Viasat FAQs

General Information

I’m thinking about getting Viasat Satellite Internet. Where do I get started?

If you’re thinking about getting Viasat Internet for your home, a great place to start is by checking our satellite internet overview page. This will give you a good idea of the different plans available in your area and you can always access the FAQs link in the main menu if you need more information.

When you’re ready to order, speak with a sales representative.

As a current Viasat customer, where can I go for assistance with my account and technical support?

Assistance with your account, technical support, and contact information can all be found on our Support page.

What is the process for obtaining Viasat Internet for my business?

For information on how to acquire Viasat Business Internet, please visit our Small Business Internet page.

About Viasat Satellite Internet

Can you explain what Viasat Internet is?

Viasat Internet is a satellite-based internet service for homes. Our mission is to provide dependable, high-speed internet to those who live in remote or rural areas where cable providers do not reach. We are committed to connecting families in even the most inaccessible locations.

What is the underlying principle behind satellite technology?

This is the process behind Viasat satellite internet:

You access a website through your laptop or mobile device by clicking on it. Your request is then sent to your Viasat modem and transmitted through a short cable to the dish outside your home.
The dish at your home sends the request to our satellite.
From there, the request is sent to a gateway station that is linked to our ground network.
The station communicates the request to the desired website.
The website returns the requested information back to the station, which then sends it to the satellite to be directly transmitted to you.

Where is Viasat Internet service available?

The company offers coverage in all 50 states, serving many remote and rural areas where other internet providers may not reach. To see if Viasat Internet is available near you, check out the available areas on their website.

Who is the ideal audience for Viasat Internet?

Viasat Internet is best suited for individuals residing in remote or rural areas that have limited access to high-speed internet. It provides an ideal solution for everyday online activities such as shopping, banking, education and staying connected with loved ones.

Which online activities are not suitable for Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet is typically not a suitable option for utilizing VPNs, playing online video games that require a very low response time, or as a full-time video streaming replacement for cable TV. However, Viasat Internet can still accommodate families who desire to stream video, as long as the appropriate plan is chosen. If you’re interested, reach out to our sales team for help in determining the best plan for your needs.

Why choose Viasat Internet?

You should consider Viasat Internet for the following reasons:

High-speed: with a minimum download speed of 12 Mbps, Viasat Internet offers faster speeds than many DSL and 4G/LTE mobile services. Some areas may even have speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Cost-effective: Viasat Internet provides more data for your money compared to other options. The monthly service charge will remain unchanged for at least two years and there are no automatic overage fees on our residential plans.
Convenient: Installation is quick, taking only 2 to 3 hours, and managing your account is easy with the My Viasat online portal.

Does Viasat offer a warranty or guarantee?

Viasat provides a warranty against equipment defects for the first 90 days of your service contract. If you would like more support, we recommend our upgraded support program—EasyCare. For one low monthly fee, EasyCare covers any service calls plus offers annual dish relocation if necessary. Sign up for EasyCare when you order your Viasat service, or add the service at any time online.

Do wireless routers work with Viasat Satellite Internet service?

Wireless routers work well with Viasat service, providing the ability to network your home easily. We can provide you with a new Viasat WiFi Modem or Gateway with built-in Wi-Fi, or you can use your own. Any up-to-date router will work with Viasat Satellite Internet service. Wirelessly connecting your computers, tablets, and smartphones is easy and hassle-free!

Can I use any web browser I want with Viasat’s service?

Yes – Viasat’s internet service is compatible with all browsers. For the best browsing experience, we recommend our proprietary Viasat Browser, which is optimized for our service. Our browser is fast and includes ad-blocking technology and a data saver mode.

If I change my mind about the service, will I incur cancellation fees?

Like most services governed by a monthly or annual contract, Viasat Satellite Internet service plans do have cancellation fees. If you disconnect service before the end of the minimum service term (24 months), you may be charged a fee of $15 for every month remaining on the contract. For example, if you cancel service after 10 months of a standard 24-month contract, you would pay $15 a month for the remaining 14 months of your agreement. (14×15 = an Early Termination Fee of $210.)

All About Data

How is the consumption of data monitored?

The amount of data you use each month is determined by the quantity of bytes transmitted between your network and the internet. These bytes are usually measured in Gigabytes (GB), Megabytes (MB), or Kilobytes (KB). A GB is approximately equivalent to one billion bytes or 1,024 MB. Meanwhile, 1 MB is equivalent to 1,024 KB, and 1 KB is equal to 1,024 bytes.

What is 1GB capable of?

With 1 GB of data, you can access 3,000 new webpages, send 20,000 text-based emails, stream 24 hours of music on platforms such as Spotify with a 96 kbps rate, among other online activities.

What is the meaning of data allowance and usage threshold?

With Viasat Unlimited data plans, you are provided with a fixed amount of High-Speed Data each month, along with unlimited Standard Data.

The specified amount of High-Speed Data ensures that you will have access to downloads and uploads at the advertised speed for your plan. Once you have used up your monthly allocation of High-Speed Data, unlimited Standard Data will become available. Although Standard Data may not be as fast as High-Speed Data during periods of network congestion, it will still allow you to carry out basic tasks like web browsing, audio streaming, social media, and email without the fear of being disconnected or incurring extra charges.

Your monthly High-Speed Data will be reset to zero on the same date as your monthly billing statement and the cycle begins anew. If you find yourself running out of High-Speed Data before the end of the month, you can always purchase more at any time during the month, but the additional High-Speed Data will only be available until the start of the next billing cycle. To help you monitor your data usage, Viasat offers various tools such as Viasat Shield and My Viasat, which can be accessed through the app or online.

