Satellite Internet Plans for Chicago, IL Residents (2025)
Satellite internet availability in Chicago is comprehensive, with 3 providers offering service across the metropolitan area. For Chicago's 2,746,388 residents, satellite internet presents an option that requires no ground infrastructure, making it especially valuable for residents outside the reach of AT&T Internet or fiber networks.
After evaluating all Chicago satellite options, 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 Chicago at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Chicago, IL 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 | 73.6% |
| Starlink | Satellite (LEO) | $120/mo | 220 Mbps | Unlimited | LEO | 100.0% |
HughesNet Satellite Internet in Chicago
In Chicago's competitive internet market, HughesNet fills an important niche as a universally available broadband option. Their GEO satellite network provides coverage to 100% of Illinois addresses, and their recent Fusion plans introduce LEO satellite technology for improved latency that benefits Chicago households needing better real-time performance.
HughesNet Plans Available in Chicago
| 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 Chicago subscribers is its built-in Wi-Fi system with the HT2000W modem. This device includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and for larger Chicago 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 Chicago: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Chicago
As the speed leader among satellite internet providers in Chicago, Viasat offers download speeds up to 300 Mbps through its combined GEO and LEO satellite network. This positions Viasat as the premium satellite option for Chicago households that need faster speeds for streaming, remote work, and multi-device connectivity.
Viasat Plans Available in Chicago
| 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 |
For Chicago families with multiple devices, Viasat's higher-tier plans provide the bandwidth headroom needed for simultaneous use. The Unleashed 200 plan comfortably supports 5-8 devices online at once, while the Unleashed 300 handles 10+ devices, making it suitable for larger Chicago households.
Call Viasat for Chicago plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Chicago
Starlink's LEO satellite constellation serves Chicago with internet speeds and latency that were previously impossible via satellite. For Chicago's 2,746,388 residents, Starlink offers 25-100 Mbps on its Standard plan and 40-220 Mbps on Priority, with unlimited data and the responsive connectivity needed for video calls and online gaming.
Starlink Plans Available in Chicago
| 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 |
One unique advantage Starlink offers Chicago subscribers is portability. The Starlink dish can be taken to any location within the coverage zone, making it popular among Chicago residents who also have rural property or travel frequently within Illinois. This flexibility is not available with HughesNet or Viasat.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Chicago
AT&T Internet provides Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL internet service covering 85.8% of Chicago. For residents within their coverage area, AT&T Internet may offer faster speeds and lower latency than satellite internet, making it worth comparing alongside satellite options.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Chicago: 1-855-850-5977
Call Xfinity for service in Chicago: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Chicago: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Chicago: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Chicago Residents Need to Know
The satellite internet options available in Chicago span two fundamentally different orbital technologies. GEO (geostationary earth orbit) satellites sit at a fixed point 22,236 miles high, providing broad coverage with high latency (600ms+). LEO (low-earth orbit) satellites like Starlink orbit at only 340 miles, requiring thousands of satellites for continuous coverage but delivering dramatically lower latency of 20-40ms that enables real-time applications.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Chicago 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 Chicago
Data caps remain a significant consideration for satellite internet subscribers in Chicago. HughesNet plans include 100-200 GB monthly allowances, with speeds throttled after the cap is reached. Viasat's Unleashed plans offer unlimited data, though priority access diminishes during heavy congestion. Starlink provides 1 TB of priority data on its Standard plan. For context, Netflix streaming uses approximately 3 GB per hour in HD and 7 GB in 4K, so a Chicago household watching 2 hours of HD content daily would use roughly 180 GB monthly.
How Chicago Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Chicago's humid continental 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 Chicago 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 Chicago
While satellite internet provides universal coverage in Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL.
| Provider | Technology | Coverage in City | Typical Latency | Best Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | GEO Satellite | 100.0% | 600-800ms | 25 Mbps |
| Viasat | GEO + LEO Satellite | 73.6% | 200-600ms | 300 Mbps |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 100.0% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 85.8% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 94.5% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 83.0% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 37.0% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 37.0% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
Satellite internet makes the most sense for Chicago 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 Chicago's outer areas where wired infrastructure has not been deployed.
Satellite Internet Installation in Chicago
Setting up satellite internet in Chicago involves professional dish installation and line-of-sight verification. Chicago's humid continental environment and local terrain influence optimal dish placement. HughesNet and Viasat dishes point south at a specific elevation angle determined by Chicago's latitude in Illinois. 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 Chicago, IL
The Midwest has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and Chicago reflects this trend. Among the city's 2,746,388 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. Chicago 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 Chicago residents in apartment buildings or condominiums, satellite internet installation may require landlord approval for dish mounting. Illinois 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 Chicago properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Chicago
What satellite internet providers are available in Chicago, IL?
Chicago is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Chicago area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Chicago?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Chicago 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 Chicago?
Satellite internet plans in Chicago 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 Chicago?
Modern satellite internet in Chicago 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 Chicago?
Yes, Chicago'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 Chicago
- All Internet Providers in Chicago, IL
- Fiber Internet in Chicago
- Cable Internet in Chicago
- Cheap Internet in Chicago
- 5G Home Internet in Chicago
- Internet Providers in Illinois
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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago address.