Choosing Satellite Internet Without Starlink

This guide helps you pick a satellite internet provider when Starlink isn’t available at your address. You’ll learn what to check before committing, how to compare plans, and what to watch out for during installation and setup.

What You’ll Need

Your exact address or GPS coordinates (for coverage checks)
A list of your typical internet activities (streaming, gaming, remote work, etc.)
Your monthly budget for internet service
Any existing equipment you might reuse (router, cables) — though most providers include their own

Step-by-Step

Check coverage at your exact location. Go to each provider’s website and enter your full address or coordinates. Satellite internet is highly location-dependent — a provider that works 5 miles away may not work at your house due to terrain, trees, or orbital coverage. If the website says “not available,” call customer service; sometimes they can offer a different plan or a waitlist.
List the providers that actually serve you. In the U.S., the main non-Starlink options are HughesNet, Viasat, and occasionally regional providers like AST SpaceMobile (if launched) or OneWeb (for business). In other countries, look for national satellite providers (e.g., Eutelsat in Europe, JCSAT in Japan). Write down every one that shows coverage.
Compare data allowances and speeds, not just price. Satellite internet is capped. Look at the monthly data cap (e.g., 50 GB, 100 GB) and the “deprioritized” speed after you hit the cap. Speeds are usually advertised as “up to” — check the typical speed in your area, not the maximum. For video calls, you need at least 1 Mbps upload; for streaming HD, at least 5 Mbps download.
Check latency and jitter. Geostationary satellites (like HughesNet and Viasat) have latency of 600–800 ms, which makes real-time gaming and video calls laggy. Low-earth orbit (LEO) providers (like OneWeb) have latency around 30–50 ms. If you need low latency, filter out geostationary options.
Read the contract terms carefully. Most satellite providers require a 1- or 2-year contract with early termination fees. Look for: installation fee (or free promotion), equipment rental vs. purchase, data overage policy (hard cap vs. throttle), and any price increases after the first year.
Check for usage-based throttling. Some providers slow your speed during peak hours (7 PM–11 PM) even if you haven’t hit your cap. Ask customer service directly: “Will my speed be reduced during evenings?” If yes, ask for the exact policy.
Verify equipment requirements. You’ll need a clear view of the southern sky (for northern hemisphere) or northern (southern hemisphere). Most providers offer a free installation that includes a site survey. If you have tall trees or mountains, ask if a pole mount or tree trimming is included.
Order the service and schedule installation. After you’ve chosen, place the order. Installation typically takes 2–4 weeks. During the install, the technician will mount the dish, run the cable, and set up the modem. Ask them to test the speed and show you the signal strength.
Test the connection during the first week. Run speed tests at different times of day (morning, evening, weekend). Use a site like Speedtest.net. If the speeds are far below what was promised, call support and ask for a technician to re-align the dish.
Keep the receipt and contract. If you cancel within the first 30 days, most providers offer a full refund (check your contract). Keep all paperwork in case of billing disputes.

Common Mistakes

Choosing based on price alone. The cheapest plan often has a tiny data cap (e.g., 10 GB) that you’ll blow through in a few days of streaming.
Ignoring the data cap. Satellite internet is not unlimited. If you stream 4K video, you’ll use about 7 GB per hour — a 50 GB cap lasts only 7 hours of streaming.
Not checking for trees or buildings. A dish needs a clear line of sight to the satellite. Even a few branches can cause signal drops.
Signing a long contract without a trial period. Always confirm you have at least 30 days to cancel for a full refund.
Assuming all satellite internet is the same. LEO vs. geostationary is a huge difference in latency and speed.

Tips

If you only need internet for email and browsing, a low-cost geostationary plan may be enough — you don’t need to pay for high speeds you won’t use.
Ask about “business” plans if you work from home; they often have higher priority and better support, though at a higher price.
Check if your provider offers a “weather guarantee” — some will credit your bill if service is out for more than 24 hours.
Use a Wi-Fi router with Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize video calls over downloads.
Monitor your data usage with the provider’s app or website to avoid hitting the cap early.

Troubleshooting

What if the installation fails?

No signal: The technician may need to move the dish to a different spot. Ask for a second site survey. If the dish is on a roof, consider a pole mount in the yard.
Slow speeds after installation: First, reboot the modem. Then run a speed test with an Ethernet cable (not Wi-Fi). If still slow, ask the provider to check the signal strength remotely — they may need to re-align the dish.
Service drops during rain: This is normal for satellite. If it happens often, ask if a larger dish (e.g., 1.2m vs. 0.9m) is available to improve rain fade.
Billing issues: If you see unexpected charges, call customer service and reference your contract. Keep a log of dates and times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use satellite internet for online gaming?
Only if the provider is low-earth orbit (like OneWeb). Geostationary (HughesNet, Viasat) has too much latency — you’ll experience lag and disconnects.

Q: How much data do I need for streaming?
Standard definition uses about 1 GB per hour, HD uses 3 GB per hour, 4K uses 7 GB per hour. Choose a plan with at least 50 GB if you stream regularly.

Q: Do I need a landline or cable for satellite internet?
No, satellite internet works anywhere with a clear view of the sky. You just need electricity for the modem and dish.

Q: Can I take my satellite dish with me if I move?
Usually not. Most providers require professional installation at the new address, and moving the dish yourself can void the warranty. Check your contract for relocation fees.

Q: What happens when I hit my data cap?
You’ll either be throttled (slowed down) or charged extra. Some providers let you buy additional data. Read your plan details to know exactly.

Q: Is satellite internet reliable in bad weather?
Heavy rain or snow can cause signal loss. This is called “rain fade.” It’s usually temporary, but if you live in a storm-prone area, ask about a larger dish or a backup plan.

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