What Is The Estimated Cost Of Installing Satellite Internet?
The satellite internet cost is not uniform. It varies depending on the provider you choose along with the plan. If you are looking for a high-speed plan, be ready to dig deeper into your pocket. Satellite internet connection will slow down once you exceed allowed data use. You can reduce your monthly bills related to internet costs by getting your internet, phone service, and TV satellite from one company. Most providers have pocket-friendly packages for customers seeking several services.
One of the best satellite internet providers, Viasat, has plans starting from $50 up to $150 per month. All plans come with unlimited data, and equipment renting starts from $9.99 monthly. The installation cost of Viasat satellite internet depends on where your dish will be mounted.
However, they only accept at least a two-year contract. If you choose to terminate the service before the contract is over, you pay terminations feels not less than $15.
Comparing Satellite Internet with Others
Satellite versus DSL internet Internet
- Perfect for people living in areas where other internets such as DSL are not available.
- It is fast, while other options are slow.
DSL Internet
- Perfect in areas where it is available. It offers a strong satellite signal.
- Excellent for gamers looking for high speed
- Allows fast uploads for videos sharing and cloud backups
Satellite internet offers a reliable connection in various parts of the US. While other options such as DSL are faster than satellite, they are available in remote areas.
What Is The Speed Of Satellite Internet?
The speed of your satellite internet depends on the company you choose. For example, with HughesNet, you get 25 Mbps, and Viasat has 12 Mbps speed on basic plans. But they have top tier plans with up 100 Mbps. The speeds are significant enough to allow HD video streaming and other daily uses.
Satellite internet is known to have high latency compared to all other internet connections. It takes longer to travel the long space distance, which causes some delay to perform an action. This one of the reasons that makes online gaming or anything that needs fast internet.
Satellite internet comes with lower data caps compared with internet options. The slowness of the internet depends on the plan you go for. Once you reach the data cap every month, you have to deal with a slow connection.
Satellite Pricing
Satellite internet is a little higher compared to other services. For example, Viasat gives you satellite internet with 100 Mbps speed at $150 while you get the same speed at $54.99 on a cable plan by Xfinity. The worst thing is that Viasat raises the price once the introductory period is over, and you have to pay $200 every month. However, it’s always the best option when looking for consistent speed in areas where other internet services are slow.
Why Satellite Internet?
There are two main reasons why you should choose satellite internet and not any other. They are:
- If you need internet in a remote area.
- Want internet that you can use while traveling to various parts of the United States.
You may find several options in some remote areas, including the DSL and slower dial-up along with the satellite. In such a scenario, satellite is the best option because it’s fast and consistent. However, it will cost you more and saves you from buffering problems. If you love traveling or own an RV, satellite dish internet connection will keep you connected.
Best Satellite Internet Providers
Satellite internet connection has continued to become better over the years. This has made life easier for those living in the country. The satellite internet connection offers reliable internet in rural areas. You have several options when looking for a provider. The main ones are HughesNet and Viasat. Here are factors that you should consider when selecting your satellite internet provider. They include:
- Internet Speeds
The speed determines how fast you can download or upload files. Besides, it affects the quality of videos that you stream live. So, check satellite internet options near you and choose the one that provides the highest speed.
- Data Caps
Consider data caps because satellite internet providers give you limited internet and will, therefore, slow down once you hit the data limit. If you are a heavy downloader, you must watch out for caps. You will hit the data limit within no time, and your connection will slow down.
- Pricing
Pricing is important because it’s determined by the speed you want. The secret is to find the best option that meets your needs while staying within your specific budget.
It is not easy to find the best internet provider even when you know that you want satellite services. Here are two of the best satellite internet service providers.
Viasat
Viasat is one of the best satellite internet companies you will find in the US. It is still doing well in 2020, but there is a rumour that Starlink will be getting into the business later this year and is likely to bring huge competition. Why go for Viasat?
