Is Viasat Considered High-Speed Internet?

The FCC defines broadband fast internet as a download speed of at least 25 Mbps. Many Viasat plans offer this download speed, and higher speeds, but some plans provide download speeds of 12 Mbps and so these plans are not high-speed.

Satellite internet is a great alternative for rural and remote communities. When compared with Fiber Internet or 5G almost everything is slower but those technologies are available mainly in cities. Depending on your location and what is available Viasat can be a great option for your internet service and deserves to be in your consideration set.

The internet works by using radio frequencies. Service providers tend to invest in equipment and infrastructure where they see future profits. Higher-density areas with more customers tend to get the first investment in newer technologies but not always. In fact, satellite technology has been very successful specifically in helping locations around the globe that are otherwise underserved or not served at all. When the new Viasat-3 communications satellite is launched late in 2022 or early 2023 many locations in North and South America will get much faster satellite internet speeds.

What is High-Speed?

Fiber Internet is the fastest internet service where it’s available. It delivers at least 1,000 Mbps of both download and upload speeds (matched symmetrically). It’s available in selected locations and yes it’s super-fast per current standards.

Broadband Cable internet is called “cable” because it uses coaxial cables like those that transmit cable TV service. Broadband cable download speeds generally start at 25 Mbps and go up from there. Upload speeds generally start at 5 Mbps. At these speeds you would be able to handle more than one device streaming HD video. So, while it’s a far cry from 1,000 Mbps per second in Fiber Internet, it is fast enough for average households. Cable broadband typically is available in urban and suburban locations.

5G Home Internet uses a fixed wireless connection to deliver internet. It’s a big leap forward from 4G (see below). 5G uses frequencies up to 30 GHz. The system combines higher frequencies, air interfaces and wider bandwidth to boost speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. Industry partnerships are being formed to roll out 5G in more locations but for now it’s generally in higher-density areas where the technology works best.

4G LTE Home Internet uses the same basic principles as 5G but at lower frequencies, so at about 6 GHz vs. up to 30 GHz for 5G. The actual speeds correlate to the quality of cell service in the area. Download speeds have wide ranges; some providers offer a minimum of 5 Mbps while others offer a minimum of 20 Mbps or even 36 Mbps. Upload speeds range between 2 Mbps and 5 Mbps. 4G LTE internet feels fast to most users and can be a good option in rural areas where there is strong and reliable cell service.

Fixed Wireless Internet uses a base station for signal transmission. These stations tend to be about as high as cell towers. Weather does not tend to slow down fixed wireless signals so this type of service is considered reliable. Customers will require a clear line of sight to the base station. Speeds tend to be about 25 Mbps but won’t normally drop below 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.

Satellite Internet may be your only option and therefore your best option depending on where you live. In such cases do not despair. Download speeds range from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps and upload speeds are about 1 Mbps. This is fine for checking email or using Google on a few devices; or for streaming content on one device at a time. Where you’re able to get the full 100 Mbps you should have no trouble streaming HD on two devices.

For those who work from home, satellite internet can be frustrating when video conferencing, but there are things you can do to make it better. These include:

Optimize router placement. Put it near your work computer if you need to video conference or near your living area if streaming for entertainment. Definitely avoid being near a microwave or major appliances and avoid placing your router in a closet, behind a filing cabinet, or under a staircase. It needs breathing room.

You could try a premium router if the service provider’s router leaves room for improvement. You won’t know however until you try. And you’ve got to be comfy with installing, maintaining and troubleshooting your equipment. This may involve some trial and error on your part. Verify before you buy that the router is compatible with Viasat. Keep the packaging in case you need to exchange it. Upgrade every three to four years regardless.

Rather than connect your laptop to the internet via your WiFi signal (expand the “signal” icon on your laptop screen) instead use an Ethernet cable to plug your laptop directly into the router. This helps you stay connected.

Viasat offers a free feature called the Data Extender that you can turn ON and it will help you save data especially when streaming. Your data usage details are available anytime in your account login or on the My Viasat smartphone app.