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Viasat and Rise Broadband are well-known in the United States for providing dependable internet services to rural areas with limited access to common broadband networks such as fibre and cable.
Viasat provides satellite internet service, whereas Rise Broadband provides fixed wireless internet service.
While neither technology can compete with the fastest speeds offered by cable or fibre networks, both providers offer plans with speeds of up to 25 Mbps, which is considered high-speed internet.
| Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Quick Comparison |  |  |
| Provider | Viasat | Rise Broadband |
| Speed | 12-50 Mbps | 25-50 Mbps |
| Pricing | $50-100/mo. | $35-65/mo. |
| Service Type | Satellite | Fixed Wireless |
Viasat Internet Plans and Pricing Summary
| Plan name | Monthly start price | Download & Data Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Viasat Unlimited Bronze 12 | $50/mo | 12 Mbps /Unlimited Data |
| Viasat Unlimited Silver 25 | $70/mo | 25 Mbps /Unlimited Data |
| Viasat Unlimited Gold 50 | $100/mo | 50 Mbps /Unlimited Data |
Rise Broadband Internet Plans and Pricing Summary
| Plan name | Monthly start price | Download & Data Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 25Mbps Internet | $35/mo | 25 Mbps /250GB Data |
| 25Mbps Internet + Unlimited Data | $45/mo | 25 Mbps /Unlimited Data |
| 50Mbps Internet | $55/mo | 50 Mbps /250GB Data |
| 50Mbps Internet + Unlimited Data | $65/mo | 50 Mbps /Unlimited Data |
Is Rise broadband better than Viasat?
If you have a choice between Rise Broadband and HughesNet or Viasat satellite internet, Rise Broadband will be the better value.
When compared to satellite internet, Rise Broadband has lower pricing, latency low enough to support online gaming, and significantly more data
Viasat vs. Rise Broadband Performance Overview
Viasat’s satellite services are available in all 50 states, making it the second largest satellite internet provider in the United States by coverage area.
Viasat, formerly known as Exede, serves approximately 308.5 million people with high-speed satellite internet and phone services.
Many users who live outside of a cable or fibre zone can choose one of Viasat’s plans, which offer speeds of up to 25 Mbps in certain areas.
Rise Broadband’s fixed wireless service is available to approximately 25.7 million people across 19 states, primarily in the West and Midwest, as the largest fixed wireless provider in the United States.
They provide a variety of internet plans with download speeds of up to 50 Mbps.
Rise Broadband customers can bundle their internet with phone or TV service, which is provided by DIRECTV or DISH Network because Rise Broadband does not provide their own TV service.
Visat Installation Fees & Contracts
In most areas, Viasat charges a professional installation fee of $99, but this fee is frequently waived for new customers.
Viasat necessitates the professional installation of a satellite dish with a clear view of the sky.
Non-standard installations that necessitate additional materials or labour may incur additional fees.
Viasat provides both contract and non-contract plans.A $300 non-refundable upfront fee is required for non-contract plans.
Early termination of a Viasat contract plan will result in a fee of $15 for each month of the agreement remaining.
Customers can lease a Viasat dish for $9.99 per month or pay a one-time $299 “lifetime lease” fee.
If the service is terminated, all equipment must be returned to the provider, or additional equipment charges will apply.
Rise Broadband Installation Fees & Contracts
Rise Broadband customers, like Viasat, have the option of signing a 2-year contract or going contract-free.Contract plans typically have higher data caps and lower rates and fees.
Customers who cancel their contracts early may be charged up to $250 in early termination fees.
The receiver dish rental fee for most Rise Broadband plans is $11 per month, and the modem rental fee is $10.99 per month.
Routers and other related equipment are provided for free.
Customers must return equipment to Rise Broadband after contract termination or face a $300 penalty
Is Rise Broadband cheaper than Viasat?
Viasat’s most affordable internet-only plan is $50 per month, while Rise Broadband’s starts at $35 per month.
Rise Broadband’s most expensive plan, however, is $65/month, which is less expensive than Viasat’s at $100/month.
Who has the fastest speeds?
Viasat’s internet plans have download speeds of up to 25 Mbps, while Rise Broadband’s plans have download speeds of up to 50 Mbps.
Is there unlimited data with Viasat and Rise Broadband?
Viasat does not provide unlimited data with any of its plans, whereas Rise Broadband does with select plans.
Is a contract required for Viasat and Rise Broadband?
Customers of Viasat and Rise Broadband can choose between contract and non-contract plans but you will incur a higher monthly and installation fee.