Viasat Installation Guide

Viasat's installation fee is determined by multiple factors including the results of a soft credit check, your location, and any special equipment needed for the installation.

Viasat doesn’t charge for its standard professional installation, but fees can crop up if you need non-standard solutions based on your home’s unique needs or your particular situation. Check them out below.

Viasat installation doesn’t have self-installation, and you wouldn’t want it to since satellite internet installation tends to be a very involved process.

When you purchase your Viasat plan, either by phone or online, you’ll be given an arrival date for your professional installer. Your Viasat installation date should be, on average, between 3 and 5 days from your purchase date.

The installation process itself should take 2 to 3 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.

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 make sure you know how to take advantage of this feature.

Your professional installer has to tackle two main things while installing your Viasat satellite internet service. First, they will have to mount your Viasat satellite so you can receive your internet signal. That alone takes some expertise. Next, they have to set up cables connecting the satellite dish to your modem/router.

Want more specifics? Read on below.

To set up your Viasat satellite, your installer will have to get the lay of your land, determine where the optimal place to set your receiver is, and then choose the appropriate mounting equipment to do so. 

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 polemount actually does cost $75 extra because it requires more work and equipment. If you have more non-standard needs, mounting techniques include 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.

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.

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 2 to 3 hours under normal circumstances, but if you have non-standard equipment installation needs (see above), then it’s highly likely it could run longer. 

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. 

Let’s take a deeper look at your essential Viasat equipment.  

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.

If you’re having trouble with your installation, need to reschedule your installation window, or some other issue, we recommend reaching out via Viasat 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.