For years, living in a rural area or a remote “off-grid” location meant sacrificing one of the most essential utilities of the modern age: high-speed internet. While urban dwellers enjoy the breakneck speeds of fiber optics and cable, those in the countryside were often left with aging DSL lines or, worse, nothing at all.
Enter satellite internet.
The landscape of satellite connectivity has shifted dramatically over the last few years. What was once a “last resort” technology characterized by sluggish speeds and unbearable lag has evolved into a competitive industry with multiple players, including Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet. However, because satellite technology depends on signals traveling to and from space, choosing a plan isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest price tag. Your location, your surroundings, and your specific needs play a massive role in whether your connection will be a lifeline or a frustration.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know to choose the perfect satellite internet plan for your specific location.
1. Understanding the Two Types of Satellite Technology
Before looking at plans, you must understand the two types of satellite “constellations” currently orbiting Earth. This choice will define your speed and latency (ping).
Geostationary (GEO) Satellites
Providers like Viasat and HughesNet use GEO satellites. These are large satellites positioned about 22,000 miles above the Earth. Because they stay in a fixed position relative to the ground, they cover vast areas.
- Pros: Highly reliable coverage; established infrastructure.
- Cons: High latency (delay). Because the signal has to travel 44,000 miles round-trip, there is a noticeable lag when clicking a link or starting a video.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites
Starlink is the primary provider in this category. These satellites orbit much closer to Earth—between 300 and 1,200 miles.
- Pros: Extremely low latency (similar to cable internet); faster download speeds.
- Cons: Requires a “constellation” of thousands of satellites; service can be intermittent if your view of the sky is partially blocked.
2. Evaluate Your Location’s “Sky View”
Unlike cable internet, which comes through a wire, satellite internet requires a “line of sight.” Before committing to a plan, you must physically inspect your property.
The “North vs. South” Rule
- GEO Providers (Viasat/HughesNet): In the Northern Hemisphere, your dish usually needs a clear view of the Southern sky.
- LEO Providers (Starlink): Depending on your latitude, Starlink dishes often need a clear view of the Northern sky.
Identifying Obstructions
Trees, mountains, and even neighboring buildings are the enemies of satellite internet.
- Starlink Users: Use the Starlink app (available on iOS and Android) before buying. It uses your phone’s camera and augmented reality to scan the sky and tell you if trees will cause “micro-dropouts.”
- Viasat/HughesNet Users: These are slightly more forgiving of small obstructions because the dish is pointed at a fixed point, but a thick canopy of trees will still kill your signal.
Pro Tip: If you live in a heavily forested area, you may need to invest in a roof mount or even a dedicated pole to get your dish above the treeline.
3. Assessing Your Speed Needs: How Much is Enough?
Advertised “Up to” speeds can be misleading. When choosing a plan, match the megabits per second (Mbps) to your household’s behavior.
| Activity | Recommended Speed (Mbps) |
| Basic Browsing & Email | 5 – 10 Mbps |
| Streaming HD Video (Netflix/YouTube) | 15 – 25 Mbps |
| Streaming 4K Video | 40 – 50 Mbps |
| Working from Home (Video Calls) | 25 – 50 Mbps |
| Multi-Device Household | 100+ Mbps |
The Upload Speed Trap
Most satellite plans focus on download speeds. However, if you are a content creator or frequently send large files, check the upload speeds. GEO satellites often struggle to provide more than 3-5 Mbps upload, whereas LEO satellites (Starlink) can reach 10-20 Mbps.
4. The Data Cap Dilemma: “Unlimited” vs. “Priority”
This is the most confusing part of satellite internet marketing. Many plans claim to be “unlimited,” but there is almost always a catch.
Fair Usage Policies
Most providers offer a “Priority Data” bucket. For example, a plan might give you 100GB of priority data. Once you use that 100GB, your speeds are “deprioritized.” This doesn’t mean your internet is cut off, but it means during peak hours (usually 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM), your speeds might drop to a crawl—sometimes as low as 1-3 Mbps.
How to Calculate Your Data Usage:
- HD Streaming: Uses about 3GB per hour.
- 4K Streaming: Uses about 7GB per hour.
- Social Media Scrolling: Uses about 100-200MB per hour.
- Gaming Updates: Modern games (like Call of Duty) can have updates exceeding 50GB.
If you have a family of four that streams movies every night, a 50GB or 100GB plan will be exhausted in less than a week. In this case, Starlink’s Standard plan (which currently has no hard caps for residential users) or Viasat’s higher-tier Unleashed plans are better options.
