Is Viasat owned by Hughesnet?
No. Viasat and Hughesnet are separate satellite internet services. Hughesnet is a Hughes Network Systems brand within EchoStar. Viasat, Inc. is a separate company.
Who operates each service?
Viasat operates its own satellite communications business. Hughesnet is the residential and small-business satellite internet brand offered by Hughes, an EchoStar company. Similar dishes, rural coverage and satellite technology do not make the two services one company.
If you have an account with one provider, contact that provider about billing, equipment and cancellation. Do not assume an account, modem, support request or service agreement transfers to the other company.
Why are the names sometimes confused?
Both sell home internet in areas where wired service may be limited. Both use a dish and satellite equipment at the customer's location. Their plans, network capacity, equipment, support arrangements and contract terms are separate, even when the services are sold through the same dealer.
A dealer such as RSINC can compare several providers. Buying through the same dealer does not mean those providers share ownership or that their equipment can be exchanged.
Compare the address-specific offer
Viasat's current lineup includes Essentials, Unleashed and Unleashed Max. Hughesnet has its own plans and data policies. Before ordering, compare the total monthly cost, equipment charges, promotional period, minimum service term, speed information and data-management policy for the offer at your address.
For eligible orders through RSINC, our download commitment is at least 80 Mbps. Uploads can reach 3–5 Mbps, but that range is not a guaranteed minimum. RSINC usually sees downloads around 180 Mbps on Unleashed; that is our experience, and actual results vary.
Read Viasat plans and prices and our Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink comparison. Coverage and available plans can differ by location; check your street address before choosing.
Can you switch between them?
You can compare and order another provider where it is available, but it is a new service arrangement. Confirm installation timing and test the replacement connection before canceling your existing service if uninterrupted internet matters at home. Ask your current provider about remaining contract obligations and equipment returns. A sales inquiry or a new order does not automatically close the old account.