Viasat Inc. is a telecommunications company that specializes in satellite communications. Founded in 1986, Viasat has grown from a small startup into a global leader in satellite internet technology. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Viasat serves millions of customers worldwide, providing high-speed internet services that are especially beneficial in remote and underserved areas.
Viasat’s growth is attributed to its innovative approach to satellite technology. Over the years, the company has launched several satellites, including the Viasat-1, Viasat-2, and the latest Viasat-3 constellation, which significantly enhance their network’s bandwidth and coverage.
Viasat uses advanced satellite technology to deliver internet services. Unlike terrestrial internet providers that rely on physical cables, Viasat’s system is based on satellites positioned in geostationary orbit approximately 22,236 miles above Earth. These satellites orbit at the same speed as the Earth’s rotation, ensuring a consistent and stable connection.
The Viasat network includes:
High-Capacity Satellites: Viasat’s satellites are equipped with high-throughput capabilities, allowing them to handle large amounts of data simultaneously.
Ground Stations: These facilities communicate with the satellites and manage the distribution of internet signals to various regions.
User Terminals: Customers receive internet access through satellite dishes installed at their homes, which connect to Viasat’s network via a modem.
This infrastructure allows Viasat to provide internet access to areas that are challenging for traditional providers to reach, such as rural and remote regions across New York.
Viasat Internet Plans and Pricing in New York are designed to cater to a wide range of needs and budgets. The company offers several plans, each tailored to different levels of usage and speed requirements. Here's a detailed breakdown of Viasat’s offerings:
Speed: Up to 12 Mbps
Data Cap: 40 GB per month
Price: Approximately $50 per month
The Viasat Basic Plan is designed for users who need minimal internet access. It’s ideal for light browsing, checking emails, and occasional social media use. The 40 GB data cap is sufficient for casual users but may require users to monitor their usage if they engage in more data-intensive activities.
Speed: Up to 25 Mbps
Data Cap: 60 GB per month
Price: Approximately $70 per month
The Bronze Plan offers a moderate speed and a larger data cap compared to the Basic Plan. It is well-suited for users who stream videos occasionally, participate in video calls, or engage in moderate online gaming. With 60 GB of data per month, this plan provides more flexibility for moderate internet activities.
Speed: Up to 50 Mbps
Data Cap: 100 GB per month
Price: Approximately $100 per month
For heavier internet users, the Silver Plan provides higher speeds and a substantial data allowance. This plan is ideal for households with multiple users who regularly stream high-definition videos, play online games, or work from home. The 100 GB data cap ensures that users can enjoy their online activities without frequently hitting their limit.
Speed: Up to 100 Mbps
Data Cap: 150 GB per month
Price: Approximately $150 per month
The Gold Plan offers premium speeds and a generous data allowance. It’s designed for users who require high-speed internet for activities such as 4K streaming, online gaming, and heavy file downloads. With 150 GB of data per month, this plan accommodates high-demand users and large households.
Speed: Up to 150 Mbps
Data Cap: 200 GB per month
Price: Approximately $200 per month
The Platinum Plan is Viasat’s top-tier offering, providing the highest speeds and the largest data cap available. This plan is perfect for tech-savvy users who need top-notch performance for multiple high-bandwidth activities. Whether it’s simultaneous streaming, large file uploads, or running a home office, the Platinum Plan ensures that users have ample bandwidth and speed.
A critical aspect of Viasat Internet Plans and Pricing is the data cap associated with each plan. Once a user reaches their monthly data limit, Viasat may implement speed throttling, which reduces the internet speed to manage network congestion. This practice helps ensure fair usage among all customers, especially during peak times.
Standard Data Caps: Each plan comes with a specified data cap, ranging from 40 GB to 200 GB per month.
Throttling: When the data cap is exceeded, the speed may be reduced temporarily until the start of the next billing cycle.
Off-Peak Access: In some cases, users may experience higher speeds during off-peak hours or in less congested areas.
Understanding the data cap and throttling policy is crucial for selecting the right plan, especially if you anticipate high data usage or have multiple users in your household.
Broad Coverage: Viasat offers extensive coverage across New York, including rural and remote areas where traditional internet services may be limited or unavailable. This makes it a valuable option for users in underserved regions.
High Speed Options: With plans ranging from up to 12 Mbps to 150 Mbps, Viasat provides various speed options to accommodate different levels of internet usage. This flexibility ensures that users can find a plan suited to their specific needs.
No Data Overages: Viasat does not impose additional charges for exceeding the monthly data cap. Instead, the company uses a throttling policy, which helps users avoid unexpected costs and manage their data usage more effectively.
Professional Installation: The inclusion of professional installation services ensures that the satellite dish and modem are set up correctly, which can enhance the performance and reliability of the internet connection.
Customer Support: Viasat offers comprehensive customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. This accessibility helps users resolve issues and get assistance with their service.
Flexibility and Customization: Viasat provides a range of plans with different data caps and speed options, allowing users to choose a plan that best fits their usage patterns and budget. Promotional offers and discounts further enhance the value of their services.
Data Throttling: Once the monthly data cap is reached, Viasat may reduce internet speeds through throttling. While this helps manage network congestion, it can affect the quality of the internet experience during the latter part of the billing cycle.
Higher Cost for Premium Plans: Viasat’s higher-tier plans, such as the Gold and Platinum Plans, can be relatively expensive compared to some other internet options. Users should evaluate their budget and internet needs to determine if these plans offer the best value.
Latency Issues: As a satellite-based service, Viasat may experience higher latency compared to cable or fiber-optic internet. This can affect activities that require real-time responses, such as online gaming or video conferencing.
Limited Speed During Peak Hours: The performance of Viasat’s internet service may vary during peak usage times, especially in areas with high demand. This can lead to slower speeds and a less consistent internet experience.
Equipment Costs: While Viasat includes the cost of equipment and installation in their service package, there may be additional fees for certain promotions or self-installation options. Users should review the total costs associated with their plan before committing.
Availability Restrictions: Although Viasat provides extensive coverage, there may still be areas where their service is not available. Prospective customers should use Viasat’s coverage map to ensure that their location is within the service area.
Connection: Satellite
