Best Satellite Internet for Baltimore Homes & Businesses (2025)
Whether you need a backup connection or your primary internet service, Baltimore offers 2 satellite internet providers with plans for every scenario. The humid subtropical climate in Maryland does influence satellite signal quality at times, but modern satellite technology has significantly reduced weather-related disruptions for Baltimore subscribers.
Our analysis of Baltimore's satellite market suggests Starlink for its low-latency LEO satellite technology (20-40ms), delivering 25-100 Mbps at $120/mo with unlimited data. For budget-conscious households, HughesNet Select at $64.99/mo offers reliable connectivity.
Satellite Internet Providers in Baltimore at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Baltimore, MD 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% |
| Starlink | Satellite (LEO) | $120/mo | 220 Mbps | Unlimited | LEO | 98.3% |
HughesNet Satellite Internet in Baltimore
Operating from geostationary orbit, HughesNet provides Baltimore with satellite internet service that requires no wired infrastructure. This makes HughesNet particularly valuable for Baltimore residents in newly developed areas or on the city's outskirts where AT&T Internet service may not yet reach.
HughesNet Plans Available in Baltimore
| 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 |
One advantage HughesNet offers Baltimore subscribers is its built-in Wi-Fi system with the HT2000W modem. This device includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and for larger Baltimore homes, mesh Wi-Fi extenders can be added to eliminate dead zones. All plans include the modem as part of the service agreement.
Call HughesNet for plans in Baltimore: 1-855-543-5405
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Baltimore
SpaceX's Starlink service is available throughout Baltimore, offering the 585,708 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 Baltimore residents can expect from satellite internet.
Starlink Plans Available in Baltimore
| 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 |
Starlink requires a one-time equipment purchase of $599 for the Standard kit, which includes the satellite dish, router, and mounting hardware. For Baltimore homes, a roof or ground mount provides the best sky visibility. The dish needs a clear view of the sky, with the Starlink app helping Baltimore residents find the optimal placement before ordering.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Baltimore: 1-855-850-5977
Xfinity as a Satellite Alternative in Baltimore
Xfinity provides Cable, Fiber internet service covering 94.0% of Baltimore. For residents within their coverage area, Xfinity may offer faster speeds and lower latency than satellite internet, making it worth comparing alongside satellite options.
Call Xfinity for service in Baltimore: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Baltimore: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Baltimore: 1-855-387-1456
Call Viasat about service in Baltimore: 1-855-463-9333
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Baltimore Residents Need to Know
For Baltimore's 585,708 residents comparing satellite internet options, the orbital technology matters significantly. GEO satellite services from HughesNet offer affordable, consistent coverage from 22,236-mile altitude, but with 600ms+ latency that limits real-time applications. Starlink's LEO approach at 340 miles delivers 20-40ms latency, approaching the performance of wired internet for most online activities in Baltimore.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Baltimore 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, Xfinity, Verizon Fios |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Baltimore
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving Baltimore. HughesNet's soft caps (100-200 GB) slow speeds rather than cutting access entirely. Viasat markets unlimited data but applies priority tiers during congestion. Starlink's Standard plan includes 1 TB of priority data, which suits most Baltimore households. Understanding these limits helps Baltimore residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How Baltimore Weather Affects Satellite Internet
How does Baltimore's weather affect satellite internet? The humid subtropical conditions in Maryland create specific challenges for satellite signals. Heavy rainfall attenuates signals more than snow or clouds, and GEO satellite services experience greater impact due to the longer atmospheric path. LEO services like Starlink handle weather better thanks to their shorter signal distance. For most Baltimore days, weather has minimal impact on satellite internet performance.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Baltimore
While satellite internet provides universal coverage in Baltimore, 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 Baltimore, MD.
| Provider | Technology | Coverage in City | Typical Latency | Best Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | GEO Satellite | 100.0% | 600-800ms | 25 Mbps |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 98.3% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 67.5% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 94.0% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 80.5% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 77.8% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 77.8% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
Satellite internet makes the most sense for Baltimore residents who live outside the coverage areas of providers like AT&T Internet. If your address shows availability for fiber or cable service, those technologies will typically provide better performance and value. However, satellite internet serves as an excellent backup option and is the only choice for addresses in Baltimore's outer areas where wired infrastructure has not been deployed.
Satellite Internet Installation in Baltimore
Setting up satellite internet in Baltimore involves professional dish installation and line-of-sight verification. Baltimore's humid subtropical environment and local terrain influence optimal dish placement. HughesNet and Viasat dishes point south at a specific elevation angle determined by Baltimore's latitude in Maryland. Starlink's flat phased-array dish self-adjusts electronically but needs clear sky overhead. Professional installation is included with HughesNet and Viasat; Starlink is typically self-installed.
Satellite Internet Insights for Baltimore, MD
The Mid-Atlantic has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and Baltimore reflects this trend. Among the city's 585,708 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. Baltimore neighborhoods on the urban fringe, where wired infrastructure may lag behind development, benefit most from satellite's universal availability. The city's humid subtropical climate creates generally favorable conditions for satellite signal reception throughout the year.
For Baltimore residents in apartment buildings or condominiums, satellite internet installation may require landlord approval for dish mounting. Maryland follows FCC rules that protect satellite dish installation rights for homeowners and tenants, but building-specific restrictions may apply. Ground-mounted dishes are an alternative for Baltimore properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Baltimore
What satellite internet providers are available in Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore is served by 2 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Baltimore area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Baltimore?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
Satellite internet plans in Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
Modern satellite internet in Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
Yes, Baltimore's humid 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 Baltimore
- All Internet Providers in Baltimore, MD
- Fiber Internet in Baltimore
- Cable Internet in Baltimore
- Cheap Internet in Baltimore
- 5G Home Internet in Baltimore
- Internet Providers in Maryland
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 Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore address.