5. Latency: Why it Matters for Gamers and Workers
Latency is the time it takes for a signal to go from your device to the server and back. It is measured in milliseconds (ms).
- Cable/Fiber: 10 – 30 ms
- Starlink (LEO): 25 – 50 ms
- Viasat/HughesNet (GEO): 500 – 800 ms
If you are a gamer: You cannot play fast-paced multiplayer games (like Fortnite or Counter-Strike) on GEO satellite internet. The half-second delay makes it impossible. Starlink is currently the only satellite option viable for gaming.
If you work on Zoom/Teams: High latency can cause “talk-over” where you and your colleagues speak at the same time because of the delay. While GEO satellites can handle video calls, the experience is significantly better on LEO systems.
6. Comparing the Major Providers
Starlink (The Performance Leader)
- Best For: Power users, gamers, and remote workers.
- Cost: High upfront equipment fee ($599) + monthly fee ($120 for most).
- Performance: 50-200 Mbps downloads.
- Contract: No contracts; cancel anytime.
Viasat (The Flexible Middle Ground)
- Best For: Locations where Starlink is “at capacity” or for users who want professional installation.
- Cost: Varies by region; often has introductory rates that increase after 3-12 months.
- Performance: Can reach 100 Mbps in some areas, but subject to strict deprioritization.
- Contract: Usually requires a 24-month commitment.
HughesNet (The Budget Option)
- Best For: Low-income households or those who only use the internet for email and basic browsing.
- Cost: Generally the most affordable monthly plans.
- Performance: Slower speeds (25-50 Mbps) and lower data caps.
- Contract: 24-month contract is standard.
7. Hidden Costs: Installation and Equipment
When budgeting for your plan, don’t just look at the monthly price. Satellite internet has unique “entry costs.”
- Equipment Fees: Unlike a $50 cable modem, satellite dishes are complex. You will either have to buy the kit outright (Starlink) or pay a monthly lease fee (Viasat/HughesNet).
- Professional Installation: Viasat and HughesNet typically include or require professional installation to ensure the dish is perfectly aligned. Starlink is “DIY,” but if you aren’t comfortable climbing a ladder and drilling holes in your roof, you may need to hire a local handyman.
- Mounting Accessories: If your yard is full of trees, you might need a “Long Wall Mount” or a “Pivot Mount,” which can add $50 to $150 to your initial cost.
8. Weather Impact: What to Expect
A common question is: “Does my internet stop working when it rains?”
The answer is: Usually no, but it slows down. This is called “Rain Fade.” Because satellite signals use high-frequency radio waves, heavy rain or dense clouds can scatter the signal.
- Snow: Most modern dishes (especially Starlink) have built-in heating elements to melt snow. However, a thick layer of ice will still require manual clearing.
- Wind: As long as your dish is mounted securely, wind shouldn’t affect the signal. However, if the wind moves your dish even a few millimeters, you may lose your connection entirely.
9. Is There an Alternative? (Check Before You Buy)
Before signing a 24-month contract for satellite internet, check for Fixed Wireless or 5G Home Internet.
Companies like T-Mobile and Verizon are expanding their 5G Home Internet to rural areas. These services use cell towers rather than satellites.
- Benefits: Lower latency than GEO satellites, no equipment to mount on your roof, and often cheaper ($50/month).
- Downside: You must be within a few miles of a cell tower with the correct frequency.
10. Final Checklist: Choosing Your Plan
To make the final decision, go through this checklist:
- Check the Sky: Do you have a clear view? Use an app to verify.
- Audit Your Usage: Are you a “light” user or a “heavy” user? (Check your current phone bill to see how much data you use).
- Test for Gaming: If anyone in the house plays online games, Starlink is your only real choice.
- Read the Fine Print: If you choose Viasat or HughesNet, what is the price after the 6-month promotional period? What is the early termination fee?
- Look for Government Subsidies: Many countries have programs (like the ACP in the USA) that help rural residents pay for high-speed internet.
Choosing the right satellite internet plan is no longer about just finding “whoever is available.” It is about balancing your geographical reality with your digital lifestyle.
If you have a clear view of the sky and can afford the upfront cost, Starlink is currently the gold standard for performance. However, if you are on a budget and only need to check emails and pay bills, HughesNet or Viasat offer reliable service with professional support.
By taking the time to measure your data needs and inspect your property for obstructions, you can ensure that your move to a remote location doesn’t mean a move back to the stone age of connectivity.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-satellite-internet
Edward Cullen is a technology writer focused on satellite internet and space-based connectivity. He shares clear, practical insights to help readers understand how modern space technology is transforming internet access, especially in remote and underserved areas.
