Best satellite internet providers for small businesses

There are two main players in the market providing satellite internet service. Viasat has captured the interest massively due to its rapid speeds and soft data caps; However, HughesNet is garnering sufficient attention due to their highly competitive pricing model which makes satellite internet affordable with no hard data limits.

ViasatHughesNet
• Rapid speeds
• Priority connection
• Persistent IP addresses
• Distinct broadband plans
• Up to 100 Mbps
• $100-$500
• Low priced
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Equipment options
• No hard data limits
• Up to 25 Mbps
• $69.99-$199.99

Speed

Viasat offers speeds up to 100Mbps which is faster than many wired connections. Viasat also uses data thresholds versus data caps which are quite convenient for businesses to filter out and identify which plan works best for them. HughesNet, in contrast, offers a steady 25 Mbps. If your business relies on heavy internet usage with multiple users, it’s impossible to look ahead of Viasat making it the clear winner in this category.

Pricing

What HughesNet cannot compete with on speed, they make up for with their highly competitive prices. Their starter plan starts from $69.99/mo compared to $100/mo of Viasat. Furthermore, Viasat charges a flat $300 on installation which includes the leasing fee whereas HughesNet has affordable monthly equipment leasing options from $19.99/mo. HughesNet runs the rule in this category.

Data Caps

Viasat offers a much wider range of data allotments which facilitates businesses of all kinds. Unlike HughesNet, Viasat does not split its data caps based on time of days. For example, for HughesNet 100GB plan, they would have 50GB allowance for day time (8am-6pm) and 50GB for anytime data. This may be a worry for businesses that have fluctuating patterns of internet usage. Therefore, Viasat wins this by providing more ease and accessibility with their Data caps.

Viasat Metered Broadband Plans

PlanFeaturesPrice
10 GB priority data• Up to 35 Mbps bandwidth.
• Additional usage of $10 per GB
• Equipment lease
• Quick install
• Persistent IP addresses
$80/mo*
20 GB priority data• Up to 35 Mbps bandwidth.
• Additional usage of $6 per GB
• Equipment lease
• Quick install
• Persistent IP addresses
$100/mo*
50 GB priority data• Up to 35 Mbps bandwidth.
• Additional usage of $3 per GB
• Equipment lease
• Quick install
• Persistent IP addresses
$150/mo*
200 GB priority data• Up to 35 Mbps bandwidth.
• Additional usage of $2 per GB
• Equipment lease
• Quick install
• Persistent IP addresses
$400/mo*

Viasat Unlimited Broadband Plans

PlanFeaturesPrice
Unlimited 35• Up to 35 Mbps bandwidth.
• Equipment lease
• Quick install
• Persistent IP addresses
$175/mo*
Unlimited 60• Up to 60 Mbps bandwidth.
• Equipment lease
• Quick install
• Persistent IP addresses
$300/mo*
Unlimited 100• Up to 100 Mbps bandwidth.
• Equipment lease
• Quick install
• Persistent IP addresses
$500/mo*

*On the Business Unlimited 35, 60, and 100 service plans, after 75, 150, or 200 GB of data usage, respectively, Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers only during network congestion. Video streaming quality on the Business Unlimited 35 and 60 plans is typically at 480p, the Business Unlimited 100 plan is typically at 720p. Viasat may prioritize your data behind other customers during network congestion. Speeds and streaming video quality are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. *For metered service plans, extra charges apply for data used in excess of the monthly data allotment. Minimum 24-month service term. One-time standard installation fee is $300. Non-standard installations may result in additional charges. Monthly service fee includes $10.00/mo. equipment lease fee. All fees are subject to taxes. Early termination fees are $15 per month left in your contract term. Speeds and streaming video quality are “up to,” will vary and are not guaranteed. Service is not available in all areas. All offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Viasat and the Viasat logo are trademarks of Viasat, Inc.

HughesNet Business Internet Plans

PlanFeaturesPrice
Business 35• Up to 25 Mbps download speed.
• Additional usage of 25GB from 8am-6pm
• 35 GB anytime Data
• Video data saver
• Best for basic businesses
• 2 year commitment
$69.99/mo*
Business 50• Up to 25 Mbps download speed.
• Additional usage of 25GB from 8am-6pm
• 50 GB anytime Data
• Video data saver
• Best for businesses with moderate usage
• 2 year commitment
$99.99/mo*
Business 75• Up to 25 Mbps download speed.
• Additional usage of 25GB from 8am-6pm
• 75 GB anytime Data
• Video data saver
• Best for businesses with moderate usage
• 2 year commitment
$149.99/mo*
Business 100• Up to 25 Mbps download speed.
• Additional usage of 25GB from 8am-6pm
• 100 GB anytime Data
• Video data saver
• Best for businesses with moderate usage
• 2 year commitment
$199.99/mo*

*Actual speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. If you exceed your monthly plan data, you will experience reduced data speeds, which are typically in the range of 1-3 Mbps, until the start of your next billing period. Streaming is optimized with video streams at DVD quality (up to 480p). Free standard installation applies to new Lease subscribers only. Not valid with Purchase option. Limited-time offer. Offers void where prohibited. Other restrictions may apply. Minimum term required. Monthly service and early termination fees apply. Visit legal.hughesnet.com for details

The Verdict

We conclude that Viasat is the better provider when it comes to satellite business internet due to the superior speeds that they provide. Even though HughesNet is an affordable and budget friendly option, the flexibility offered by Frontpoint combined by their soft data caps makes them the overall winner in this battle for being crowned as the best satellite internet provider for small businesses.