In the countryside, people might find it easier to get satellite internet instead of other types like cable or fiber. Even though it can be slow, it is a good choice if there is no other internet around. If you can see the southern sky without anything blocking it, you can probably use a satellite internet service.
We checked out the best ones and what to think about when planning:
- Top Satellite Internet Providers
- Check out the Best Satellite Internet Providers of 2023
- About HughesNet
- About Viasat
- About Satellite Internet
- How Satellite Internet Works
- Who Benefits from Satellite Internet
- People May Also Ask
- Which is the Best Satellite Internet?
- Is Starlink Good in 2023?
- What is the Next-Gen Satellite Internet?
Top Satellite Internet Providers
- HughesNet Internet
- Viasat Internet
Check out the Best Satellite Internet Providers of 2023
We looked at companies providing satellite internet and compared them using things like fees, how fast you can download and upload, where they are available, and any special deals.
| Rank | Provider | U.S. News Rating | Monthly Cost | Connection Type | Download Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HughesNet Internet | 3.6 | $49.99 and Up | Satellite | 15 Mbps – 50 Mbps |
| 2 | Viasat Internet | 3.2 | $39.99 and Up | Satellite | 12 Mbps – 100 Mbps |
Their position in the Best Internet Service Providers of 2023 decides how they rank in the satellite category.
About HughesNet
HughesNet is our top pick for satellite internet. It is also ranked 8th in the Best Internet Service Providers of 2023 and holds the No. 1 spot for the Best ISPs in Rural Areas. HughesNet has four plans, starting from $49.99 to $149.99 a month.
| Connection Type | Download Speed | Bundles |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite | 15 Mbps – 50 Mbps | Internet, Voice Bundle |
The download speeds range from 15 Mbps to 50 Mbps, depending on the plan you choose, and all plans have an upload speed of 3 Mbps. No need to worry about running out of data with HughesNet – the top two plans offer 100 or 200 GB of data.
Why HughesNet is Great
- Perfect for people in the countryside with no other internet choices.
- Best for those who use the internet lightly with 5 devices or less.
- Ideal for customers who do not need super-fast internet speeds.
Not the Best for
- Not recommended for gamers or people who watch many videos online.
- It might not be the best for households on a tight budget.
- It is not the greatest if you work from home and use video calls a lot.
About Viasat
Viasat is our second pick for satellite internet. Like HughesNet, Viasat is often found in rural or remote areas. It is ranked 12th in the Best Internet Service Providers of 2023 and fifth in the Best ISPs for Rural Areas. Viasat’s plans start at $39.99 and go up to $149.99.
| Connection Type | Download Speed | Bundles |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite | 12 Mbps – 100 Mbps | Internet, TV, or Phone |
Download speeds vary from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps, with upload speeds of 3 Mbps. The good news is all plans come with unlimited data.
Why Viasat is Good
- Great for people living in the countryside.
- Perfect if you do not have DSL, fiber, or cable internet options.
- Best for those who mainly use the internet for browsing and email.
- Good if you want to bundle different services together.
Not the Best for
- Not recommended for people who love watching streaming videos.
- Might not be the best choice for gamers.
About Satellite Internet
Satellite internet comes from satellites up in space, and the signal gets sent to a dish at your home. It might cost more than the internet with wires, but because it does not need cables, fiber, or phone lines, it is a good choice for people in the countryside. The cool thing is you can get it in every state.
Important Links
How Satellite Internet Works
Satellite internet is pretty simple: it comes from satellites. There are two types – Geosynchronous and low Earth orbit (LEO), and they offer different speeds and connections.
Geosynchronous satellites spin around the Earth at a set distance and speed, matching how the Earth turns. They are easy to use – point your dish at one spot. Your internet stays steady, and you do not need to move your dish around.
Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are newer and faster, with less delay than Geosynchronous ones. But, tracking these speedy satellites needs more advanced technology.
Who Benefits from Satellite Internet
For People in the Countryside:
Satellite internet is a good choice if you live in the countryside and need help getting cable or fiber internet. It might cost more, but the cool thing is you can get it no matter which state you are in.
For Boaters:
Even if you are out on the water, you can use satellite internet. As long as you can see the sky, it works. Viasat even has internet options for both land and sea.
For RV Travelers:
If you are travelling in an RV, you can still use satellite internet while you move around. Just tell it where you are, find a satellite to connect to, and then use the internet like you normally would.
People May Also Ask
Which is the Best Satellite Internet?
There are around six big satellite internet providers, but HughesNet, Starlink, and Viasat are the top ones. If you live in the countryside where cable, fiber, or DSL internet is not an option, satellite internet can be a good choice.
Is Starlink Good in 2023?
In 2023, Starlink and Viasat are quite similar in speed, but Viasat gives you fewer data, and Starlink’s coverage map is smaller. Both are good for speed and data, but we lean a bit towards Viasat because it is more likely you can get it.
What is the Next-Gen Satellite Internet?
Starlink is a bunch of satellites run by SpaceX, an American aerospace company. It provides internet in over 60 countries and plans to offer global mobile phone service after 2023.
