Is Viasat cheaper than Rise Broadband?

Viasat’s lowest-priced internet-only plan costs $50/month, while Rise Broadband’s starts at $29.95/month. However, Rise Broadband’s most expensive plan is priced at $59.99/month, which is more affordable than Viasat’s at $150/month.

Who has faster speeds? Viasat or Rise Broadband?

Viasat’s internet plans offers speeds up to 25 Mbps while Rise Broadband’s plans provides speeds up to 50 Mbps.

Do Viasat and Rise Broadband have unlimited data?

Viasat does not offer unlimited data with any of its plans whereas Rise Broadband offers unlimited data with select plans.

Do Viasat and Rise Broadband require a contract?

Both Viasat and Rise Broadband allow their customers to choose between contract and non-contract plans. For both providers, non-contract plans typically require higher rates and fees.

Viasat vs. Rise Broadband

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Viasat and Rise Broadband Internet Service in 2020

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

Setup Service

(844) 912-2812

PRICE RANGE

$50-150/mo.

Rise Broadband Info

Setup Service

(844) 910-2642

PRICE RANGE

$29.95-59.99/mo.

Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Comparison
Provider	Viasat	Rise Broadband
Speed	12-100 Mbps	25-50 Mbps
Pricing	$50-150/mo.	$29.95-59.99/mo.
Service Type	Satellite	Fixed Wireless

Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Feature Comparison
Provider	Viasat	Rise Broadband
High-Speed Plans	Yes	Yes
Unlimited Data	Select Plans	Select Plans
Contract-Free Plans	No	Yes
TV Service	No	No
Phone Service	Yes	Yes

Viasat Internet Deals †

Last updated on 9/24/2020

$50 for 12 Mbps Satellite
- Priority Data with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps w/ a 12 GB/mo data cap
- Contract Term: 2 years
- After Priority Data is used, Liberty Pass will allow you to connect at slower speeds, or you can choose to buy more Priority Data. From 3–6 a.m., data usage is not counted against your Priority Data.
- Modem: $10/mo
- Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
$75 for 12 Mbps Satellite
- Priority Data with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps w/ a 25 GB/mo data cap
- Contract Term: 2 years
- After Priority Data is used, Liberty Pass will allow you to connect at slower speeds, or you can choose to buy more Priority Data. From 3–6 a.m., data usage is not counted against your Priority Data.
- Modem: $10/mo
- Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
$100 for 12 Mbps Satellite
- Priority Data with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps w/ a 50 GB/mo data cap
- Contract Term: 2 years
- After Priority Data is used, Liberty Pass will allow you to connect at slower speeds, or you can choose to buy more Priority Data. From 3–6 a.m., data usage is not counted against your Priority Data.
- Modem: $10/mo
- Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
$150 for 25 Mbps Satellite
- 25 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- Contract Term: 2 years
- After 100 GB of high-speed data is used, network speeds may slow down during times of congestion.
- Modem: $10/mo
- Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.

Show All Deals (4)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Viasat.

Rise Broadband Internet Deals †

Last updated on 12/18/2019

$29.95 for 25 Mbps Fixed Wireless
- 25 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 250 GB/mo data cap
- 1-year promo rate.
- Price increases by $10 in year 2.
- Setup: $75.00 (Includes installation (can be paid in 3 installments of $25/mo).)
- Modem: $10.99/mo
- Call (855) 720-8276 to setup service.
$49.95 for 50 Mbps Fixed Wireless
- 50 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- 2-year promo rate.
- Setup: $75.00 (Includes installation (can be paid in 3 installments of $25/mo).)
- Modem: $10.99/mo
- Call (855) 720-8276 to setup service.
$59.99 for 25 Mbps Fixed Wireless
- 25 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- Setup: $75.00 (Includes installation (can be paid in 3 installments of $25/mo).)
- Modem included.
- Call (855) 720-8276 to setup service.

Show All Deals (3)

†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

Jim on September 23, 2019

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.

Featured Review Fountain Hills, Arizona

Was this review helpful?

Good first week

Greg Mathews on May 16, 2020

Good download with their Silver plans for the first few days until you reach your plan's limit. After that, forget watching anything that requires a download. YouTube or Netflix is out of the question. Good for Facebook on your phone but that’s it.

Memphis, Tennessee

Was this review helpful?

Rise Broadband has explicitly requested to have reviews for their service turned off. We will still allow consumers to review this provider but they won't be displayed until the provider allows reviews in the future.

Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Coverage Availability

Viasat Coverage & Availability

Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.

Rise Broadband Coverage & Availability

Rise Broadband Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.

Search for Internet Nearby

Find every Internet Provider in Your Zipcode

Enter your zip code to compare Viasat and Rise Broadband with other internet providers near you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Viasat & Rise Broadband Internet Services

Is Viasat cheaper than Rise Broadband?

Viasat’s lowest-priced internet-only plan costs $50/month, while Rise Broadband’s starts at $29.95/month. However, Rise Broadband’s most expensive plan is priced at $59.99/month, which is more affordable than Viasat’s at $150/month.
Who has faster speeds? Viasat or Rise Broadband?

Viasat’s internet plans offers speeds up to 25 Mbps while Rise Broadband’s plans provides speeds up to 50 Mbps.
Do Viasat and Rise Broadband have unlimited data?

Viasat does not offer unlimited data with any of its plans whereas Rise Broadband offers unlimited data with select plans.
Do Viasat and Rise Broadband require a contract?

Both Viasat and Rise Broadband allow their customers to choose between contract and non-contract plans. For both providers, non-contract plans typically require higher rates and fees.

Last updated on 9/24/2020.