Satellite Internet Providers Serving Austin, TX (2025)
Austin's 974,447 residents can choose from 3 satellite internet providers, each using different orbital technologies to deliver broadband service. In the South Central, satellite internet plays an important role for homes outside urban cable and fiber footprints, with availability that covers 100% of Texas addresses regardless of location.
For Texas residents in Austin, Viasat Unleashed 100 at $99.99/mo for the best balance of speed (100 Mbps) and unlimited data. Starlink offers lower latency at $120/mo, while HughesNet provides the most affordable entry at $64.99/mo.
Satellite Internet Providers in Austin at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Austin, TX residents in 2025, along with key plan details and coverage information.
| Provider | Technology | Starting Price | Max Speed | Data Cap | Orbit | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | Satellite | $64.99/mo | 25 Mbps | 100-200 GB | GEO | 100.0% |
| Viasat | Satellite | $99.99/mo | 300 Mbps | Unlimited | GEO + LEO | 100.0% |
| Starlink | Satellite (LEO) | $120/mo | 220 Mbps | Unlimited | LEO | 100.0% |
HughesNet Satellite Internet in Austin
As one of the longest-running satellite internet providers, HughesNet offers Austin residents reliable broadband service backed by its fleet of GEO satellites. With 100% coverage across Texas, HughesNet remains a dependable choice for Austin households that need internet service where wired options are unavailable or unreliable.
HughesNet Plans Available in Austin
| Plan | Download Speed | Price | Data | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select | 15 Mbps | $64.99/mo | 100 GB | GEO |
| Elite | 25 Mbps | $79.99/mo | 200 GB | GEO |
| Fusion | 25 Mbps | $94.99/mo | 200 GB + low-latency | GEO + LEO |
HughesNet requires a 24-month contract for Austin subscribers, with an early termination fee that decreases monthly. The provider's equipment includes a satellite modem and Wi-Fi router. For Austin homes larger than 2,500 sq ft, HughesNet offers a Wi-Fi extender add-on to ensure whole-home coverage.
Call HughesNet for plans in Austin: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Austin
For Austin residents comparing satellite options, Viasat stands out with its focus on speed and unlimited data. The provider's Texas service area includes the entire state, and its multi-satellite architecture ensures that Austin subscribers get reliable service throughout the varied subtropical weather patterns of the South Central.
Viasat Plans Available in Austin
| Plan | Download Speed | Price | Data | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unleashed 100 | 100 Mbps | $99.99/mo | Unlimited (priority tier) | GEO |
| Unleashed 200 | 200 Mbps | $149.99/mo | Unlimited | GEO + LEO |
| Unleashed 300 | 300 Mbps | $199.99/mo | Unlimited premium | GEO + LEO |
Viasat's ViaSat-3 satellite constellation brings increased capacity to Austin and the broader South Central. This next-generation system supports the provider's faster speed tiers and helps maintain performance during peak usage periods. For Austin subscribers, this means more consistent speeds throughout the day.
Call Viasat for Austin plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Austin
SpaceX's Starlink service is available throughout Austin, offering the 974,447 residents a satellite internet experience fundamentally different from GEO-based alternatives. With latency as low as 20ms and download speeds from 25 to 220 Mbps, Starlink has redefined what Austin residents can expect from satellite internet.
Starlink Plans Available in Austin
| Plan | Download Speed | Price | Data | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 25-100 Mbps | $120/mo | Unlimited (1 TB priority) | LEO |
| Priority | 40-220 Mbps | $250/mo | Unlimited (40 GB priority) | LEO |
For Austin residents with obstructed views, Starlink's app provides an augmented-reality tool to check sky visibility before installation. In Austin's varied subtropical environment, trees and neighboring structures are the most common obstructions. The dish's motorized base adjusts automatically, but a clear northern sky view produces the best results in Texas.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Austin
In Austin, AT&T Internet offers Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL internet at 31.9% coverage. Many Austin residents compare satellite plans with AT&T Internet as their primary internet source, keeping satellite as a backup option for areas outside AT&T Internet's network reach.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Austin: 1-855-850-5977
Call Spectrum for service in Austin: 1-844-481-5997
Call Frontier Fiber for service in Austin: 1-855-981-6281
Call T-Mobile for service in Austin: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Austin: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Austin Residents Need to Know
The satellite internet providers serving Austin use different orbital technologies that affect everyday performance. GEO services deliver data from 22,236-mile altitude with 600ms+ latency; sufficient for streaming and browsing but challenging for Zoom calls and gaming. LEO services from Starlink operate at 340 miles with 20-40ms latency, enabling all the same activities as cable or fiber internet for Austin households.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Austin Residents
| Technology | Orbit Altitude | Typical Latency | Best For | Providers in Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEO Satellite | 22,236 miles | 600-800ms | Streaming, email, web browsing | HughesNet, Viasat |
| LEO Satellite | 340 miles | 20-40ms | Video calls, gaming, real-time apps | Starlink |
| Hybrid (GEO+LEO) | Mixed | 100-300ms | General use, improved browsing | HughesNet Fusion, Viasat Unleashed 200/300 |
| Wired (Cable, DSL, Fixed Wireless, Fiber) | Ground-based | 5-30ms | All applications | AT&T Internet, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Austin
Managing data on satellite internet in Austin requires awareness of each provider's policies. HughesNet offers a bonus zone (2-8 AM TX time) for large downloads, effectively extending your data allowance. Viasat's Unleashed plans remove hard caps entirely, though heavy users during peak hours may see temporary speed adjustments. Starlink provides generous 1 TB priority data suitable for most Austin families.
