Satellite Internet Providers

Satellite internet providers deliver service via satellite. Data travels from remote servers to broadcast stations connected to a provider’s satellite (or multiple satellites). This satellite then transmits directly to consumers via dishes installed on their property. Nationwide, satellite internet has 100 percent coverage. Providers that offer satellite internet in the U.S. include Starlink, Viasat, and Hughesnet. See our guide to how satellite internet works for more technical details on frequencies used, hardware, and other aspects of satellite internet.

Why Are There So Few Satellite Internet Providers in the USA?

Currently, only three major satellite internet providers dominate the industry. With nationwide coverage, Starlink, Viasat, and Hughesnet are the main options for consumer satellite internet.

With satellite internet, the lack of choices is partly due to technical requirements: launching and maintaining satellites is extremely expensive, so it makes sense that only a handful of companies can afford to compete.

That said, satellite internet service has carved out an essential niche for itself through the years and serves as an internet lifeline for rural customers. Companies, such as Starlink, are experimenting with low-orbit satellites to increase download speeds and reduce latency.

Starlink vs. Viasat

While Viasat remains a reliable fallback for budget-conscious users, Starlink has firmly established itself as the superior choice for satellite internet. The primary difference is in the hardware: Viasat uses geostationary (GEO) satellites that orbit at high altitudes, providing broad coverage but resulting in significant latency, making real-time tasks like gaming or video conferencing difficult. In contrast, Starlink’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation delivers a much more cable-like experience with low latency and download speeds that exceed Viasat’s max. Starlink boasts download speeds up to 400 Mbps, while Viasat’s are 150 Mbps. For those who need high-speed data for streaming and remote work without the lag inherent to older satellite tech, Starlink’s performance consistently justifies the initial investment. Check out our Starlink vs. Viasat guide to see how these providers compare.

Viasat vs. Hughesnet

Viasat and Hughesnet are the longest-standing satellite providers in the U.S. The main factor when deciding between Viasat and Hughesnet is speed. Viasat’s fastest available download speed is up to 150 Mbpss, while Hughesnet’s is up to 100 Mbps. Between the two, Viasat is best for homes and businesses that need higher data caps and fast speeds available from a satellite internet provider, especially with its Viasat Unleashed plans, which offer no data caps or contracts. Hughesnet has the lower-priced plans of the two, but also has smaller data caps. Contract lengths are similar between the two providers, as are monthly equipment fees. Read our side-by-side comparison of Hughesnet and Viasat for full details on how to decide which provider is best for you.