Viasat, a major satellite internet provider in the U.S., offers a range of residential and business internet plans designed to cover different usage profiles—from light browsing to heavy streaming and business-grade applications. This guide explores each plan in detail, from charges and data allowances to add?ons and best use cases. It also includes FAQs with structured FAQ schema markup.
1. Residential Plans: Viasat Unleashed
As of early 2024, Viasat simplified its consumer offerings to a single residential plan called Viasat Unleashed :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. This plan is notable for:
- Unlimited data—no fixed data caps or overage charges, but usage above typical thresholds may face reduced priority during peak congestion :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Speeds up to 25–150?Mbps depending on geographic availability and network conditions :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- No contract—month-to-month service, cancel anytime without early termination fees :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Professional installation included and built-in Wi?Fi equipment provided :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Typical Pricing
- Starting at **$99.99/month** in many areas, promotional rates may vary by state or reseller channel :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Speed tiers—higher priced plans (e.g., up to 150?Mbps) may cost up to **$199.99/month** in rare cases or promotional markets :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Data Priority Policy
“Unlimited” includes a defined amount of high-speed data per month (usually up to ~360?GB for 70% of typical users, or ~850?GB for 95%). Above that, bandwidth may be slowed during congestion but usage continues at reduced speeds :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
2. Legacy Residential Plans: Unlimited Choice / Bronze, Silver, Gold Tiers
In areas still not covered by Unleashed, Viasat offered older legacy plans that blend data limits and promotional pricing:
- Unlimited Bronze 12: ~35?GB high-speed data, ~12?Mbps speed.
- Unlimited Silver 12: ~45?GB high-speed data, ~12?Mbps.
- Unlimited Gold 12: ~65?GB high-speed data, ~12?Mbps.
- Some tiers extended up to 150?GB or even 300?GB limits in higher-priced versions (e.g. Platinum or Diamond tiers) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Sample Pricing and Terms
| Plan | Speed | High?Speed Data | Promo Price | After Promo | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | ~12?Mbps | 35?GB | $69.99 | $99.99 | 24?mo |
| Silver | ~12?Mbps | 45?GB | $99.99 | $149.99 | 24?mo |
| Gold | ~12?Mbps | 65?GB | $149.99 | $199.99 | 24?mo |
| Diamond/Platinum | ~12?Mbps | 150–300?GB | $200–300 | $300–400 | 24?mo |
Data above the high-speed quota continues at slower speeds, but no overage fees apply :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
3. CAF II / Low-Cost Connected America Fund Plans
For households in eligible rural/disadvantaged areas, Viasat participates in the FCC’s CAF?II program, offering low-cost residential or business plans:
- Connection?25 plan: up to ~25?Mbps download, ~600?GB high-speed data per month for **$61.99/month** ($86.99 after 24?months) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Optional Lifeline discount may further reduce price (e.g. $9.25/month off internet) for eligible households :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Voice service (VoIP) can be standalone or bundle at reduced pricing :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
4. Business Plans: Unlimited and Metered Options
Viasat offers dedicated business-grade services with additional features like static IP, backup data, and office-hours prioritization:
Unlimited Business Plan
- Speeds: 35?Mbps ($175/mo), 60?Mbps ($300/mo), or 100?Mbps ($500/mo) tiers.
- Unlimited data with soft caps—surpassing threshold leads to reduced priority but no overage fees :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Includes hardware lease and 3 persistent IP addresses.
Metered Business Plan
- Ideal for backup or light use: Up to 1?GB for $50/mo, 10?GB for $80/mo, 20?GB for $100/mo, 50?GB for $150/mo, and 200?GB for $400/mo at ~35?Mbps :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Business Choice Plans
Introduced in late 2023, these offer up to 100?Mbps coast-to-coast (150?Mbps in select regions), with options including Office Hours data (for business apps) and VoIP prioritization :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
5. Add?On Services and Features
- EasyCare Support: Premium support package ($8–15/mo), includes waived technician fees and priority service :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
- Viasat Voice (Residential & Business): Unlimited calling features bundled for $25–35/mo depending on plan :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
- Static IP (Business): $10/month per IP for hosting or remote access needs :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
- Office Hours data: Included in business plans for standard business usage during peak work hours without using high-speed allowance :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
6. Installation and Hidden Fees
- Standard professional installation typically included in residential plans; but a one-time installation fee around **$300** applies in business deployments or older residential tiers :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
- Equipment lease fee often ~$15/month (unless bundled) :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
- Some early customer reports cite unexpected extra fees for pole installation, service calls, or hardware return penalties if not returned within 30?days after cancellation :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
7. Choosing the Right Plan: Recommendations
- For general residential users: Viasat Unleashed—best balance of high speed and unlimited data.
- For low-income or eligible rural residents: CAF II Connection?25 plan offers reliable service at lower cost.
- For business users: Choose between unlimited business tiers (35/60/100?Mbps) or metered plans based on expected usage.
- When price matters: Be cautious of legacy limited-tier plans that come with contracts and high rates after intro period.
8. Common Limitations and Considerations
- Speed varies: Advertised speeds ("up to") are not guaranteed; rural or high?latency environment may limit performance :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
- Data priority: After you exceed typical-zone usage (e.g. 360–850?GB), speeds may drop during network congestion even on "unlimited" plans.
- Latency: Satellite latency (~600–700?ms) makes real-time gaming or video conferencing less viable :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
- Customer service concerns: Some users report delays, unexpected fees, and service call issues especially in remote locations :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
FAQs:
What is the Viasat Unleashed plan?
Viasat Unleashed is a single unlimited residential plan offering speeds up to 150?Mbps, built?in Wi?Fi, no long?term contract, and unlimited data with fair?use prioritization based on usage thresholds.
Are there still data?limited legacy Viasat plans?
Yes, older plans like Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers offer fixed high?speed data allowances (35–300?GB/month) and usually require a 24?month contract. Unlimited service continues at reduced speeds after the cap is reached.
What is the CAF?II Connection?25 plan?
Available in eligible underserved areas, CAF?II Connection?25 offers up to 25?Mbps download with ~600?GB high?speed data per month at discounted pricing (~$61.99/mo for 24 months, then ~$86.99), with optional Lifeline discounts.
What business internet plans does Viasat offer?
Business plans include Unlimited Business tiers (35/60/100?Mbps, starting at $175/mo) and Metered Business plans (1–200?GB tiers from $50 to $400/month). There are also Business Choice plans with enhanced features like Office Hours data and static IPs.
Are there any extra fees?
Standard installation may carry a one?time fee (~$300) for business or non?residential plans. Most residential installs include professional setup. Equipment lease (~$15/mo) may apply if not bundled. Some users report extra charges for pole installs or missed hardware returns.
Conclusion
Viasat offers a simplified residential plan—Unleashed—that meets the needs of most home users, along with legacy tiered plans for limited data users, CAF?II subsidized plans for eligible locations, and robust business offerings. While Viasat delivers satellite coverage almost anywhere in the U.S., it’s important to understand speed variability, data priority, installation fees, and customer service limitations before choosing a plan.
Be sure to check availability in your area, compare actual pricing including equipment and lease fees, and review promotional periods versus long?term rates to pick the most cost?effective and suitable plan for your usage.
