Viasat vs. Rise Broadband
Viasat and Rise Broadband are U.S. providers known for supplying dependable internet services to rural areas with limited access to common broadband networks—such as fiber and cable. Viasat offers satellite internet, while Rise Broadband offers fixed wireless internet. While neither technology can compete with the fastest speeds provided by cable or fiber networks, both providers offer plans with speeds up to 25 Mbps, which qualifies as high-speed internet.
Viasat Info
Rise Broadband Info
| Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Comparison |
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| Provider | Viasat | Rise Broadband |
| Speed | 12-50 Mbps | 25-50 Mbps |
| Pricing | $49.99-149.99/mo. | $34.95-64.95/mo. |
| Service Type | Satellite | Fixed Wireless |
| Viasat vs. Rise Broadband FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | Viasat | Rise Broadband |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Yes | Select Plans |
| Contract-Free Plans | No | No |
| TV Service | No | No |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
Viasat Internet Deals †
Last updated on 10/8/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Viasat.
Rise Broadband Internet Deals †
Last updated on 5/13/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Rise Broadband.
Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Performance Overview
Reported as the second largest satellite internet provider in the United States by coverage area, Viasat’s satellite services is available in all 50 states. Formerly known as Exede, Viasat offers high-speed satellite internet and phone services to approximately 308.5 million people. Many users residing outside a cable or fiber zone can choose one of Viasat’s plans with speeds up to 25 Mbps in select areas.
As the largest fixed wireless provider in the U.S., Rise Broadband’s fixed wireless service is available to approximately 25.7 million people across 19 states that are primarily in the West and Midwest. They offer a variety of internet plans with speeds up to 50 Mbps. For more affordable rates, Rise Broadband customers have the option to bundle their internet with phone or TV service, which is supplied through DIRECTV or DISH Network as Rise Broadband does not have their own TV service.
Viasat Installation
Viasat charges a professional installation fee of $99 in most areas, but the fee is often waived for new customers.
Viasat requires the professional installation of a satellite dish, which must have a clear view of the sky. Non-standard installations that require extra materials or labor may incur additional charges.
Rise Broadband Installation
Rise Broadband customers must have a receiver dish installed to receive the provider’s fixed wireless transmission signal.
For professional installation with Rise Broadband, customers are charged $75 to have the equipment installed, although this fee may vary by location. Contract terms or promotions may reduce or eliminate the fee. Routers are provided free of charge.
Viasat Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Viasat offers both 24-month contract plans and non-contract plans.
Non-contract plans require a $300 non-refundable upfront fee. Early termination of a Viasat contract plan will result in a fee of $15 for each month remaining on the agreement. Customers have the option to lease a Viasat dish for $9.99/month or pay a one-time “lifetime lease” fee of $299. All equipment must be returned to the provider upon termination of service, or additional equipment charges will be assessed.
Rise Broadband Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Like Viasat, Rise Broadband customers can either opt for a 2-year contract or go contract-free.
Data caps are usually higher and rates and fees are generally lower with contract plans. Early termination fees for customers who cancel their contract early can be as high as $250. For most Rise Broadband plans, the receiver dish rental fees cost $11/month and the modem rental fee cost $10.99/month. Routers and related equipment are provided at no charge. Equipment must be returned to Rise Broadband following contract termination or customers face a $300 penalty.
Viasat Data Caps
Viasat offers internet plans with monthly data cap limits up to 50 GB. If you exceed the cap limit, you will still have internet access but with significantly slower speeds.
Rise Broadband Data Caps
Rise Broadband employs a monthly data cap limit up to 250 GB and offers unlimited data with select plans.
Very Pleased
We installed Viasat one month ago at our cabin in northern AZ. We are using about 6GB per 24 hour period, which gives us 10 days a month or 120 days a year, for about $1200 per year, which equates to $10 per 24 hour period of usage. Since cable is not an option, I am pleased. Obviously, if we lived there full-time, we would run out of good speeds after the 10th day of the month and would have to look at a more expensive plan ( and still come up a little short). But for part-time use, I am very pleased. Our use includes streaming, heavy surfing, emails, and phone calls. I completely understand why full-timers are not happy but the options in remote areas are very limited. For us, it has been far better than dial-up or hot spots.
Excellent
I read all these reviews. So good, so not so good. It has been nothing but a pleasure to have their service. I have had to call a couple of times and have had nothing but excellent customer service each time and had no problem finding contact info online. Keep up the good work!
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST
In 2014, we found Rise Broadband. We live out in the country so cable and wired internet are nonexistent. They came out free of charge and let us know that they could put up an antenna that would give us fast internet. 6yrs later we still have great internet! From the service tech to customer service to their tech support, we have had nothing but fantastic service! They are friendly, helpful and find us the best rate when they have promotions too. I am a teacher and with this online teaching/learning from home, Rise Broadband has been flawless and even upgraded to faster unlimited that was even more savings! Happy customer right here!! Thank you!!
Rise Broadband
Denise, Thank you so much for recommending Rise Broadband! We are so pleased that you are happy with your service. Do you know about our referral program? Refer a friend or neighbor and get $50 for every referral. Here's more information: https://www.risebroadband.com/friends/ Thank you for being a loyal Rise Broadband customer. Have a great day!
So far VERY satisfied
I live in the High Rockies in Colorado. I had one of the satellite services and it was TRULY AWFUL!! Outrageously expensive and absolute trash service. Often I couldn’t stream one movie with anything else using the internet. I thought I had no other options and resigned myself that was the reality of the remote location where I live. I found Rise Broadband and they said they were available at my address at a price I thought was reasonable. The customer service and installation technician were great as well. So far the internet service is 1000 times better than what I previously had. I’m watching the Suns hopefully win their first NBA championship and the channel I’m watching has worked perfectly. I’m optimistic the service will continue to perform well.
Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Coverage Availability
Viasat Coverage & Availability
Rise Broadband Coverage & Availability
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