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Viasat Business Internet Review and Pricing
Table of Contents
- Viasat customers receive satellite service with persistent, rotating IP addresses for a more reliable internet connection.
- With five satellites in orbit, the vendor covers 96 percent of the United States and plans to launch two more satellites to achieve global coverage by 2026.
- The company provides its business customers with prioritized connections and up to 1,000 GB of monthly data before speeds are reduced.
- Businesses in certain locations can't sign up for Viasat's unlimited data plans.
- While the company offers faster speeds than other satellite ISPs, its plan prices are slightly higher.
- In some rural areas, Viasat can take up to 10 days to complete installation and up to three days to troubleshoot outages.
Many businesses operate in locations that can’t be reached by fiber-optic internet cables. For them, a satellite internet connection can be a game-changer, as no physical connection is required. Viasat is a great option for businesses seeking satellite service, using five satellites to cover more than 96 percent of the United States. Businesses that provide commercial Wi-Fi or require extensive mobility — such as airlines and cruise ships — often choose Viasat for its reliable connections in less populated areas. Viasat also provides all the equipment needed to get started, along with a set of persistent IP addresses that rotate for improved reliability. For businesses in rural areas, it can deliver service where many other vendors can’t.
Viasat Editor's Rating:
8 / 10
- Pricing
- 7/10
- Speed
- 7/10
- Availability
- 9/10
- Service plans and contracts
- 8/10
- Customer service
- 9/10
Why We Chose Viasat for Rural Businesses
Satellite internet is a vital resource for businesses operating in rural areas that lack access to high-speed fiber-optic or dedicated internet connections. While satellite internet is slower than fiber and other internet service types, it’s enough to keep your company running if you partner with the right internet service provider. For example, Viasat can provide download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, which are significantly faster than HughesNet’s maximum of 100 Mbps.
Viasat makes connectivity a bit easier for businesses by assigning persistent IP addresses, which help keep internet connections stable and reduce the hassle of constant IP changes. Persistent IPs mean there’s less time spent on manual network setup and more time staying connected.
We also appreciate that Viasat handles installation quickly, provides all the necessary equipment, and gives business traffic priority over residential, a big plus when the network gets busy. With several plan options, you can choose the right internet speed, data and price for your needs. For these reasons, Viasat is our top pick for rural businesses that need reliable internet access.
Viasat Features
If you run a business in a rural area, you might look into big-name providers like AT&T or Verizon, only to learn they don’t offer service in your location. That’s where satellite providers like Viasat come in. Along with reaching places other providers can’t, Viasat offers the following helpful features designed with business needs in mind.
Priority Connection
In the past, satellite internet was often criticized for its inconsistent speeds and instability. Viasat helps customers overcome these problems with five satellites and a commitment to prioritizing business traffic. Prioritized service means faster download speeds, minimized buffering and less latency for your company. Viasat’s routers and modems automatically connect to the IPs and channels with the least congestion, giving your business the fastest available connection.
Equipment Lease
While some providers require you to purchase equipment when you sign up for their business broadband internet service, Viasat makes it easy: All the necessary equipment is included in each plan, and the cost is built into your monthly fees.
Equipment is typically installed in just three to five days with a one-time installation fee. Every modem is compatible with the latest Viasat protocols.
Add-Ons
Rural businesses need all the same resources as their urban counterparts, and Viasat provides connections where other vendors can’t reach. In addition to satellite internet, Viasat business customers can add mobile hotspots and voice service to their plans. With Viasat Business Voice, you’ll receive a free mobile app, desktop phones, number portability and caller ID. If your location limits access to some of the best business phone systems, Viasat’s built-in voice service can be a reliable alternative.
Viasat Business hotspots include a customizable splash page to support your marketing, tools to promote special offers, and all the necessary equipment.
Persistent IPs
Instead of relying on a single static IP address that never changes, Viasat assigns business customers a set of persistent IP addresses. These addresses can be used for network management, point-of-sale (POS) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and VPN connections. Using a plug-and-play approach, persistent IP addresses are assigned dynamically over the network, eliminating the need to manually enter the IP address, mask and gateway. This method allows each Viasat business customer to rotate between a set of potential IP addresses for faster and more reliable connections.
Extensive Coverage
Viasat is one of the largest U.S. military defense contractors, offering expansive rural coverage, fast speeds and reliable service, with equipment included in its packages. The provider currently covers most of the United States and aims to achieve near-total coverage nationwide.
Viasat operates a robust satellite fleet, including ViaSat‑1, ViaSat‑2 and the first ViaSat-3, which has been in service since May 2023. Two more ViaSat‑3 satellites are planned to expand global coverage across Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. For businesses in mountainous regions, valleys, maritime environments or aviation, Viasat provides essential internet services to help keep your business connected wherever you operate.
