Satellite Internet Providers

Provider	Typical download speed range	Typical upload speed range	Typical latency (approx.)	Data policy	Typical starting price*	Best suited for
Starlink	~50–220 Mbps (some markets higher).​	~10–40 Mbps.​	~20–60 ms (low for satellite).​	Truly unlimited data with fair‑use management.​	Around $80–$120/mo plus hardware.​	Rural users who want the fastest satellite for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Viasat	~25–150 Mbps depending on plan.​	~3–10 Mbps.​	~600 ms+ (GEO satellites).​	Soft data caps or “unlimited” with post‑cap slowdowns.​	From about $40–$100+/mo depending on plan.​	Rural homes needing higher data allowances and flexible “unlimited” plans.
Hughesnet	Up to ~100 Mbps on newer plans.​	Up to ~3 Mbps.​	~600–800 ms (GEO satellites).​	Plans with monthly data buckets and post‑cap throttling.​	Usually from about $40–$90/mo.​	Budget‑focused rural users with light to moderate usage.
Amazon Project Kuiper**	Estimated ~100–400 Mbps (rolling out).​	Est. 10–40 Mbps.​	Est. ~30–60 ms (LEO).​	Details not final; expected to be competitive.​	Rumored around ~$60/mo (TBD).​	Early adopters in launch areas looking for LEO performance and Amazon ecosystem.
Other regional satellite brands	25–100+ Mbps (varies).​	3–10 Mbps (varies).​	500 ms+ for GEO; 20–60 ms for LEO hybrids.​	Mix of capped, soft‑capped, or unlimited plans.​	Pricing varies by brand/region.​	Remote or offshore locations with few or no wired alternatives.

What is satellite internet?

Satellite internet is a type of broadband connection that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to deliver internet service to a dish installed at your home or business. Instead of relying on cables or fiber in the ground, data travels wirelessly between your dish, a satellite in space, and a network of ground stations, which makes satellite internet available in rural and remote areas where wired networks are limited or nonexistent. Traditional satellite providers like Viasat and Hughesnet use high‑orbit (GEO) satellites, which offer wide coverage but higher latency, while newer low‑Earth‑orbit systems like Starlink use many smaller satellites closer to Earth to provide faster speeds and much lower lag. Satellite internet is ideal when you cannot get cable or fiber, but it may come with higher prices, equipment costs, data caps, and performance that can be affected by weather and line‑of‑sight issues.

Compare satellite internet providers

Provider	Typical download speed	Typical upload speed	Approx. latency	Data policy	Typical monthly price*	Best for
Starlink	~50–220 Mbps (some areas higher).​	~10–40 Mbps.​	~20–60 ms (low for satellite).​	No hard data caps; fair‑use management instead of strict limits.​	Around $80–$120 plus equipment.​	Rural users who want the fastest satellite and lower latency for streaming, calls, and some gaming.
Viasat	~25–150 Mbps, depending on plan and area.​	~3–10 Mbps.​	~600 ms+ (geostationary).​	“Unlimited” with soft caps; speeds slowed after large monthly use.​	Roughly $50–$150+ depending on speed and data.​	Rural homes needing higher data allowances and solid general browsing/streaming.
Hughesnet	Up to ~100 Mbps on newer plans.​	Up to ~3 Mbps.​	~600–800 ms (geostationary).​	Plans with monthly data buckets; throttling after cap.​	About $50–$90+ depending on data.​	Budget‑focused rural users with lighter everyday usage and basic streaming.

Perks and promotions for satellite internet

Provider	Common perks & promotions (examples)	Contract notes	Where it helps most
Starlink	Limited‑time discounts on monthly fee (e.g., around 65 dollars for first year in select areas); up to 50% off standard hardware kit; occasional promos with free or heavily discounted equipment and special pricing in congested cells.​	No long‑term contract; cancel anytime.​	Reduces high upfront equipment cost and first‑year price for rural users who want fastest satellite.
Viasat	Intro promotional pricing on plans (e.g., Essentials or Unleashed starting under 40 dollars for year one before increasing); free standard professional installation for qualified customers; occasional prepaid gift card offers.​	Often requires 2‑year contract; early‑termination fees apply.​	Good for customers who value lower first‑year bill and professional setup.
Hughesnet	Deals like 100–200 dollar prepaid Mastercard via rebate on select plans; up to 25 dollars off per month for first 12 months; free professional installation when leasing equipment; instant savings on equipment purchase; occasional bundle gift card with TV.​	Usually 2‑year contract on promo plans.​	Attractive for budget‑minded users who want installation included and upfront rewards.