Best Satellite Internet Providers in Memphis, TN (2025)
Memphis residents have access to 3 satellite internet providers offering coverage across the entire large city area. With a population of 633,104, satellite internet provides a reliable connectivity option for homes and businesses throughout Memphis and the surrounding Southeast region. The leading satellite providers here include HughesNet, Viasat and Starlink, with plans ranging from $64.99 to $250 per month.
Our top satellite pick for Memphis residents is 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 Memphis at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis
HughesNet continues to serve Memphis, TN with satellite broadband that covers every residential and commercial address. Their GEO satellite platform, while producing higher latency than LEO alternatives, offers reliable download speeds and generous data allowances that meet the needs of many Memphis households.
HughesNet Plans Available in Memphis
| 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 |
HughesNet's data policies in Memphis work on a soft-cap system. Once you exceed your monthly data allowance, speeds slow to around 1-3 Mbps rather than cutting off entirely. All plans include a 50 GB bonus zone between 2-8 AM local time in TN, which is useful for scheduling large downloads or system updates.
Call HughesNet for plans in Memphis: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Memphis
Viasat's satellite internet service in Memphis, TN delivers premium broadband with speeds rivaling many wired connections. The provider's Unleashed plan lineup offers Memphis residents unlimited data on all tiers, addressing one of the most common complaints about traditional satellite internet: data caps.
Viasat Plans Available in Memphis
| 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 Memphis, 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 Memphis plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Memphis
Starlink has brought a revolution in satellite internet to Memphis, TN with its constellation of thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional GEO satellite services, Starlink's satellites orbit at approximately 340 miles altitude, reducing latency to 20-40 milliseconds, which is comparable to many wired connections available in Memphis.
Starlink Plans Available in Memphis
| 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's unlimited data policy benefits heavy users in Memphis. The Standard plan includes 1 TB of priority data before speeds may be reduced during network congestion. In practice, most Memphis subscribers rarely experience deprioritization, as network capacity in the Southeast has consistently expanded with new satellite launches.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Memphis
AT&T Internet serves 82.3% of Memphis with Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL technology. As a wired or fixed wireless alternative to satellite internet, AT&T Internet offers advantages in latency and often provides higher speeds. Memphis residents should compare both options before committing to a satellite plan.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Memphis: 1-855-850-5977
Call Xfinity for service in Memphis: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Memphis: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Memphis: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Memphis Residents Need to Know
For Memphis's 633,104 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 Memphis.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Memphis 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 Memphis
Data caps remain a significant consideration for satellite internet subscribers in Memphis. 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 Memphis household watching 2 hours of HD content daily would use roughly 180 GB monthly.
How Memphis Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Satellite internet performance in Memphis can be affected by weather conditions, a phenomenon known as rain fade. Memphis's humid subtropical climate means Tennessee 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 Memphis
Memphis residents have 8 total internet providers to consider, including 3 satellite and 5 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 | 82.3% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 87.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 67.2% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 27.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 27.1% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
For Memphis 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 Memphis businesses maintain satellite internet as a failover connection for this reason.
Satellite Internet Installation in Memphis
Installing satellite internet at your Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis installations are completed within 2-3 hours by a certified technician.
Satellite Internet Insights for Memphis, TN
The Southeast has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and Memphis reflects this trend. Among the city's 633,104 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. Memphis 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 Memphis residents in apartment buildings or condominiums, satellite internet installation may require landlord approval for dish mounting. Tennessee 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 Memphis properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Memphis
What satellite internet providers are available in Memphis, TN?
Memphis is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Memphis area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Memphis?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Memphis 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 Memphis?
Satellite internet plans in Memphis 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 Memphis?
Modern satellite internet in Memphis 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 Memphis?
Yes, Memphis'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 Memphis
- All Internet Providers in Memphis, TN
- Fiber Internet in Memphis
- Cable Internet in Memphis
- Cheap Internet in Memphis
- 5G Home Internet in Memphis
- Internet Providers in Tennessee
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 Memphis 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 Memphis address.