Satellite Internet in Des Moines, IA: Plans, Prices & Availability
Satellite internet serves as a crucial connectivity option for Des Moines, IA's 214,133 residents, particularly in areas where wired infrastructure may be limited. 3 satellite providers offer service here, including both traditional GEO satellite services and next-generation LEO constellations. Des Moines's position in the Midwest gives it access to excellent satellite coverage year-round, despite the area's humid continental climate patterns.
When comparing satellite plans in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines
HughesNet has served Des Moines and the broader Iowa 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 Des Moines, including areas where fiber and cable have not yet been deployed.
HughesNet Plans Available in Des Moines
| 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 |
For Des Moines business customers, HughesNet offers commercial plans with static IP addresses and priority support. These plans are particularly relevant for Des Moines businesses located outside the wired infrastructure footprint, providing reliable internet connectivity that doesn't depend on local cable or fiber availability.
Call HughesNet for plans in Des Moines: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Des Moines
Viasat's satellite internet reaches every address in Des Moines with speeds that challenge the narrative that satellite internet is slow. The Unleashed 200 and 300 plans deliver multi-device capable bandwidth that supports simultaneous 4K streaming, video conferencing, and file downloads for busy Des Moines households.
Viasat Plans Available in Des Moines
| 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 |
Installation of Viasat service in Des Moines is handled by certified technicians who position the dish for optimal signal reception. Given Des Moines's humid continental climate, the installer will account for seasonal weather patterns and select a mounting location that minimizes potential obstructions to the satellite signal path.
Call Viasat for Des Moines plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Des Moines
In the Midwest, Starlink has gained significant subscriber traction among Des Moines residents who value low latency and unlimited data. The provider's two residential plans offer flexibility for different budgets, with the Standard plan at $120/mo serving most households and the Priority plan at $250/mo catering to power users and home businesses.
Starlink Plans Available in Des Moines
| 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines residents find the optimal placement before ordering.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Des Moines
In Des Moines, AT&T Internet offers Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL internet at 56.6% coverage. Many Des Moines 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 Des Moines: 1-855-850-5977
Call CenturyLink for service in Des Moines: 1-855-512-4817
Call T-Mobile for service in Des Moines: 1-844-275-9311
Call Mediacom for service in Des Moines: 1-855-634-3222
Call Windstream for service in Des Moines: 1-855-463-4357
Call Verizon Fios for service in Des Moines: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Des Moines Residents Need to Know
Two satellite technologies compete for Des Moines subscribers: GEO and LEO. Geostationary satellites have served Iowa for decades from 22,236-mile altitude, offering established service with known trade-offs. Low-earth orbit satellites represent the newest generation, with Starlink's constellation orbiting at 340 miles to provide Des Moines residents with satellite internet that feels remarkably like terrestrial broadband.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Des Moines 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, CenturyLink, Mediacom |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Des Moines
Managing data on satellite internet in Des Moines requires awareness of each provider's policies. HughesNet offers a bonus zone (2-8 AM IA 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 Des Moines families.
How Des Moines Weather Affects Satellite Internet
How does Des Moines's weather affect satellite internet? The humid continental conditions in Iowa 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 Des Moines days, weather has minimal impact on satellite internet performance.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Des Moines
Des Moines residents have 13 total internet providers to consider, including 3 satellite and 10 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 | 100.0% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 56.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 80.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 71.0% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Mediacom | Cable | 84.4% | 10-30ms | 500 Mbps |
| Metronet | Fiber | 40.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Windstream | Fiber, DSL | 5.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
For Des Moines addresses within wired provider coverage areas, fiber and cable will generally outperform satellite in latency and sustained throughput. However, satellite internet has advantages: no underground or aerial cables mean no construction-related outages, and severe weather that damages ground infrastructure does not affect satellite dishes. Some Des Moines businesses maintain satellite internet as a failover connection for this reason.
Satellite Internet Installation in Des Moines
Setting up satellite internet in Des Moines involves professional dish installation and line-of-sight verification. Des Moines's humid continental environment and local terrain influence optimal dish placement. HughesNet and Viasat dishes point south at a specific elevation angle determined by Des Moines's latitude in Iowa. 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 Des Moines, IA
Des Moines 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 Des Moines. The city's 10 wired and wireless providers serve as alternatives where available.
The satellite internet market in Des Moines, IA continues to evolve rapidly. New satellite launches increase capacity and coverage quality, while competition between providers drives service improvements. For Des Moines's 214,133 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 Des Moines
What satellite internet providers are available in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Des Moines area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Des Moines?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
Satellite internet plans in Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
Modern satellite internet in Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
Yes, Des Moines'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 Des Moines
- All Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
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- Cable Internet in Des Moines
- Cheap Internet in Des Moines
- 5G Home Internet in Des Moines
- Internet Providers in Iowa
For more information about satellite internet technology and availability, visit our Satellite Internet Guide or compare HughesNet vs Viasat plans nationwide.
The satellite internet information on this page is researched and verified by the InternetProviders.ai editorial team. Pricing, speeds, and availability are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with each provider. Some of the links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, which help support our research at no cost to you. We evaluate all satellite internet providers serving Des Moines objectively, regardless of affiliate relationships. Data caps, contract terms, and equipment fees may apply. Contact providers directly for the most current offers available at your Des Moines address.