers speeds of up to 12 Mbps. It's a great option for those who need fast internet but don't want to commit to a long-term contract.

Is Viasat the right choice for me?

That depends on your needs. Viasat satellite internet is a good option if you're looking for fast speeds and unlimited data. However, if you're on a budget, there are other providers that might be a better fit for you.

What makes Viasat the best satellite internet provider?

There are a few things that make Viasat the best satellite internet provider. First, they offer fast speeds of up to 100 Mbps. They also have no hard data caps, so you can use as much data as you want without having to worry about overage charges. Additionally, Viasat is available in all 50 states, so you can get service no matter where you live. Finally, the company offers discounts on their plans when you bundle them with other services, making it a more affordable option.

What equipment comes with a Viasat Plan?

The equipment from Viasat isn't complicated: all you need is a Viasat WiFi modem, which is included in your monthly fee. You'll also need a clear view of the southern sky since that's where the satellite is located.

What does the Viasat installation process look like?

When getting your Viasat internet installed, a technician will come to your home and do a site survey to make sure you have a clear view of the southern sky. If you do, they'll schedule an installation appointment. On the day of the installation, the technician will arrive and set up your equipment. They'll also show you how to use it and answer any questions you have.

How do I pick a Viasat plan suited to my needs?

Considering Viasat internet?

The best way to pick a Viasat plan is to figure out how much data you need and what speeds you need. Viasat plans offer a variety of internet solutions with different data allowances and speeds, so you can find one that fits your needs.

Our final thoughts on Viasat satellite internet

Our final thoughts on this Viasat review are that it is a great internet option for those who live in rural areas, where other types of internet service have yet to reach, and are looking for an affordable and reliable internet provider. The company offers a variety of plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, as well as unlimited data for all plans.

Viasat also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is accredited by the organization. If you're looking for an internet provider that can give you the speed and reliability you need, Viasat is a great choice.

Ready to start shopping for an internet plan? Let HomeLinkd help you choose the right internet deal. Browse high-speed internet plans from Viasat on HomeLinkd to get started.

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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