Viasat Pricing
We were disappointed to find that Viasat no longer publishes flat-rate pricing for its business internet plans on its website. Instead, pricing and available options depend on your location, selected speed, data threshold and contract terms. You’ll need to plug in your business address or contact a sales representative to get an accurate quote.
For research purposes, we entered a rural Texas address and received the following quotes. Here’s a look at Viasat’s offerings and the pricing we found.
Plan | Starting Price | Best for | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Business Choice (also referred to as “Primary Internet”) | $184.99 per month | Businesses that need full-featured internet services |
|
Business Added Choice | $199 per month | Same as Business Choice, but with no long-term contract |
|
Business Backup Choice (also referred to as “Backup Internet”) | $49.99 per month | Businesses that need a secondary connection if their main service goes down |
|
Low-Cost Internet | No quote available | Businesses that only need limited internet services |
|
Notably, all plans include the following:
- Unlimited “Office Hours” data: Use standard business apps during office hours without it counting against your data allowance
- Optimized Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic that doesn’t count against your data cap
- Built-in business Wi-Fi
- Free installation (a $500 value, according to Viasat)
- Seven-day customer support, including weekends
- Built-in network security features to help protect against cybersecurity risks
Viasat’s contract requirements vary. Depending on your location and selected plan, you may be eligible for month-to-month, 12-month or 24-month terms. An early termination fee of $20 per month may apply if you cancel before the contract ends.
Implementation
Unlike some internet service providers that offer self-installation, Viasat sends a dedicated technician to install the necessary equipment and ensure connections are secure. (All plans provide for free installation.) Because Viasat partners with small businesses nationwide, installation is often faster than with other satellite internet providers.
The implementation process typically takes three to five business days, or up to 10 days in the most rural areas Viasat serves. All equipment is installed with a 90-day warranty covering defective hardware.
We appreciate that Viasat’s EasyCare onboarding program (a paid add-on) helps customers get started with their new service by providing accessible instructions and support. The My Viasat app enables customers to manage their accounts from mobile devices, while the Welcome Guide and Viasat 360 brochure offer quick answers to common questions. Once your equipment is installed, the technician will walk you through your internet service and make sure you have access to all your essential online features.
Customer Support
- Basic support: Viasat Business Care is available seven days a week by phone, though specific hours aren’t listed. You can also reach a support agent through the My Viasat online portal.
- Paid support: For enhanced service, business customers can add EasyCare, a premium support plan that costs $9.99 to $24.99 per month, depending on location and plan. EasyCare includes priority customer support, free service calls (normally $95 per visit), and discounted equipment replacement if your system is damaged outside of warranty. It also provides expanded troubleshooting assistance, helping you quickly resolve connectivity or equipment issues without incurring additional charges.
- Online resources: Viasat also offers online resources, including an FAQ, but its support options aren’t as extensive as those of other business internet providers we reviewed.
Limitations
Viasat can be an attractive option for businesses that operate in rural areas — and it may be your only option, in some cases. Still, it’s important to be aware of the following potential limitations:
- Latency: Satellite internet can result in higher latency — the time it takes for a packet of data to travel from its origin to its destination. Just 50 milliseconds of latency can affect network and application performance. While Viasat performs better than other satellite providers, customers may still experience higher latency compared to fiber-optic or cable internet.
- Data caps: You’ll need to pay more for unlimited data or a higher data threshold. Even with prioritized connections — which all Viasat business customers receive — speeds may be slowed or throttled after exceeding your monthly data allowance. If that’s a dealbreaker for your business, check out our review of Spectrum Business Internet, which doesn’t throttle speeds or impose data caps.
- Satellite limitations: Your connectivity is subject to the physical limits of satellite technology. While Viasat reaches locations that cable providers can’t, coverage depends on satellite power and positioning. If you’re located in a serviceable area and want a provider with extensive infrastructure and reliable speeds, check out our Comcast Business Internet review.
Methodology
To determine the best business internet service providers, we researched, analyzed and evaluated top competitors in the market. During this process, we consulted with product specialists whenever possible. We compared and contrasted key criteria across vendors, including pricing, installation process, speed, connectivity type, additional services and the quality of customer support. When searching for the best provider for businesses in rural areas, we placed special emphasis on coverage area, the use of persistent IPs, speed, reliability, prioritized connections, and other service-specific factors.
Viasat FAQs
Bottom Line
We recommend Viasat Business Internet for …
- Businesses in rural locations without access to fiber-optic cable internet.
- Companies looking for an affordable backup or redundancy connection.
- Organizations that need satellite internet and phone service with Wi-Fi hotspots.
We don’t recommend Viasat Business Internet for …
- Data-heavy internet users who can’t afford to lose speed after exceeding their data allowance.
- Businesses in urban areas with access to fiber or 5G internet options.
- Companies that require upload speeds faster than 4 Mbps.