Why satellite internet matters now more than ever

In 2025, over 3 million people around the world rely on satellite internet to get online - not because they want to, but because they have no other choice. If you live in a remote cabin in Alaska, a farmhouse in the Australian Outback, or a moving RV across Canada, your only real option for high-speed internet is a satellite dish pointed at the sky. Terrestrial networks like fiber and cable simply don’t reach these places. And while satellite internet used to mean slow speeds, buffering videos, and laggy Zoom calls, that’s changing fast. The game shifted in 2020 when SpaceX launched Starlink, a constellation of low-orbit satellites that turned satellite internet from a last-resort option into something many now prefer.

How satellite internet works: GEO vs LEO

Not all satellite internet is the same. There are two main types: geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO). GEO satellites sit 22,236 miles above Earth, fixed over one spot on the equator. Signals have to travel up and back that entire distance - about 90,000 miles round trip. That’s why GEO services like Viasat and HughesNet have latency between 550 and 700 milliseconds. For comparison, fiber internet averages under 20 ms. That kind of delay makes online gaming, video calls, or live streaming frustrating.

LEO satellites, like those in Starlink’s network, orbit just 340 to 1,200 miles above Earth. That means signals travel a fraction of the distance. Latency drops to 25-60 ms, sometimes as low as 20 ms during off-peak hours. Speeds jump too. While GEO providers max out around 150 Mbps, Starlink regularly delivers 100-200 Mbps in real-world use. This isn’t just an upgrade - it’s a revolution.

Starlink: The new standard for home and mobile use

Starlink is the clear leader in consumer satellite internet as of late 2025. With over 3 million active users, it handles more traffic than all other providers combined. Its hardware - the standard dish, Wi-Fi router, and cables - costs $599 upfront. Monthly plans range from $120 for basic residential service to $200 for premium Roam plans that work anywhere in the world.

Performance is strong: download speeds typically hit 100-200 Mbps, uploads run 10-30 Mbps, and latency stays under 40 ms most of the time. Real users report smooth Zoom calls, Netflix in 4K, and even online gaming without noticeable lag. The FCC’s Measuring Broadband America data from Q2 2025 confirms Starlink leads in both speed and reliability among satellite providers.

But it’s not perfect. Heavy rain or snow can cause brief outages - what’s called “rain fade.” Starlink’s new Version 3 hardware, released in August 2025, cuts this problem by 30%, but it’s still a factor. Also, Starlink doesn’t work reliably above 53°N latitude, so parts of northern Canada and Scandinavia still have gaps. And while coverage is labeled “global,” urban areas with tall buildings often struggle with signal blockage.

Viasat: The reliable mid-tier option

Viasat isn’t new - it’s been around since 1986. It still serves about 800,000 homes, mostly in rural North America. Its biggest strength? Unlimited data. The Essential plan gives you 50 Mbps for $69.99/month. The Unleashed plan bumps that to 150 Mbps for $119.99/month. No hard data caps. No throttling after a certain usage limit.

But here’s the catch: those speeds aren’t guaranteed. During peak evening hours, Viasat users often see speeds drop to 20-40 Mbps due to network congestion. Latency remains high - over 550 ms - making real-time apps nearly unusable. If you’re streaming movies or browsing, it’s fine. If you’re on a video call or playing Valorant, you’ll notice the delay.

Viasat’s equipment is cheaper than Starlink’s. You can buy the dish for $299 or rent it for $14.99/month. Installation is usually done by a technician, which adds $99.99 to the cost. Customer support scores higher than Starlink’s - J.D. Power gave Viasat 87% satisfaction in 2025. That matters if you’re stuck with a problem and need help.

HughesNet: The budget trap

HughesNet is the cheapest option - plans start at $64.99/month for 25 Mbps. But don’t be fooled by the low price. HughesNet enforces strict data caps: 15 GB to 50 GB per month, depending on the plan. Once you hit that limit, your speed drops to 1-3 Mbps. That’s slower than dial-up. Streaming a single 10-minute YouTube video can use up 1 GB. A 4K movie? 5 GB. That means you can’t watch Netflix without carefully tracking usage.

Even worse, HughesNet’s latency is just as bad as Viasat’s - 600+ ms. Upload speeds are barely 3 Mbps. Most users on Reddit and ConsumerAffairs rate HughesNet under 3 out of 5 stars. Over 68% of negative reviews mention the data cap as a dealbreaker. If you’re a light user - checking email, browsing a few websites - it might work. If you have a family, work from home, or stream anything, avoid it.

