About Viasat internet
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Viasat (formerly Exede) is a satellite internet provider, so if you live in a remote area and can’t get a good connection, Viasat is an especially good option for those looking for reliable internet service and perks that beat the competition.
What we like
Widespread availability – Because they’re a satellite internet provider, Viasat is available anywhere in the U.S. If you’re living in an area that’s been deemed unserviceable by other providers, odds are that Viasat is your saving grace.
Three-month introductory pricing – New subscribers start off with three months of introductory pricing, so you’ll save money on your first few months with Viasat.
Fast speeds for rural areas – With speeds reaching up to 100 Mbps, Viasat offers some of the faster speeds available in rural areas.
Things to consider
Two-year contracts required with some plans – Plan offerings aren’t exactly enticing considering there is a two-year contract agreement required with lower-cost plans.
Data reprioritization after limit – Once you exceed your plan’s data threshold, Viasat will slow your internet speeds down until your next billing cycle begins.
Price increase after three months – Viasat’s three month promotional period is shorter than what most providers offer. Potential subscribers should consider the price increase that will incur after the introductory period of service expires when choosing a plan.
Shop Viasat plans near you
Viasat internet speeds and pricing
Take a look at the four different plans that Viasat offers, ranging from speeds of 12 to 100 Mbps. Keep in mind, plan availability will differ by serviceable area, so a Viasat subscriber in one area may only be able to shop 12 Mbps plans while another may exclusively shop plans up to 100 Mbps.
Viasat internet plans and pricing
| Plans | Intro price* | Download speeds | Data cap |
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | $50.00/mo. | 12 Mbps | 40GB |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | $70.00/mo. | 25 Mbps | 60GB |
| Unlimited Gold 50 | $100.00/mo. | 50 Mbps | 100GB |
| Unlimited Platinum 100 | $150.00/mo. | 100 Mbps | 150GB |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 02/24/21.
Viasat Flex – An add-on technology for more reliable service
What it is: Since 2019, Viasat began offering a new service called Viasat Flex. Viasat Flex is a type of channel-bonding technology that relies on satellite and DSL technology to give rural residents a more reliable and lower-latency internet connection. Viasat Flex is available as an add-on to the Viasat satellite plans listed above. Viasat has not stated how much the add-on will cost, only that there is a free introductory period for Viasat customers.
How it works: By using two separate modems and special Viasat software, your internet connection will switch seamlessly between DSL and satellite service to reduce latency. Online activities such as streaming, large file downloads and gaming will be enhanced by an overall reduction in lag time.
Which Viasat plan is best for you?
If more than one person in your household needs internet service for working remotely, then you will likely need the 100 Mbps plan. However, if your household uses the internet fairly lightly (limited streaming, gaming, Zoom calling, etc.), then you can probably get away with the 25 Mbps. The 25 Mbps is a much better value than the 12 Mbps and 25 Mbps is the slowest speed that qualifies as high-speed internet.
Viasat Liberty – Additional internet plans, not available in most areas
Apart from Viasat’s four standard packages, Viasat also offers three priority data packages, known as Viasat Liberty. Viasat Liberty, however, has extremely limited availability. What’s different about Liberty Plans is that you can maintain download speeds up to 5 Mbps during daytime hours, even if you exceed your data allowance.
Viasat liberty plans
| Plans | Intro price* | Download speeds | Data cap |
| Liberty 12 | $30.00/mo. | Up to 12 Mbps | 12 GB |
| Liberty 25 | $50.00/mo. | Up to 12 Mbps | 25 GB |
| Liberty 50 | $75.00/mo. | Up to 12 Mbps | 50 GB |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 02/24/21.
Shop Viasat plans
Viasat provides a variety of high-speed internet plans.
Viasat equipment, data caps and contract info
Term agreements – Contract and no-contract options
24-month contract plan: This plan costs less per month. However, if you need to end your service early, you may be charged an early termination fee (ETF). The ETF is $15/mo. for each month remaining on the contract. So, for example, if you had six months remaining on your service term, you could be charged $90.