Once you become a Viasat customer, the Help Center will provide you with plenty of tips and advice on how to check and optimize your data usage. If your current internet plan does not meet your needs, you can always upgrade to a plan that better suits your usage.

Can you explain the meaning of latency?

Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for data to travel from one place to another. In simpler terms, it represents the delay in the transmission of data to its final destination. A low latency is desirable, while a high latency can be irritating.

Several factors can affect network latency, and the latency can vary depending on the technology used. In general, satellite internet service can be impacted by latency due to the distance that the data needs to travel. Older versions of satellite internet service were slower because of the outdated technology, not due to latency.

Viasat incorporates advanced web acceleration technology that significantly reduces page-load times, reducing the impact of latency. In addition to the faster speeds enabled by Viasat’s high-capacity satellite, you’ll also enjoy a faster, more responsive web browsing experience.

Although satellite latency is higher than cable or DSL latency, it typically won’t make a noticeable difference for most internet activities (exceptions may include some video games and VPN services).

Is it possible to utilize a VPN on Viasat satellite internet service?

It is possible to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with Viasat satellite internet service, though it may result in slower speeds. VPNs are commonly utilized by remote workers to access corporate networks, however, not all VPNs may be functional. On the other hand, some Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) based VPNs may perform well.

Is it possible to play video games on Viasat Internet?

Yes, it is possible to play video games on Viasat Internet. The performance of the games will vary, with some games performing well, others not so much, and some may not work at all. In general, online multiplayer action games tend to have poor performance on satellite internet, whereas turn-based multiplayer games or single-player games with limited online components may work better. Several factors such as your location, gaming platform, and others can influence game performance. It’s important to keep in mind that software updates and downloads can consume a significant amount of data, which could add up quickly. We suggest downloading such content during off-peak hours.

Viasat Voice

What is Viasat Voice service about?

Viasat Voice is a comprehensive home phone service that can be used with your smartphone. It is designed to work optimally with Viasat Internet, and calls made using Viasat Voice will not affect your Viasat Internet data allowance.

Is Viasat Voice service available for everyone?

Viasat Voice service is available to those who have an internet service with a speed of 12 Mbps or higher and reside within the continental US (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). Currently, Voice is not accessible for WildBlue or Exede customers.

What level of dependability can I anticipate with Viasat Voice?

Viasat Voice is expected to be just as dependable as Viasat Internet, since they both utilize the same satellite and internet connection. Our network management and monitoring efforts aim to ensure a highly dependable and accessible service.

Does Viasat Voice have any calling features?

Yes, Voice supports various calling features such as voicemail, caller ID, call blocking, hold, forwarding, waiting, return, and call waiting disable. You can find more information on these features here.

What is required to access Viasat Voice service?

For Viasat Voice service, you need a Voice adapter which is usually integrated into your Wi-Fi modem. You will have to supply your own home phone handsets to connect to the Voice adapter. Alternatively, you can connect your adapter to a cordless base station to allow phone service to reach every area of your home.

Are there any monthly limitations on the amount of toll or international calling I can make with Viasat Voice?

No, there is no limit on the amount of toll or international calling you can make as long as you continue to pay your bill. However, if your monthly toll charges exceed $200 or the total minutes of all your calls exceed 3,000 minutes, Viasat Customer Care may reach out to you for verification purposes to prevent fraud and unexpected bills.

Installation & Equipment

What are the necessary conditions for installing a dish?

A technician certified by Viasat will consult with you about the site conditions, including the need for an unobstructed view of the southern sky, to determine the optimal location for the dish. During the installation, someone who is 18 years or older must be present.

To access Viasat Internet, you will need the official Viasat satellite dish, transceiver and bracket assembly, Viasat internet modem, and the relevant cables and hardware. All of these components are provided by Viasat and must be returned at the conclusion of your agreement.

The Viasat satellite dish is similar in size to a typical satellite TV dish, and the Viasat Wi-Fi modem and gateway are approximately the size of a large book. Our latest Viasat Wi-Fi modem and gateway also come equipped with a built-in wireless router.

Is it necessary to have a Viasat dish permanently fixed to my residence?

It’s not compulsory to have a permanent installation of the Viasat dish on your house. Often, the dish can be attached to a 4-foot pole mount placed on the ground near the house. Available fixed options include roof mount, wall mount, brick mount, side mount, under-eave mount, and stub mount.

Watch this Video to Learn More

What is the procedure for installation like?

The installation is a straightforward and simple process. A certified technician will install the equipment and activate the Viasat Internet service at the location of your choice. The dish measures approximately 30 inches in width and 28 inches in height, and can be easily mounted on the roof, an exterior wall of your home, or a pole in the ground. The dish is connected to the modem through a cable, which then connects to your computer. Usually, installations take 2-3 hours to complete.

Is there a warranty provided for equipment by Viasat?

Viasat does provide a warranty for their equipment. If any equipment is found to be defective within the first 90 days of starting new service, it will be replaced.

Can I do my own satellite dish installation?

We require that Viasat dishes be installed by our highly trained technicians. To ensure that the satellite is accurately aimed at the satellite and all connections are secure, we do not allow self-installations.

How big is the satellite dish?

Our Viasat satellite dishes are about 30 inches wide x 28 inches high.

Do Homeowners Associations allow the Viasat dish?

All internet satellite dishes are covered by the FCC Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule. This FCC regulation, which has been in effect since 1996, prevents unreasonable restrictions on the installation, maintenance, or use of satellite dishes that meet size requirements. Our Viasat dishes meet the size guidelines outlined in the FCC’s rule. Nevertheless, we always advise that you verify any specific regulations that apply to your property with your landlord and/or HOA before your installation technician arrives.