Specialized providers: For boats, RVs, and businesses

Not everyone needs home internet. Some need internet on the move. That’s where KVH and Winegard come in. KVH’s TracVision systems cost between $3,000 and $10,000 - yes, that’s right, thousands. But they’re built for ships and luxury RVs. The dish tracks satellites automatically while moving, switching signals seamlessly as you drive or sail. If you’re living full-time in an RV and need constant connectivity, this is the gold standard.

Winegard ConnecT 2.0 is a cheaper alternative, around $1,500 installed. It combines satellite with LTE, switching to cellular when available. But you still need a separate cellular plan - another $60-$100/month. It’s a hybrid solution, not pure satellite.

OneWeb is trying to enter the market with enterprise-focused LEO service, promising 50-150 Mbps for businesses. But as of late 2025, it’s not available to regular consumers. You can’t sign up for it unless you’re a shipping company or airline.

Who wins? Who loses? The real choice

Let’s cut through the noise. If you want the best performance and don’t mind paying for it, Starlink is the clear winner. Speed, latency, and reliability beat everyone else. It’s the only satellite service that feels like real broadband.

If you need unlimited data and can live with slower speeds and high latency, Viasat is your backup. It’s better than HughesNet, and its customer support is solid.

HughesNet? Only consider it if you’re on a strict budget, live alone, and only check email once a day. Otherwise, you’ll hate it.

For RVers and boaters, Starlink Roam is the most practical option. It’s cheaper than KVH, easier to install, and works just as well while moving. Most full-time RVers now choose it over any other satellite system.

What’s coming next? The future of satellite internet

Starlink isn’t stopping. In Q2 2026, it plans to launch direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile and Rogers. That means your phone could connect to Starlink satellites without needing a dish. No more bulky hardware - just use your phone like normal.

Viasat is launching its ViaSat-4 satellite in late 2025. It promises 200 Mbps speeds and 1.5 terabits of capacity. But it’s still GEO. Latency won’t improve. It’s a band-aid, not a breakthrough.

HughesNet’s Gen6 tech, promised for 2026, might finally hit 200 Mbps. But again, if it’s still GEO, latency stays high. And with Starlink growing so fast, HughesNet’s future looks shaky.

Regulators are watching. The FCC says satellite internet only meets 62% of its broadband standard. Upload speeds are especially weak. And with over 40% of all active satellites in orbit being Starlink, space traffic and debris are growing concerns. MIT’s Dr. Elena Rodriguez warns we’re close to a tipping point where too many satellites could collide and create a chain reaction of space junk.

For now, though, satellite internet is the only lifeline for millions. And Starlink is the only provider making it feel like the future.

Installation and setup: What to expect

Getting satellite internet up and running is simple - if you know what to look for.

Starlink is self-install. You get a box with the dish, router, and cables. You set it up in 30 minutes. The app tells you where to place the dish for best signal - usually a clear view of the southern sky. No technician needed. But if you live in a heavily wooded area or a valley, you might need to mount it on a pole or roof.

Viasat and HughesNet require professional installation. A technician comes out, drills a hole in your roof, mounts the dish, and connects the wiring. It takes 4-6 hours. You pay $99.99 extra for this.

Mobile systems like Winegard or KVH? Those need professional installation too - often $1,200 or more. And you need to understand your power setup. RVs need a stable 12V system. Boats need waterproofing. It’s not plug-and-play.

Monthly costs: Hidden fees and long-term value

Starlink’s $150/month plan looks expensive. But look at the total cost. You pay $599 once. That’s about $25/month over two years. So your real monthly cost is $175. Compare that to Viasat: $119.99/month plus $14.99 for equipment rental = $135/month. But Viasat’s speeds are slower and less reliable.

HughesNet’s $64.99 plan seems cheap, but if you exceed your data cap, you’re paying $0.10 per MB for extra usage. A single HD movie can cost you $10 in overage fees. That adds up fast.

Starlink’s Roam plan is $150-$200/month, but it works anywhere. Viasat’s portable dish costs $1,200 and still needs a fixed signal. You can’t take it from your cabin to your campsite and expect it to work.

Long-term, Starlink pays for itself. You get better performance, no data caps, and mobility. You’re not just paying for internet - you’re paying for freedom.