Best Satellite Internet for Phoenix Homes & Businesses (2025)
Whether you need a backup connection or your primary internet service, Phoenix offers 3 satellite internet providers with plans for every scenario. The arid desert climate in Arizona does influence satellite signal quality at times, but modern satellite technology has significantly reduced weather-related disruptions for Phoenix subscribers.
For Arizona residents in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix
Operating from geostationary orbit, HughesNet provides Phoenix with satellite internet service that requires no wired infrastructure. This makes HughesNet particularly valuable for Phoenix residents in newly developed areas or on the city's outskirts where AT&T Internet service may not yet reach.
HughesNet Plans Available in Phoenix
| 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 requires a 24-month contract for Phoenix subscribers, with an early termination fee that decreases monthly. The provider's equipment includes a satellite modem and Wi-Fi router. For Phoenix homes larger than 2,500 sq ft, HughesNet offers a Wi-Fi extender add-on to ensure whole-home coverage.
Call HughesNet for plans in Phoenix: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Phoenix
Viasat brings high-speed satellite internet to Phoenix through its advanced satellite constellation, offering the fastest download speeds available via satellite in Arizona. With plans reaching up to 300 Mbps, Viasat's service in Phoenix approaches wired broadband performance levels, making it a viable primary internet solution for the city's 1,650,070 residents.
Viasat Plans Available in Phoenix
| 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 Phoenix is handled by certified technicians who position the dish for optimal signal reception. Given Phoenix's arid desert 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 Phoenix plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Phoenix
Among satellite providers in Phoenix, Starlink represents the newest and most technologically advanced option. Operating from low-earth orbit rather than geostationary position, Starlink delivers to Phoenix households a satellite internet experience with latency low enough for Zoom calls, FaceTime, and even competitive online gaming.
Starlink Plans Available in Phoenix
| 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 Phoenix. Subscribers can cancel anytime without early termination fees, which appeals to Phoenix 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 Phoenix
In Phoenix, AT&T Internet offers Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL internet at 50.0% coverage. Many Phoenix 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 Phoenix: 1-855-850-5977
Call CenturyLink for service in Phoenix: 1-855-512-4817
Call Cox Internet for service in Phoenix: 1-855-342-0684
Call T-Mobile for service in Phoenix: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Phoenix: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Phoenix Residents Need to Know
Understanding the difference between LEO and GEO satellite internet is essential for Phoenix residents making an informed choice. GEO satellites (used by HughesNet and traditional Viasat) orbit at 22,236 miles above Earth in a fixed position relative to the ground. This great distance means signals travel about 44,000 miles round-trip, producing latency of 600 milliseconds or more. LEO satellites like those in the Starlink constellation orbit at just 340 miles altitude, reducing round-trip signal distance to roughly 700 miles and cutting latency to 20-40 milliseconds.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Phoenix 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, Cox Internet |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Phoenix
Data caps remain a significant consideration for satellite internet subscribers in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix household watching 2 hours of HD content daily would use roughly 180 GB monthly.
How Phoenix Weather Affects Satellite Internet
How does Phoenix's weather affect satellite internet? The arid desert conditions in Arizona 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 Phoenix days, weather has minimal impact on satellite internet performance.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Phoenix
Phoenix 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 | 100.0% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 50.0% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 79.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Cox Internet | Cable, Fiber | 81.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 63.4% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 40.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 40.1% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
For Phoenix 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 Phoenix businesses maintain satellite internet as a failover connection for this reason.
Satellite Internet Installation in Phoenix
Before ordering satellite internet for your Phoenix address, verify line-of-sight requirements. GEO satellite dishes need clear southern sky visibility; tall buildings, mature trees, or hills south of your Phoenix 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 Phoenix addresses.
Satellite Internet Insights for Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix 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 Phoenix. The city's 6 wired and wireless providers serve as alternatives where available.
The satellite internet market in Phoenix, AZ continues to evolve rapidly. New satellite launches increase capacity and coverage quality, while competition between providers drives service improvements. For Phoenix's 1,650,070 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 Phoenix
What satellite internet providers are available in Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Phoenix area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Phoenix?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
Satellite internet plans in Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
Modern satellite internet in Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
Yes, Phoenix's arid desert 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 Phoenix
- All Internet Providers in Phoenix, AZ
- Fiber Internet in Phoenix
- Cable Internet in Phoenix
- Cheap Internet in Phoenix
- 5G Home Internet in Phoenix
- Internet Providers in Arizona
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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix address.