Month-to-month plans: Viasat also offers month-to-month plans, but those come with a $300 upfront fee.
Expert tip: Go with the two-year plan
Unless you are planning to keep your internet plan for less than four months of a two-year agreement, it makes more sense money-wise to go ahead with the contract plan. Once you reach the four-month mark, you break even regardless of if you were in a contract or no-contract plan (i.e., 20 remaining months x $15/mo. = $300).
Viasat equipment fees – Professional installation and modem
Professional installation: $99.95.
Viasat WiFi modem: $9.99/mo.*
Equipment return: Note that if you end your Viasat service, you must return the modem, power supply and AC cord within 30 days or risk being charged up to $300 in unreturned equipment fees. Viasat sends you a convenient pre-paid box for item returns.
Expert tip: Make sure you get your $100 gift card
Look out for special offers from Viasat that include installation rebates in the form of a $100 VisaⓇ gift card.
Viasat data caps – All plans have data thresholds
While Viasat internet technically offers unlimited data, they do enforce a tiered system of “data thresholds.” Essentially, once you exceed your plan’s threshold, your internet speed will be throttled, i.e. slowed down significantly, until your next billing cycle begins.
Viasat plans offer four levels of data — 40, 60, 100 and 150 GB.
How much online time will that net you? According to amaysim.com, it depends on your activities:
- To stream video in HD it takes 3 GB/hr.
- To stream music on Spotify it takes 40-70 MB/hr.
- To host a video call it takes 8 MB/min.
- To surf the web it takes 2.5 MB/min.
- To browse social media it takes 120 MB/hr.
Why choose a Viasat internet plan?
Pick the perfect plan for you with Liberty Plans
Aside from Viasat’s four standard internet plan options, Viasat offers three priority data packages, where available. What’s different about Liberty Plans? You can maintain download speeds up to 5 Mbps during daytime hours, even if you exceed your data allowance.
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Faster online browsing with the Viasat browser
The proprietary Viasat browser speeds up average page load times and saves on your monthly data amount by blocking unwanted ads. And it looks virtually identical to browsers you already know and love, like Google Chrome.
![Mother and daughter using a cell phone]()
Superior security through Viasat Shield
With the Viasat Shield app, monitoring your home network for security threats is as easy as set-it-and-forget-it. Just download the app to experience continuous security monitoring, or opt for the Viasat Shield premium for $5.99/mo. for even more device protection.
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How does Viasat internet compare to other providers?
Viasat’s main internet competition is HughesNet, another nationwide satellite internet provider for customers in rural areas.
Overall, Viasat compares favorably to HughesNet, due to Viasat’s faster speeds and higher data caps. For instance, while Viasat speeds range from 12 to 100 Mbps, HughesNet only offers 25 Mbps.
Compare satellite internet from HughesNet and Viasat
| Starting monthly price* | |||
| Download speed range** | |||
| Plan term | |||
| Data allowance |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 02/24/21.
Viasat internet FAQs
Is Viasat good for streaming Netflix?
Yes. Streaming Netflix on Viasat internet service is possible. Viasat offers speeds up to 100 Mbps and Netflix recommends a minimum of 3 Mbps speed to stream in SD quality. Keep in mind that the more simultaneous streams you have in your home could affect the quality of streaming services.
Is Viasat internet affected by weather?
Like any satellite internet provider, Viasat can be affected by extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind or snow. However, Viasat outages are typically resolved within 20 minutes.
Does Viasat internet require a phone line?
No. Viasat does not require a phone line. To get Viasat internet at your home, you need a satellite dish and a clear view of the sky. You can, however, bundle your Viasat internet services with Viasat home phone service. Viasat uses voice-over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP service, to provide nationwide calling and phone service to Canada.
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Written by:
Taylor GadsdenWriter, Broadband & Wireless Content
Taylor is a veteran member of the Allconnect content team and has spearheaded a number of projects, including a data piece on the top fiber cities in the U.S. and a troubleshooting guide on how to connect your p… Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband & Wireless Content
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