Top Two Leaders in Satellite Internet Connectivity
This article compares the top two satellite internet providers in the country, HughesNet and Viasat. It covers their coverage areas, plans, pricing, data limits, early termination fees, and equipment options. Ideal for remote location residents, it highlights their strengths, service options, and customer considerations to help choose the better provider based on speed, cost, and data needs.
Leading Satellite Internet Providers: An In-Depth Look
Leading Satellite Internet Providers: An Overview In a country with over 2,600 internet service providers, satellite options are vital for remote areas. Among these, only four primarily provide satellite connectivity: HughesNet, Viasat, Big Bend Telephone, and X2nSat. While satellite internet often has higher costs and data restrictions, it remains essential for those in inaccessible regions. Here’s a glance at the dominant satellite internet providers operating nationwide and their service coverage.
Which companies provide satellite internet nationwide, and what areas do they serve?
HughesNet - Covering approximately 308 million people across all 50 states, HughesNet offers maximum speeds of around 15 Mbps.
Viasat Internet- With a nationwide reach covering similar populations, Viasat provides speeds up to 25 Mbps under its plans.
Big Bend Telephone- Serving a small region with about 13,775 residents, this provider offers 3 Mbps speeds.
X2nSat- Operating across seven states, X2nSat delivers tailored satellite services in these areas.
Who are the top players in satellite internet today?
Although HughesNet maintained dominance until recently, Viasat surpassed it in 2018 thanks to new satellite launches.
Viasat’s latest satellite improvements allow for higher speeds, flexible plans, and better pricing.
Customers now enjoy faster, unlimited data options at lower costs than HughesNet’s offerings.
Comparing Plans and Pricing for the Leading Providers
Viasat tends to offer higher data allowances and improved speeds, although it raises prices after initial months, whilst HughesNet maintains stable rates over two-year contracts.
Overall, Viasat’s packages provide more data for less money on average than HughesNet.
Early Contract Termination Fees for Satellite Internet
Both providers require two-year contracts. Early cancellations involve these fees:
Viasat- An additional charge of roughly $15 per remaining month applies if you terminate early, regardless of contract duration.
HughesNet- Termination fees can reach up to $400 depending on remaining contract months.
Data Caps and Usage Limits
Viasat- Recently eliminating caps in most plans, Viasat offers near unlimited browsing with monthly data options of 40, 60, 100, or 150 GB. Speed reduction may happen if limits are exceeded.
HughesNet- Although data caps exist, internet speeds are throttled to 1-3 Mbps after reaching the limit; users can buy tokens to restore faster speeds.
Getting Equipment from Satellite Providers
HughesNet- Equipment can be bought upfront for about $249.99 or leased at $10–$15 monthly, with installation costing around $199.99.
Viasat- Offers equipment leasing for $10/month or a lifetime lease for $299.99 upfront, suitable if staying longer than 30 months. No additional setup fees apply.
