An overview of the top 2 satellite Internet providers
There are 2,604 full-list providers, 1,474 fixed wireless providers, 1,161 fiber-optic providers, 896 DSL providers, 456 cable providers, 213 copper providers, 56 mobile broadband providers, and 4 satellite service providers in the country.

If you are looking for a regular Internet connection, then you might realize that high prices and lower data limits offered by the satellite Internet services aren’t the best options.

Below is some information about the top satellite Internet service providers of the country.

Which are the four satellite Internet providers in the country and what is their coverage status?

• HughesNet – With an estimated population coverage of 308,745,538, HughesNet is available in 51 states with a maximum data speed of 15 Mbps.
• Viasat Internet – Formerly known as Exede, Viasat Internet covers an estimated population of 308,417,221 in 51 states and offers a maximum speed of 25 Mbps.
• Big Bend Telephone Company – The Big Bend Telephone Company covers 13,775 people in 1 state with a data speed of 3 Mbps.
• X2nSat – X2nSat offers its services in 7 states across the country

Which are the top satellite Internet providers in the country?

Based upon the above information, the top players in this market are:

• Although HughesNet has been the leader until last year, it has fallen flat to Viasat in 2018.
• Viasat’s newly launched satellite has helped it to serve with newer plans, higher speeds, and improved pricing methods that have helped it score its place.
• With this, Viasat is able to deliver some unlimited data with faster speeds for lesser cost as compared to HughesNet.

What are the plans and pricing offered by the two top satellite Internet service providers?

• Although both the Internet service providers are not accepting any new installations in some areas and with expensive prices of satellite Internet, Viasat gets an edge in giving more data and download speed for the amount charged over HughesNet.
• While Viasat’s prices are observed to go up drastically after three months of signing up, HughesNet is found to keep the same price for 2 years of the contract.
• In spite of this, Viasat offers more data with less money on an average as compared to HughesNet.

What are the early termination fees charged for ending a satellite Internet service contract?

Both, Viasat Internet and HughesNet, come with a 2 years contract. If you wish to end this contract early, then the charges for cancellation are as follows:

• Viasat Internet – Irrespective of the time from the start of the contract, approximately $15 per month will be charged additionally to every month left on your contract in case of an early termination.
• HughesNet – The early termination fees can cost up to maximum $400 for cancellation depending on how many months are left on your contract.

What is the data cap offered by the top satellite Internet service providers?
Having data limitations can be a big factor to decide an Internet service. Both, Viasat Internet and HughesNet, have their apps that let you track your data consumption. Below are some more details regarding the same:

• Viasat Internet – Viasat Internet doesn’t have any data caps for a while now. That makes its plans almost “unlimited” in most places. So, you don’t have to pay anything extra if your data consumption goes beyond a limit; however, your browsing speed tends to get reduced over time. The current data plans offered are 40, 60, 100 or 150 GB data per month. The speed depends on the prioritization of other users in the network when you cross the usage beyond your plan limit.
• HughesNet – Although the services are not cut-off after their monthly data limit is crossed, the download speed is drastically reduced to 1 to 3 Mbps, until the next billing cycle. But, consumers have an option to buy data tokens to get back normal speeds back by paying extra.

How to get equipment from a satellite Internet service provider?

• HughesNet – Although a lease option is available at a monthly cost of around $10 to $15 for 24 months, HughesNet lets you purchase equipment by paying an upfront amount of around $249.99. This does not include the standard installation charges of approximately $199.99.
• Viasat Internet – Viasat Internet requires you to lease your equipment at a cost of around $10 per month. There are no additional set-up fees charged. They also offer a “lifetime lease” plan with an upfront payment of about $299.99. This is a viable option only if you stay with the same Internet service provider for at least 30 months.