Best Satellite Internet Providers in Houston, TX (2025)
Houston residents have access to 3 satellite internet providers offering coverage across the entire major metro area. With a population of 2,314,157, satellite internet provides a reliable connectivity option for homes and businesses throughout Houston and the surrounding South Central region. The leading satellite providers here include HughesNet, Viasat and Starlink, with plans ranging from $64.99 to $250 per month.
For most Houston households, we recommend 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 Houston at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Houston, 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 Houston
In Houston's competitive internet market, HughesNet fills an important niche as a universally available broadband option. Their GEO satellite network provides coverage to 100% of Texas addresses, and their recent Fusion plans introduce LEO satellite technology for improved latency that benefits Houston households needing better real-time performance.
HughesNet Plans Available in Houston
| 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 Houston 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 Houston's varied subtropical weather conditions and local terrain. Equipment lease is $14.99/mo or available for purchase.
Call HughesNet for plans in Houston: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Houston
For Houston households demanding the highest satellite internet speeds, Viasat delivers with plans reaching 300 Mbps. While priced higher than HughesNet, Viasat's service in Texas includes unlimited data on its premium tiers, eliminating the data anxiety that some satellite subscribers experience with capped plans.
Viasat Plans Available in Houston
| 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 remote workers in Houston, Viasat's Unleashed 200 plan at $149.99/mo offers a solid balance of speed and value. The 200 Mbps download speed supports video conferencing, cloud application access, and large file transfers, though the GEO satellite latency of 600ms+ may impact some real-time applications.
Call Viasat for Houston plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Houston
For tech-savvy Houston residents, Starlink delivers the most advanced satellite internet available. The system's Dishy McFlatface terminal uses phased-array technology to electronically steer its beam toward passing LEO satellites, providing Houston homes with broadband that feels far more responsive than traditional satellite service.
Starlink Plans Available in Houston
| 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 continuously improves its service in Houston as SpaceX launches additional satellites. The constellation's capacity in the South Central has grown significantly, resulting in improved speeds and reduced congestion for Houston subscribers. The company also deploys laser-linked satellites that route data between satellites, reducing ground station dependency.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Houston
AT&T Internet provides Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL internet service covering 68.5% of Houston. 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 Houston: 1-855-850-5977
Call Xfinity for service in Houston: 1-844-963-0138
Call Optimum for service in Houston: 1-866-200-7273
Call T-Mobile for service in Houston: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Houston: 1-855-387-1456
Call Rise Broadband for service in Houston: 1-877-910-6207
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Houston Residents Need to Know
The satellite internet providers serving Houston 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 Houston households.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Houston 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 Houston
Data caps remain a significant consideration for satellite internet subscribers in Houston. 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 Houston household watching 2 hours of HD content daily would use roughly 180 GB monthly.
How Houston Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Satellite internet performance in Houston can be affected by weather conditions, a phenomenon known as rain fade. Houston's varied subtropical climate means Texas residents may experience occasional signal degradation during heavy precipitation. GEO satellite signals travel a longer path through the atmosphere and are more susceptible to rain fade than LEO signals. Modern satellite systems use adaptive coding and modulation to maintain connectivity during most weather events, but severe thunderstorms or heavy snowfall may cause brief interruptions.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Houston
Houston residents have 11 total internet providers to consider, including 3 satellite and 8 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 | 68.5% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 91.4% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Consolidated Communications / Fidium | Fiber, DSL | 5.8% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Optimum | Fiber, Cable | 5.0% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 66.5% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 34.3% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
The choice between satellite and wired internet in Houston often comes down to location. While 8 wired and wireless providers serve portions of the city, none covers 100% of all addresses. Satellite internet fills these gaps perfectly. Additionally, Houston 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 Houston
Installing satellite internet at your Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston installations are completed within 2-3 hours by a certified technician.
Satellite Internet Insights for Houston, TX
Houston's position in the South Central provides favorable satellite reception conditions for most of the year. The city's 2,314,157 residents benefit from a competitive satellite market with 3 providers. Local factors such as tree density, terrain, and building height in different Houston neighborhoods can influence dish placement and signal quality. Residents in flatter, more open areas of Houston typically experience the best satellite internet performance.
The varied subtropical climate in Texas means Houston subscribers should expect occasional rain fade during severe weather events, but modern satellite technology has reduced these disruptions significantly. For Houston households considering satellite internet, testing availability of wired alternatives at your specific address first is recommended, as providers like AT&T Internet offer coverage to portions of the city with lower latency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Houston
What satellite internet providers are available in Houston, TX?
Houston is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Houston area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Houston?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Houston 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 Houston?
Satellite internet plans in Houston 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 Houston?
Modern satellite internet in Houston 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 Houston?
Yes, Houston'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 Houston
- All Internet Providers in Houston, TX
- Fiber Internet in Houston
- Cable Internet in Houston
- Cheap Internet in Houston
- 5G Home Internet in Houston
- Internet Providers in Texas
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 Houston 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 Houston address.