How Austin Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Austin's varied subtropical climate influences satellite internet reliability throughout the year. During heavy precipitation events, satellite signals may weaken temporarily; this rain fade effect is more pronounced with GEO satellites than LEO. For Austin subscribers, this means HughesNet and Viasat connections may briefly slow during intense storms, while Starlink typically maintains more stable performance. All providers' signals recover quickly once severe weather passes.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Austin
While satellite internet provides universal coverage in Austin, residents within the footprint of wired providers may want to compare their options. The following table shows how satellite internet stacks up against the local wired and fixed wireless alternatives available in Austin, TX.
| Provider | Technology | Coverage in City | Typical Latency | Best Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | GEO Satellite | 100.0% | 600-800ms | 25 Mbps |
| Viasat | GEO + LEO Satellite | 100.0% | 200-600ms | 300 Mbps |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 100.0% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 31.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Spectrum | Cable | 82.7% | 10-30ms | 500 Mbps |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber, DSL | 22.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 56.0% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 22.4% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 22.4% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
The choice between satellite and wired internet in Austin often comes down to location. While 6 wired and wireless providers serve portions of the city, none covers 100% of all addresses. Satellite internet fills these gaps perfectly. Additionally, Austin residents who need a backup internet connection for remote work or business continuity often add satellite as a secondary service alongside their primary wired connection.
Satellite Internet Installation in Austin
Installing satellite internet at your Austin home requires a clear view of the sky. For GEO services like HughesNet and Viasat, the dish must face south toward the geostationary satellite arc, requiring an unobstructed southern sky view from your Austin property. For Starlink's LEO service, the dish needs a wider view of the open sky, typically mounted on a roof or pole to see above trees and neighboring structures. Most Austin installations are completed within 2-3 hours by a certified technician.
Satellite Internet Insights for Austin, TX
Austin residents considering satellite internet should assess their specific usage needs. For households primarily streaming video and browsing the web, HughesNet or Viasat provides adequate service at varying price points. For remote workers, gamers, or households needing responsive connectivity, Starlink's LEO technology offers the best satellite experience in Austin. The city's 6 wired and wireless providers serve as alternatives where available.
The satellite internet market in Austin, TX continues to evolve rapidly. New satellite launches increase capacity and coverage quality, while competition between providers drives service improvements. For Austin's 974,447 residents, this means satellite internet in 2025 is significantly better than even two years ago, with faster speeds, more data, and lower latency from LEO providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Austin
What satellite internet providers are available in Austin, TX?
Austin is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Austin area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Austin?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Austin at up to 300 Mbps. Starlink's LEO service provides 25-220 Mbps with much lower latency (20-40ms vs 600ms+ for GEO satellites).
How much does satellite internet cost in Austin?
Satellite internet plans in Austin range from $64.99/mo for HughesNet's Select plan (15 Mbps) to $250/mo for Starlink Priority (40-220 Mbps). Viasat plans start at $99.99/mo for 100 Mbps.
Is satellite internet good for streaming in Austin?
Modern satellite internet in Austin supports HD streaming on most plans. Viasat's 100+ Mbps plans and Starlink handle Netflix and YouTube smoothly. HughesNet's 25 Mbps works for single-device HD streaming. Data caps on some plans may limit heavy streaming.
What is the difference between LEO and GEO satellite internet?
GEO (geostationary) satellites orbit at 22,236 miles, causing 600ms+ latency. HughesNet and traditional Viasat use GEO. LEO (low-earth orbit) satellites like Starlink orbit at 340 miles, reducing latency to 20-40ms, which supports video calls and light gaming.
Does weather affect satellite internet in Austin?
Yes, Austin's varied subtropical climate can occasionally impact satellite signals. Heavy rain, snow, or dense cloud cover may cause brief outages or speed reductions. LEO satellites like Starlink are generally less affected than GEO services. Modern satellites have improved rain fade resistance significantly.
Explore More Internet Options in Austin
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For more information about satellite internet technology and availability, visit our Satellite Internet Guide or compare HughesNet vs Viasat plans nationwide.
InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate satellite internet information for Austin, TX residents. Our team regularly verifies provider availability, pricing, and plan details. Prices shown are as of 2025 and may vary. Satellite internet performance depends on factors including weather, network congestion, and equipment placement. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up through them at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our editorial recommendations. Call the numbers listed above to verify current pricing and availability at your specific Austin address.