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Viasat vs. Rise Broadband

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Viasat and Rise Broadband Internet Service in 2021

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

(844) 912-2812

$90-150/mo.

Rise Broadband Info

(844) 910-2642

$29.95-59.99/mo.

Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Comparison Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) Rise Broadband
Provider Viasat Rise Broadband
Speed 12-100 Mbps 25-50 Mbps
Pricing $90-150/mo. $29.95-59.99/mo.
Service Type Satellite Fixed Wireless
Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Feature Comparison Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) Rise Broadband
Provider Viasat Rise Broadband
High-Speed Plans Yes Yes
Unlimited Data Yes Select Plans
Contract-Free Plans No Yes
TV Service No No
Phone Service Yes Yes

Viasat Internet Deals †

Last updated on 1/14/2021
  • $90 for 12 Mbps Satellite
    • 12 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 3-month promo rate. Regular rate is $100.00.
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • After 40 GB of high-speed data is used, your data may be prioritized behind other customers during network congestion, which will result in slower speeds.
    • Modem: $12.99/mo
    • Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
  • $100 for 25 Mbps Satellite
    • 25 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 3-month promo rate. Regular rate is $150.00.
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • After 60 GB of high-speed data is used, your data may be prioritized behind other customers during network congestion, which will result in slower speeds.
    • Modem: $12.99/mo
    • Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
  • $150 for 30 Mbps Satellite
    • 30 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 3-month promo rate. Regular rate is $200.00.
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • After 100 GB of high-speed data is used, your data may be prioritized behind other customers during network congestion, which will result in slower speeds.
    • Modem: $12.99/mo
    • Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
Show All Deals (3)

†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

5.00 Stars

on September 23, 2019

Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)

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 IP Not Verified Fountain Hills, Arizona
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No Complaints

5.00 Stars

on November 22, 2020

Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)

If you are experiencing slow internet with Viasat, then it might be a Computer problem, such as a virus or corrupt register files or just an old slow computer or you have the cheapest service they offer. etc. I can watch movies, use Google Voice, and stream TV shows.

IP Verified Hernando, Mississippi
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ABSOLUTELY THE BEST

5.00 Stars

on May 08, 2020

Rise Broadband

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!!

Featured Review IP Verified Bryan, Texas
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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!

Rise Broadband helping me during these challenging times.

5.00 Stars

on December 29, 2020

Rise Broadband

Because of Covid19, I've had my hours cut at work and have had a difficult time keeping up on my bills. I called customer service about the possibility of them adjusting my bill and removing the reconnect fee and late charge. They subtracted 2 reconnect fees and a $20 late charge, this removed $90 from my bill. I made arrangements to pay the remainder of my bill split between 2 payments, this move allows me to get caught up. The staff at Rise Broadband is polite and very helpful, if you have problems paying your bill, call customer service they WILL help you out. Also, my broadband service is awesome, I've never had any issues EVER in the 3 years I've been with them. THANK YOU RISE BROADBAND.

IP Verified Pueblo, Colorado
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Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Coverage Availability

Viasat Coverage & Availability

Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Rise Broadband Coverage & Availability

Rise Broadband Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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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.

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Last updated on 1/14/2021.