Viasat is the best option for rural internet
Get affordable high-speed satellite internet for harder-to-reach areas, including rural and remote locations.
Satellite internet is a great rural internet option
Viasat home satellite internet has plan coverage for 99% of the U.S. population, so you can connect in even the most remote areas.
We offer fast, reliable, affordable plans where you live, with:
• High speeds, up to 100+ Mbps in select areas
• Fast installation, typically within 3-5 days
How to get Viasat Internet in rural areas
It’s easy to get started. Here’s how to get connected fast:
- Find the plan that's right for you. Viasat provides a variety of plans to choose from so you get the speed, data and price point that fits your family's needs.
- Get installed – typically within 3 - 5 days, a professional technician will come to your home and install your satellite dish. The technician will work with you to find the best location for your equipment.
- Connect your devices – once the technician sets up your equipment, including your modem, they'll make sure you can connect your devices and start enjoying your home internet.
Find the best rural internet option from Viasat
With a variety of speeds, data and price points, you'll find the plan that best meets your family's needs.
Comparing Viasat satellite internet vs. fixed wireless
Both satellite and fixed wireless internet can connect rural areas, but there are some key differences.
Viasat satellite internet |
Fixed wireless |
|
|---|---|---|
How it works |
Internet is delivered from a satellite in space that transmits signals to and from a small antenna/dish on the home. | Service is transmitted from a tower via cellular signals to a small base unit in the home. |
Equipment needed |
Viasat provides the satellite dish (placed outside the home) & wireless gateway (placed inside the home). |
Cellular versions require antenna/modem (placed inside the home). Fixed wireless with line-of-site requirements will need exterior antenna mounted to home with router equipment inside the home. |
Installation |
Dish and wireless gateway are professionally installed to help ensure optimal service. |
Cellular versions are typically self-installed and customer is responsible for ensuring optimal location. Most Fixed Wireless requires an on-site evaluation to ensure line-of-site to local tower providing service. |
Reliability |
Dish needs a clear view of the southern sky. Service can undergo temporary weather disruptions, but typically unaffected by downed power lines and ground issues. |
Home must be within range of a cell tower and within line-of-site and distance range of exterior mounted antenna. Service can be negatively affected by solid obstructions like trees, hills, and large structures. |
Speed |
Up to 100+ Mbps on select plans. |
Up to 5-50 Mbps dependant on provider and cellular technology (ex: 5G, 4G, LTE) available to customer. |
Availability |
Available to 99% of the U.S. population. |
Available to 46% of homes in the U.S. |
Based on information found at https://broadbandnow.com/fixed-wireless
Reliable, high-speed internet for the essential things
“Viasat has been absolutely wonderful. I use internet almost the entire time I’m home. Even if I’m not at my computer, I always have music streaming.”
Leslie M. | Conifer, CO.
Rural internet FAQs
Viasat Internet is available to 99% of the U.S. population, including in remote and rural areas where other internet companies offer slower (or no) service.
Other rural internet options include DSL, cellular/mobile, and fixed wireless. Each has pros and cons, and vary by speed, reliability, and availability.
It depends. Typically, the lower populations in rural areas don’t make it profitable for fiber and cable internet providers to spend the money on building the infrastructure to support internet service.
Depending on where you’re located, you may have access to one or more rural internet options, including DSL ("digital subscriber link” that uses telephone lines to transmit data), fixed wireless (antenna-based internet), dial-up (also using telephone landlines to deliver internet), mobile internet (using mobile network hotspots), and/or satellite internet (uses a satellite link to bring you internet).
You’ll want to check the internet options that are available where you live, research their pros and cons, and decide which rural internet option works best for you. If you go with Viasat high-speed satellite internet, you’ll choose a plan based on your speed and data needs, schedule an installation appointment when the technician will find the best placement for your satellite dish either on your roof, side of your house, or a pole mount near your house, set up a modem inside your home and connect your devices to the network.
It varies depending on what you need and what’s offered near you. When choosing a rural internet provider, important factors include cost, availability, speed, data amounts, how many people use internet in your household, and how much time you spend online. Viasat Internet is a high-speed option available to 99% of the U.S. population, including in remote and rural areas where other internet companies offer slower (or no) service.
Research your options, examine the pros and cons of available services, ensure the services you’re considering meet your speed and data needs, make sure the rural internet option is available where you live, take a look at the plans, and contact providers for more information if you have questions.
In most cases, rural home owners will choose a provider and plan that works for their family’s internet usage, and then schedule installation. Viasat Internet typically installs within 3 - 5 days. At your appointment, a professional technician will come to your home and install your satellite dish in the best location. Once the technician sets up your equipment, including your modem, he or she will make sure you can connect your devices and start enjoying your home internet.
Call us to connect to fast high-speed rural internet service where you live!
*Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee may be charged at the time of sale. Monthly service fee, equipment lease fee and taxes apply. Speeds are not guaranteed and will vary. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Copyright © 2023 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat signal are registered trademarks of Viasat, Inc.