Everything You Need to Know Before Signing up for Satellite Internet

In a place where every other internet connection isn’t available, satellite internet becomes your best bet. As per a study from January 2024, an estimated 331.1 million people were using satellite internet connections in the USA.

For some people, satellite internet is a backup plan but for most, it is the only resort.

Regardless of your requirements and needs, it is safe to say that choosing the best internet service provider (ISP) can be quite challenging.

So, if you are looking for a good satellite internet but struggling with options, here is everything you need to know about before signing up.

Satellite Internet at a Glance

Pros of Satellite Internet	Cons of Satellite Internet
Wide availability even in suburbs and remote areas	Doesn’t work with VPN
Less expensive compared to mobile hotspots	More expensive than cable and DSL
As reliable as cable, fiber, or DSL internet	High latency than other internet types
Better recovery time after a disaster	Might be affected by weather conditions
Not dependent on wires or cables	Comes with a data cap
Good speed just like any broadband	Speed is slower than cable and fiber

At a glance, you can easily understand that satellite internet is not an ideal option for people living in metropolitan cities. Especially people working on high-tech jobs who want high internet speed with very low latency.

However, individuals living in rural or remote areas where there is no other option might find it ideal. Moreover, it can also be a perfect backup plan for people with unreliable internet connections.

Things to Ask the Providers Before Signing the Contract

1-   Is There a Contract Period and Contract Termination Fee?

Lengthy contracts seem like a norm in the case of satellite internet. This also means that when the user wants to cancel the contract, he will be required to pay a hefty cancellation fee. To avoid this, the user must ask the ISP about the contract period and contract termination fee before signing up. This will help the user weigh the options better.

Moreover, some ISPs especially Starlink and Viasat have no contract at all, so the user can terminate service when needed without any financial setback.

2-   What Kind of Equipment Is Needed and Is It Free?

For a seamless internet experience with satellite internet, the right equipment plays an important role. Each user needs to have a dish receiver installed, which is much more expensive compared to the router and modem used for wired internet.

Most satellite internet providers charge users for the equipment fees. For instance, Starlink charges around $349-$2500 (lifetime fee) for equipment depending on the package, area, service, and other requirements. On the contrary, some ISPs might charge equipment fees as low as $14 per month. So, if budget is an issue, asking this question can help the user pick the right option.

3-   What Is the Equipment Installation Time and Is It Free?

Time sensitivity is a big issue for some users, especially if they have remote work. So, before you sign the contract, ask your service provider to give you a timeline for installation. This will help you prepare your backup for delay.

Another important question about equipment is the installation fee. In most cases, ISPs charge for equipment but offer free installation depending on the location, package, and other requirements. However, some ISPs might charge a partial installation fee as well. So before you pick the service provider, ask about the fee for equipment installation.

4-   What Are the Billing Options and Is There Any Late Payment Fee?

Another very important question to ask your ISP is related to the billing option. Since most satellite internet users live in remote or rural areas, the on-site bill payment process might be very hectic. This is the reason the user needs to ask about online payment options, mobile apps, or automated bill payment options.

Another thing to ask about bill payment is the late payment fee. Some companies charge a hefty late billing fee, so it can be a deal breaker for some users.

5-   What Are the Available Speeds in My Area and Can I Boost Signal Strength?

Companies generally offer a round figure for speeds. This happens because download and upload speeds depend on multiple variables i.e. area, package, equipment, weather conductions, etc.

Moreover, users must also ask about some tips for boosting strength. Some brands recommend extra equipment like Wi-Fi extenders and satellite in-line amplifiers for an enhanced online user experience.

Top Providers to Consider In the USA

Now, that you know when to pick a satellite internet, it’s time to look at the best options.

Here are some of the best satellite internet providers in the USA that you can consider:

Provider	Download Speeds	Contracts	Data Cap
Hughesnet	50 Mbps  to 100 Mbps	2 years	Yes
Viasat	Up to 150 Mbps	No	No data cap
Starlink	50 Mbps to 220 Mbps	No	2TB

Starlink, Hughesnet, and Viasat are the three best choices among satellite internet providers in the US. At a glance, Starlink offers the best speed with no contract and a 2TB data cap. However, Starlink has a high equipment fee.