Compare Satellite Internet in United States

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2 live offers compared from 1 providers, from $90 /month. Updated daily.

What is Satellite Internet in the US?

Satellite internet delivers broadband via orbiting satellites rather than ground cables, making it a vital option for rural and remote areas of the United States where fiber, cable and even DSL do not reach. A dish at your home communicates with satellites overhead. The newest low-Earth-orbit (LEO) systems have transformed the category, delivering far lower latency and higher speeds than the older geostationary satellite services that long dominated rural connectivity.

How the US market works

Traditional geostationary providers place satellites far above the equator, which historically meant high latency and strict data caps. LEO networks orbit much closer to Earth using large constellations of satellites, cutting latency dramatically and enabling video calls and streaming that older satellite could not handle well. Service requires professional or self-install of a dish with clear sky view. Because it needs no ground infrastructure to your home, satellite reaches locations no wired provider serves, though weather can affect the signal.

Benefits

Rural availability — Reaches remote homes and cabins where fiber, cable and DSL are unavailable.

Low-latency LEO — Low-Earth-orbit service supports video calls, gaming and streaming unlike older satellite.

Fast self-setup — Modern kits can be self-installed and online within an hour with a clear sky view.

Portability — Some plans allow use at multiple locations or while traveling in an RV.

How to choose

First confirm whether any wired option—fiber, cable or fixed wireless—is available at your address, as those are usually cheaper and faster; satellite shines where they are not. If choosing satellite, prioritize a low-Earth-orbit service for latency-sensitive uses like video calls. Check the upfront equipment cost, monthly fee, any data policies or deprioritization during congestion, and whether you need portability for travel. Ensure your install site has an unobstructed view of the sky.

Leading providers in the US

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is the leading low-Earth-orbit satellite internet provider in the US, offering nationwide coverage with residential, business and roaming plans and self-install kits. It has become the default choice for rural and remote users seeking usable speeds and latency. Older geostationary providers such as HughesNet and Viasat remain available in some areas, but LEO service like Starlink has set the new performance benchmark for satellite broadband.

What it costs

Satellite internet typically runs about $90 to 20 a month for residential service, plus a one-time equipment cost for the dish and router that can run several hundred dollars. Business, priority and roaming tiers cost more. Unlike wired broadband, there is usually a meaningful upfront hardware charge. Prices vary by plan and any promotional hardware discounts, and premium data or mobility options add to the monthly bill.

Protections and regulation

Satellite internet providers are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which licenses satellite spectrum and oversees broadband providers, including transparency rules requiring clear disclosure of speeds, data policies and fees through broadband labels. The FCC also administers programs promoting rural connectivity. Consumers can file complaints with the FCC over service or billing issues, and general consumer-protection rules on advertising and billing apply.

Common questions

Is satellite as fast as fiber? No—fiber and cable are faster and cheaper where available, but modern LEO satellite is far better than older satellite and works where wired service does not. Does weather affect it? Heavy rain or snow can briefly degrade the signal. Can I use it while traveling? Some plans offer roaming or RV use for connectivity on the move.

Satellite Internet in United States — FAQ