How Much Does Satellite Internet Cost?

The average cost of a satellite internet plan in the U.S. is about $121 per month. While cable and fiber internet options may be cheaper, satellite internet offers wider availability. Finding the right satellite internet service provider depends on your needs, so let's break down the costs to help you find the best fit.

Jump to: Provider Costs | What Affects Satellite Internet Costs? | Fiber internet | 5G internet | Fixed wireless internet | Customer use cases | Choosing the right provider | Methodology

• Plans: Satellite internet plans cost between $49.99 to $149.99 per month, depending on the provider, download speed, and data allowance.
• Equipment: Buying your own equipment upfront can cost up to $2,500 for Starlink, but many satellite providers lease out equipment for about $15 a month. Besides Starlink, leasing or renting is the preferred option for most providers since the one-time costs can be prohibitively expensive.
• Installation: Some providers offer free installation under certain conditions, while others may have additional charges. Installation may require specialized equipment that providers will charge for.

Expect costs to rise with better features. Faster download speeds and larger data caps generally mean a higher monthly fee. You might also incur additional charges for exceeding data limits or equipment rental fees. Installation isn't always free - some providers offer it included, while others require self-installation. Please see the table below for a breakdown of installation costs.

While satellite internet offers valuable connectivity in remote areas, it has some crucial limitations. Here are some alternative options to consider.

For those fortunate enough to have access, fiber internet offers the fastest and most reliable internet connection available, often at a lower cost than satellite internet. It transmits data using pulses of light through fiber cables, resulting in high speeds and low latency.

This emerging option promises faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite internet, particularly in urban and suburban areas. 5G internet providers use cellular networks to deliver internet access, offering a potential alternative for those who may not have access to fiber.

This option utilizes point-to-point wireless towers to deliver internet access. While not as widely available as satellite internet, fixed wireless internet can offer a more affordable and potentially faster alternative in certain areas.

This guide explores real-world examples of satellite internet provider costs and plans for users who are in rural areas and on the go.

Rural dwellers:

• Scenario: John lives on a farm and needs rural internet for basic tasks like email, browsing news, and occasional video calls (around five video calls per month, 30 minutes each).
• Estimated cost: John could choose the Select Hughesnet plan with up to 50Mbps speeds and a 100GB data cap for $49.99 per month (including equipment rental fee). This data allowance provides a buffer for occasional video calls (around 15GB per month for video calls based on estimates).

RV travelers:

• Scenario: Sarah and Mike need internet in their RV and for their work (10GB per month on average), streaming entertainment (50GB per month), and social media (20GB per month).
• Estimated cost: Starlink's portability and unlimited data (with prioritization) could be a good fit. The base price is $150 per month, with a one-time equipment fee of $349. Be aware that speeds typically range from 20–150Mbps, and during peak usage times, customers might see slightly slower speeds.

Remote workers:

• Scenario: Mary works from home full-time as a graphic designer and needs the internet for tasks like video conferencing with clients (daily one-hour calls), downloading large design files (20GB per month), and using cloud-based design software.
• Estimated cost: Mary likely needs a plan with a good balance of speed and data allowance. The Viasat Unleashed plan with up to 150Mbps download speed and unlimited data could be an option for $129.99 per month (one-time equipment fee applies).

Finding the right satellite internet provider requires a two-step approach: Understanding your needs and critically evaluating provider plans.

First, assess your internet habits. High speeds are crucial for activities like online gaming or video streaming, while basic browsing and email require less bandwidth. Analyze your typical data usage to avoid exceeding caps and incurring extra charges. 

Next, look at the plan options. And don’t forget to think beyond the initial price tag. Introductory offers are common, but investigate potential price hikes after the promotion ends. Hughesnet, for example, will raise your rate after the first year. Viasat also joins Starlink in ditching a mandatory contract, allowing you to pay month-to-month and end the service whenever you want. Focus on the total cost of ownership, including monthly rental charges and upfront installation costs. A seemingly affordable monthly plan can be deceptive with additional upfront and ongoing expenses. Also don't be lured by the fastest speeds if your online activity is more casual—it's like buying a racing car for city commutes.

By understanding satellite internet pricing and prioritizing your budget, you can find the most cost-effective satellite Wi-Fi for your internet needs.

We compile our articles using trusted sources and real customer feedback. We perform first-hand testing on the services we review and compile proprietary data to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your internet needs.

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