Complete Satellite Internet Guide for Boston, MA Residents
For the 653,833 residents of Boston, MA, satellite internet represents a universally available broadband option with 3 competing providers. Located in the New England, Boston's satellite internet market includes both affordable GEO satellite plans and premium LEO services that rival wired connection performance.
The leading satellite choice in Boston is 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 Boston at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Boston, MA 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 | 99.1% |
HughesNet Satellite Internet in Boston
HughesNet has served Boston and the broader Massachusetts market for over two decades, making it one of the most established satellite internet providers in the region. Using geostationary (GEO) satellites positioned 22,236 miles above Earth, HughesNet delivers consistent broadband coverage to every address in Boston, including areas where fiber and cable have not yet been deployed.
HughesNet Plans Available in Boston
| 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 |
Installation in Boston typically takes 2-3 hours and requires a clear southern sky view for the satellite dish. HughesNet's professional installation is included, with the technician positioning the dish for optimal signal reception given Boston's humid continental weather conditions and local terrain. Equipment lease is $14.99/mo or available for purchase.
Call HughesNet for plans in Boston: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Boston
Among satellite providers available in Boston, MA, Viasat offers the widest speed range with downloads up to 300 Mbps. The company's Massachusetts network leverages multiple satellite generations to provide consistent coverage and capacity for the city's 653,833 residents, even during peak evening hours.
Viasat Plans Available in Boston
| 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 Massachusetts customer support team provides local expertise for Boston subscribers, with knowledge of the area's specific satellite reception conditions. The provider also offers a mobile app for monitoring data usage, running speed tests, and managing account settings from anywhere in Boston.
Call Viasat for Boston plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Boston
Among satellite providers in Boston, Starlink represents the newest and most technologically advanced option. Operating from low-earth orbit rather than geostationary position, Starlink delivers to Boston households a satellite internet experience with latency low enough for Zoom calls, FaceTime, and even competitive online gaming.
Starlink Plans Available in Boston
| 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 |
Unlike HughesNet and Viasat, Starlink operates without contracts in Boston. Subscribers can cancel anytime without early termination fees, which appeals to Boston residents who want flexibility. The $599 hardware cost is the primary upfront investment, with monthly service at $120 or $250 depending on the plan tier.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Boston
Before choosing satellite internet in Boston, consider AT&T Internet with their Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL service covering 57.6% of the area. AT&T Internet generally provides lower latency and may offer competitive pricing compared to satellite providers serving Boston.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Boston: 1-855-850-5977
Call Xfinity for service in Boston: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Boston: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Boston: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Boston Residents Need to Know
Boston residents choosing between satellite internet providers should understand the GEO vs LEO distinction. GEO satellites are positioned in a fixed orbit 22,236 miles above the equator, creating inherent latency of 600+ milliseconds on every data request. LEO satellites orbit at 340 miles, slashing latency to 20-40ms. This difference profoundly impacts video calls, web browsing speed, and online gaming for Boston users.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Boston 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, Consolidated Communications / Fidium |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Boston
Managing data on satellite internet in Boston requires awareness of each provider's policies. HughesNet offers a bonus zone (2-8 AM MA 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 Boston families.
How Boston Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Weather sensitivity is a practical concern for satellite internet users in Boston. The humid continental weather patterns in Massachusetts can occasionally interfere with satellite signals, particularly during heavy rain or dense cloud cover. GEO satellites like those used by HughesNet are more affected due to the longer signal path (22,236 miles through the atmosphere). Starlink's LEO satellites, orbiting at just 340 miles, experience less weather-related disruption, though severe storms can still impact connectivity.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Boston
Boston residents have 9 total internet providers to consider, including 3 satellite and 6 wired or wireless options. Satellite internet excels in availability (100% coverage) but has trade-offs in latency and price-per-Mbps compared to wired alternatives where available.
| 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 | 99.1% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 57.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 98.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Consolidated Communications / Fidium | Fiber, DSL | 7.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 73.9% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 70.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 70.6% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
The choice between satellite and wired internet in Boston 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, Boston 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 Boston
Before ordering satellite internet for your Boston address, verify line-of-sight requirements. GEO satellite dishes need clear southern sky visibility; tall buildings, mature trees, or hills south of your Boston home could obstruct the signal. Starlink needs a wider but less direction-specific sky view. The Starlink app includes an AR tool to check sky visibility before ordering. HughesNet and Viasat offer free site surveys during the installation appointment at Boston addresses.
Satellite Internet Insights for Boston, MA
The New England has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and Boston reflects this trend. Among the city's 653,833 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. Boston neighborhoods on the urban fringe, where wired infrastructure may lag behind development, benefit most from satellite's universal availability. The city's humid continental climate creates generally favorable conditions for satellite signal reception throughout the year.
For Boston residents in apartment buildings or condominiums, satellite internet installation may require landlord approval for dish mounting. Massachusetts 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 Boston properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Boston
What satellite internet providers are available in Boston, MA?
Boston is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Boston area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Boston?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Boston 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 Boston?
Satellite internet plans in Boston 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 Boston?
Modern satellite internet in Boston 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 Boston?
Yes, Boston's humid continental 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 Boston
- All Internet Providers in Boston, MA
- Fiber Internet in Boston
- Cable Internet in Boston
- Cheap Internet in Boston
- 5G Home Internet in Boston
- Internet Providers in Massachusetts
For more information about satellite internet technology and availability, visit our Satellite Internet Guide or compare HughesNet vs Viasat plans nationwide.
This satellite internet comparison for Boston, MA is provided for informational purposes by InternetProviders.ai. Actual speeds, availability, and pricing may differ from what is listed and should be verified with each provider. Our revenue comes partly from affiliate partnerships with internet service providers; however, our recommendations remain independent and based on objective evaluation. Installation requirements, including line-of-sight conditions, vary by Boston address. Satellite internet performance may be affected by weather and network conditions in Massachusetts. Updated for 2025.