For consumers in rural areas, satellite internet is often more readily available than other types of internet, like cable or fiber. While satellite internet tends to be slower, it’s a reliable option if other types of internet infrastructure don’t exist in your area. As long as you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky, you’ll likely be able to connect to the internet using a satellite internet service provider. We’ve evaluated the best satellite ISPs as well as what you should consider when looking for a plan.

We’ve compared internet service providers that offer satellite internet connections based on factors including fees, download speed, upload speed, availability, and bundles and discounts. The overall placement of the company in the Best Internet Service Providers of 2022 determines its place within the best satellite subrating.

While satellite internet can be slower and less reliable than cable or fiber internet, its geographic reach is much more extensive. According to the 2018 American Community Survey, more than 8.4 million households connect to the internet using a satellite internet service provider. Satellite internet service subscription rates tend to be higher in areas where terrestrial internet and mobile internet are not available.

HughesNet is available in all lower 48 states, as well as some areas in Hawaii and Alaska. According to the provider, anywhere that has a view of the southern sky is a candidate for internet service from HughesNet. Viasat is also available in all 50 states and claims to cover almost 98% of the U.S. population. Both service providers shine when it comes to providing internet to customers in rural and remote areas who may not have access to other types of internet.

*Speed usage data from FCC website.

Satellite internet is one of the slowest high-speed internet services available. While it can get to fixed broadband internet speeds (classified by the FCC as 25 Mbps or higher), it can’t reach the speeds cable and fiber optic can. Most satellite providers provide speeds between 25 and 150 Mbps, whereas cable and fiber can reach over 1,000 Mbps (1 gigabit per second). All the satellite providers in our ratings have upload speeds of 3 Mbps regardless of which plan you are on.

If your only other options are DSL and dial-up, satellite could be a better choice. It is often faster than DSL in rural areas (as DSL slows down the further it is from a central station) and is definitely faster than dial-up internet. Essentially, satellite internet is for users who don’t have another high-speed option. Even if you are in an area where satellite internet can offer speeds up to 50 or 100 Mbps, the latency inherent in a signal that has to go into space and back makes common activities like online gaming and video conferencing essentially unusable. Moreover, low data caps at higher speeds mean you won’t be able to stream Netflix for hours.

Satellite internet is one of the more expensive forms of internet and also has more restrictive data caps and speeds when compared with other internet options, like cable or fiber. That said, it’s sometimes the only option for consumers who live in areas where these alternatives aren’t available. The high cost of satellite internet is partly due to the necessary equipment, which includes a satellite dish. Installation also tends to be more expensive, since satellite internet must be professionally installed for each new customer.

Unlike other types of internet plans, the cost of satellite internet plans varies depending on the amount of data you need. Plans with slower speeds and a smaller amount of data can cost as little as $39.99 per month, while plans with more data and higher speeds can cost up to $149.99 per month.

Viasat has the edge when it comes to price in our list of the best satellite internet providers. Plans start at $39.99 per month for 12 Mbps download speeds and can go up to $149.99 for its most expensive plan, which comes with 100 Mbps download speeds.

HughesNet has similar prices to ViaSat, but with a slightly higher starting price for their lowest tier. Prices start at $64.99 for a plan with a 10 GB data cap and 25 Mbps download speeds and can go up to $149.99 for a plan with a 50 GB cap and 25 Mbps download speed.

You should rent or purchase your equipment for satellite internet service from the ISP. The dish antenna and modem are configured specifically to work with your internet provider’s system. You cannot buy a modem off the shelf and make it work; nor can you buy and install your own dish antenna. Because the dish antenna both sends and receives data, the FCC requires that it be installed by a certified technician.

The ISP-supplied modem may have a built-in Wi-Fi router (this combo device is called a gateway). You’re not obligated to use the router. You can turn it off and purchase a better one to create a more powerful wireless home network. You won’t save money, however, because you still have to pay the monthly rental fee for the other equipment.

Renting equipment gets you technical support and a router that is guaranteed to be compatible. If you terminate service and don’t return the equipment, you’ll be charged a fee. Monthly rental fees could increase, as well.

You can buy your equipment from some satellite ISPs if you prefer. You’ll pay more upfront, but over time you can recoup that money and save on future bills. Contact the satellite internet provider to learn if this is available and who is responsible should equipment break or need upgrading.

How Do I Install Equipment for Satellite Internet Service?

The FCC requires that a certified technician install your satellite internet system. The dish antenna typically is installed on the side of your house, the roof, or a pole near the house where it has a clear line of sight to the southern sky. You’ll have input on where it is placed.

The technician then routes cable from the dish to the gateway device (a combination modem-router) inside the home, configures your primary computer, and enables home Wi-Fi. Connecting your mobile devices to the Wi-Fi network may cost extra, though this step is generally easy enough for most people to manage on their own. Installation typically takes a few hours and is free, although non-standard or complex installations may incur fees.

The technician may be employed by a third-party contractor. If you perform any part of the installation, the equipment warranty will be voided.

The exception is with the Wi-Fi router. You can install your own Wi-Fi router instead of using the one built into the gateway device to have a stronger Wi-Fi signal on your property. Turn off the built-in router and follow installation instructions provided by the router manufacturer.

Satellite is the best choice when the only broadband option is a slower DSL or mobile (cellular) connection. It supports moderate internet use: streaming video and performing basic online activities. Data limits make it unsuitable for binge-watching high-definition video, and its high latency (delays) impedes fast-paced multiplayer gameplay.

Cable is faster and has lower latency. It’s best for households with multiple people who use the internet simultaneously for online gaming, video streaming, and sharing large files. It’s also best if you have lots of devices connected to the internet at once. In many areas, starting prices for cable internet plans are less than what you’ll pay for satellite internet. Cable, however, is not available everywhere. Just over half of rural areas have the option to choose cable broadband, according to the FCC.

Satellite internet is available nearly everywhere, including places where DSL isn’t a choice or for households far from the central hub that experience super slow DSL service. It lets you get internet now, instead of waiting for an internet provider to run wires or cables to your neighborhood.

In general, however, DSL is faster than satellite. Its speed is more consistent, and the latency is significantly lower. For gamers, this means less lag time for real-time first-person gameplay. Because DSL transmits data through a home’s telephone line, you don’t need a satellite dish installed. You also can buy equipment to run DSL, whereas you must rent equipment from a satellite ISP.

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