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Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Internet

Compare Viasat and Rise Broadband internet service in 2024

3 Plans Available
Viasat internet
price range
$69.99 - $119.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 12 Mbps - 150 Mbps
  • Satellite
  • $15 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data
5 Plans Available
Rise Broadband internet
price range
$30 - $75/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 25 Mbps - 500 Mbps
  • Fixed Wireless, Fiber
  • $10 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about Viasat and Rise Broadband:

Learn more about Viasat and Rise Broadband

Viasat is one of the largest satellite internet providers in the U.S., while Rise Broadband primarily offers fixed wireless internet plans. Both of these connection types are known for having availability in rural areas. We note key similarities and differences between Viasat and Rise Broadband below.

As a satellite internet provider, Viasat has nearly universal coverage in the U.S., making it the most accessible choice in remote areas. Its download speeds range from 12 Mbps to 150 Mbps, meaning that while it is widely available, Viasat isn’t the fastest option. Rise Broadband also provides internet to rural areas, but unlike Viasat, Rise Broadband offers internet plans with symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps thanks to its fiber-optic technology. That said, these fiber internet plans are newer for Rise Broadband, so they’re not available everywhere.

Viasat vs Rise Broadband: Best Deals

Internet Deals

When it comes to deals, Rise Broadband is known for providing free installation with its fixed wireless plans. Viasat, on the other hand, is likely to knock down your monthly payment per month for more prolonged savings.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Viasat Pros

  • Faster than other satellite competitors
  • No hard data caps
  • Excellent customer support
  • Available almost everywhere

Viasat Cons

  • Contracts required on some plans
  • High equipment cost

Rise Broadband Pros

  • Availability in rural areas
  • Highly-rated customer service
  • Free installation on some plans
  • Bundles available

Rise Broadband Cons

  • Equipment rental required
  • Fiber not available everywhere

Viasat Edges Ahead With Better Bundles

Bundling is a great way of combining multiple services while unlocking great savings. For example, Viasat internet and phone service as well as hundreds of TV channels offered through DISH Network. In contrast, Rise Broadband offers both internet and phone bundles but no TV service, which is why Viasat pulls ahead in this category.

Rise Broadband Edges Ahead of Viasat in Terms of Fees

Viasat Will Cost You for Installation

Since Viasat is a satellite internet provider, you will need a specialized technician to come to your home and install the product. That means self-installation isn’t possible with Viasat. While Rise Broadband’s fixed wireless product does require installation, it is likely to offer free installation as part of a promotion. Even if you did have to pay, it would be cheaper than Viasat.

Rise Broadband Has More Customer-Friendly Data Caps

Viasat’s recent release of the Viasat Unleashed plans offers a no contract satellite internet option with no data caps. However, some Viasat plans do impose soft data caps. Once customers reach the data cap limit, they’ll experience a slower connection. The threshold for these soft limits varies from plan to plan. Rise Broadband has both unlimited and data capped plans for its fixed wireless products. You can always purchase unlimited data for a little more per month.

Both Viasat and Rise Broadband Are Equal in Customer Satisfaction

Based on our reviews and industry reports, Viasat and Rise Broadband have similar customer service reputations. Both providers tend to have complaints about connectivity, speed, and the occasional billing error. That said, Rise Broadband has waived fees for customers in the past when confronted with issues or complaints.

Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Viasat based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 2843 for Viasat. Viasat earned an average score of 3.10 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Rise Broadband based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 942 for Rise Broadband. Rise Broadband earned an average score of 2.97 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Viasat and Rise Broadband

  • Is Viasat cheaper than Rise Broadband?

    Rise Broadband is cheaper than Viasat. Its internet plans start at just $30 per month.

  • Who has faster speeds –– Viasat cheaper or Rise Broadband?

    Rise Broadband has faster speeds thanks to fiber optic technology capable of supporting symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps.

  • Do Viasat and Rise Broadband have unlimited data?

    Viasat offers unlimited data on Viasat Unleashed plans, while other plans come with a soft data cap. Rise Broadband doesn’t have data caps on its unlimited internet plans, but you may face a 250 GB data cap on non-unlimited offerings.

  • Do Viasat and Rise Broadband require a contract?

    Rise Broadband and Viasat both offer plans with month-to-month and contract agreement stipulations.