This article provides an in-depth comparison of the top satellite internet providers, HughesNet and Viasat. It covers coverage areas, speeds, pricing, data limits, early termination costs, and equipment options. Ideal for consumers and businesses in remote locations, it highlights the strengths of each company and what to expect from their plans, helping users make informed decisions about satellite connectivity solutions.

Top Satellite Internet Service Providers in the Market

An overview of the primary satellite internet companies In many regions, especially remote areas, satellite internet remains the only viable option among over 2,600 providers offering fiber, DSL, cable, wireless, mobile, and satellite services. Although cost and data limits may be higher, satellite providers are crucial for connectivity in underserved locations.

Below is a detailed comparison of the two dominant satellite internet companies operating nationwide.

Which providers service the largest populations and where are their coverage areas?

HughesNet – Reaching approximately 309 million Americans across all 50 states, offering speeds up to 15 Mbps.

Viasat Internet – Covering around 308 million residents nationwide, with plans providing speeds up to 25 Mbps.

Big Bend Telephone – Serving about 13,775 residents in one state, with speeds near 3 Mbps.

X2nSat – Available in select regions across seven states, providing specialized satellite services.

Which companies lead in satellite internet offerings?

Current industry data indicates:

While HughesNet held dominance until last year, Viasat has gained popularity since 2018.

Recent satellite launches by Viasat have improved plans, enabling faster speeds and more competitive prices.

Viasat now offers unlimited data options, often at lower costs with higher speeds compared to HughesNet.

Pricing and plan options for top providers

Both companies face limitations on new installations in some areas, but Viasat generally offers more data and faster speeds for comparable prices.

Viasat’s costs tend to increase significantly after initial months, whereas HughesNet maintains stable pricing for up to two years.

Overall, Viasat provides more data at a lower average rate than HughesNet.

Early termination fees for satellite plans

Viasat – Early cancellation costs roughly $15 per remaining month, regardless of service duration.

HughesNet – Termination fees can reach up to $400 depending on remaining contract term.

Data cap policies of these providers

Viasat – Has mostly eliminated data caps; plans include 40-150 GB monthly, with no extra charges for exceeding limits, though speeds may slow.

HughesNet – Does not cut off service after data caps but reduces speeds to 1-3 Mbps until cycle resets; additional tokens can be purchased for faster speeds.

Equipment options from providers

HughesNet – Offers equipment leasing at around $10-$15/month or outright purchase for about $249.99, excluding installation costs of roughly $200.

Viasat – Equipment can be leased at $10/month, with no setup fees; long-term plans available for about $300.