What to Expect From Your Viasat Installation

Viasat is vague about the cost of installing its satellite internet. Installation is typically free; however, it's dependent on a soft credit check. Your location and any specialized equipment needed will also affect the final charge. My own installation was free.

When you purchase your Viasat plan, either by phone or online, you’ll schedule an arrival date for your professional installer, which can be as soon as three to five days from your purchase date.

The installation process itself should take two to three hours. Your professional installer will set up your satellite dish, run cords through your house, set up your modem/router, and help you set up your Viasat account. Installers can also help you connect your devices to Wi-Fi, so if they don’t bring it up, don’t be afraid to ask.

To ensure the best possible setups for new customers, Viasat partners with local, professional satellite installers and not independent contractors. In my case, my installer was from DirecTV, so I was pleased to be working with someone who's experienced.

My technician texted me early on the day my installation was scheduled to give me a time window for when he would arrive. Later, he called to let me know that he would arrive in 30 minutes. 

To set up your Viasat equipment, your installer will have to determine the optimal location for your dish and choose the appropriate mounting equipment. My technician immediately got to work selecting a good spot for the dish. Since Viasat's satellites are geostationary, they orbit close to the equator, so the dish must be pointed south.

I requested that my installer set up the dish in a specific spot of my cabin, where it would be less noticeable, and they wouldn't have to drill through the thick log walls. They were open to my preferences for the installation and attentive to my needs and how to treat my home. 

Viasat installers do drill holes in your house to make way for the cables connecting your satellite dish to your modem/router. Without them, you don’t get an internet connection. Your professional installer should keep these cables tight and well-secured, and they’ll handle running the cables through your home to the modem/router that they will also set up for you.

Most people need only standard mounting options like a sloped roof mount (where the installer drills the satellite into your roof for security), wall mount (where the installer anchors the satellite to your exterior wall), or pole mount (where the installer can’t find a place on your structure to mount, so they create a vertical pole somewhere in your yard to attach it instead. 

But so you’re aware, the pole mount actually does cost $75 extra because it requires more work and equipment. If you have more non-standard needs, mounting techniques include a non-penetrating roof mount and an under-eave mount. You’ll only get these under special circumstances, and they do cost a bit extra, just like the pole mount mentioned above.

Your installer will likely consult with you on the location of your Viasat modem/router in your house so you can get the best Wi-Fi coverage possible. 

No, Viasat requires a technician to perform the installation, no way around it. Satellite internet like Viasat or Hughesnet are tricky beasts equipment-wise, and Viasat’s professional installers are trained for it. They also come with proprietary equipment, software, and training to make sure they can orient your dish and get you the best satellite internet possible.

Starlink is the only provider that requires self-installation. Some people prefer this approach because they have specific needs and ways of setting it up or don't want a technician to come to their home. Starlink doesn't have an installation service, but it's possible to hire local third-party services to do the install. Read our guide on Starlink installation for more info.

Viasat estimates your installation will take about two to three hours under normal circumstances, but if you have non-standard equipment installation needs (see above), then it’s highly likely it could run longer. Although my own installation was only an hour.

Once you’re all set up and before your installer heads out, we recommend taking our Viasat internet speed test to see how your new internet connection is doing. You can also check out the Viasat Browser while your rep is still present to ensure you know how to take advantage of this feature.

Viasat Wi-Fi gateway

Viasat has its own wireless gateway that's propriety. Unlike other types of internet that typically allow you to use your own modem and router, Viasat's dish is only compatible with a Viasat gateway, which includes Wi-Fi. However, you can connect your own wireless router if you want stronger Wi-Fi or need to extend the signal.

Your Viasat installer will set up your satellite internet equipment, including your Viasat dish, all connective cables, and your modem/router. If you have any trouble with the equipment after they’re gone, check out our Viasat Troubleshooting Guide for easy fixes before calling up customer service. 

You don’t need a phone line to get Viasat satellite internet installed, though Viasat does offer voice and internet bundles if you want one. Your Viasat modem/router also has a phone jack connection if needed (but again, doesn’t rely on one).

If you want to be able to use Wi-Fi, you’ll need a router for any internet connection, including Viasat. If you get Viasat’s wireless gateway (which is a modem and router combined in one device), you won’t have to worry about shopping for one yourself.

Viasat is a satellite internet company that uses GEO satellites to beam internet connections down to a local satellite receiver installed at its customers’ locations. This is what makes it so great for rural and off-grid connections—you can get a signal anywhere.