- Viasat satellite is available countrywide.
Viasat internet is available in most parts of the country, it’s a good choice when looking for reliable satellite internet.
- Speed
Speed is one of the advantages of getting a Viasat internet connection. It provides up to 100 Mbps in most regions. This is faster than HughesNet internet speed and allows users to download HD videos. Besides, it can be used by several people at the same time.
- Free Installation
Viasat provides free installation to all their customers who qualify for the service. They also lease equipment at a low price, starting from $9.99 every month. For you to be eligible for free installation, you must have a positive credit score. For those who do not qualify for Viasat free installation have to pay $99.99.
- Lots of Choices
Viasat has several plans that come with different pricing, data caps, and speeds. Viasat dubs their data cap as “data thresholds,” mostly because you do not get disconnected even after you exceed your limit. You will notice that your internet connection slows down until you get the following month’s plan.
HughesNet Internet
HughesNet satellite internet service allows you to surf online. Depending on the speed you select, you can enjoy high speed for fast photo uploading, streaming videos, and listen to your favorite tunes anytime. It offers the following:
- Best Value
HughesNet provides the best value for customers looking for satellite internet. It offers high speed at low cost. It is impossible to get an affordable package from Viasat compared to what HughesNet though the package comes with a 12 Mbps speed, which is lower than FCC standards. But, if you are looking for satellite plans to save money that give you the best value and save you money, HughesNet is the option to go for.
- Data Bonus
HughesNet data limits start from 10 GB up 50 GB every month. Even after you reach the limit, you will still access connection though it will be slower than before. For example, if your plan is 25 Mbps speed, you get from 1 up to 3Mbps. This allows you to enjoy some services because some entertainment platforms like Netflix can download at least 1.5 Mbps speed. However, you can purchase extra data to keep on enjoying high speed if your work or online activities require high-speed internet.
- Free Installation
Free installation from HughesNet is available for clients who lease gateway at $9.99 during the first 12 months, and after that, its $14.99. When you choose to buy your gateway equipment, the company charges you $199 for installation. This is why it’s recommended you lease HughesNet equipment instead of buying your own.
Is Satellite Internet Connection A Good Option?
Over the years, satellite internet has improved though it hasn’t reached the speed and bandwidth offered by fiber and cable. It is a good option as you are guaranteed consistent service. If you are in an area where both DSL and satellite internet services are available, go for the later. It is ideal for ordinary home and office use. But for gamers looking for high-speed internet, it may not be the best option. Top of Form
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Reasons to Use Satellite Internet
- It comes with a higher speed compared to a dial-up connection.
- It is perfect for remote areas and will give you reliable internet where fiber and cable connections are not available.
- Its bandwidth is enough to allow smooth usage for moderate users, streaming videos, and web browsing. It is ideal for work and ordinary entertainment.
Cons of Satellite Internet
- The speed lags and can be very slow, especially when the weather is terrible.
- It will cost you more compared to fiber and cable internet services.
- It comes with data caps, and you, therefore, limited as to how much internet you get every month.
- It is not a good choice for online gamers, especially those who love real-time games.
Games you can play with satellite internet
All is not lost for online gamers. There are some games that they can still enjoy when using a satellite internet connection. They include:
- Strategy games
These games are mostly turn-based, which eliminates issues that may arise due to latency. They are the best option because real-time ones will not flow smoothly when your internet gets plagued by latency issues, which is normal with this form of internet connection.
- Role-Playing Games
These games are created to allow players to engage in the game slowly while maintaining interest and engagement among players. The games do not need fast internet.
Games That Won’t Work With Satellite Internet
- Shooters
Shooters are fast-paced games and therefore need fast internet. If you love these games, satellite internet is not for you.
- Sports
Sports games are some of the popular activities with online gamers. All decisions are made within a second, and there is no way you can beat you, opponents, if your internet is slow. They are similar to shooters, and the only internet you can use is cable or fiber for a great experience.