Top Satellite Internet Options in Portland, OR | Reviewed
In Portland, OR, satellite internet provides universal coverage that reaches every address in the city. 3 satellite providers serve this large city of 652,503, offering download speeds from 15 Mbps up to 300 Mbps. Whether you live in central Portland or the suburban outskirts, satellite connectivity remains available as a primary or backup internet solution.
When comparing satellite plans in Portland, 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 Portland at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Portland, OR 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 Portland
For Portland residents seeking affordable satellite internet, HughesNet delivers proven service through its Jupiter satellite system. The provider's Oregon coverage reaches all 652,503 city residents, with entry-level plans starting at just $64.99 per month, making HughesNet the most budget-friendly satellite option in the Portland market.
HughesNet Plans Available in Portland
| 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 Portland subscribers is its built-in Wi-Fi system with the HT2000W modem. This device includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and for larger Portland 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 Portland: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Portland
Viasat brings high-speed satellite internet to Portland through its advanced satellite constellation, offering the fastest download speeds available via satellite in Oregon. With plans reaching up to 300 Mbps, Viasat's service in Portland approaches wired broadband performance levels, making it a viable primary internet solution for the city's 652,503 residents.
Viasat Plans Available in Portland
| 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 |
Viasat's equipment for Portland subscribers includes a satellite dish, indoor gateway (modem/router combo), and optional Wi-Fi extenders. The gateway supports Wi-Fi 6, providing fast wireless speeds throughout Portland homes. Professional installation is included, with same-week appointment availability in most Oregon locations.
Call Viasat for Portland plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Portland
For Portland residents who have been frustrated by the high latency of traditional satellite internet, Starlink offers a paradigm shift. The provider's LEO satellite fleet orbits just 340 miles above Oregon, slashing round-trip latency to 20-40ms. This makes Starlink viable for latency-sensitive activities that were impossible with GEO satellites in Portland.
Starlink Plans Available in Portland
| 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 Portland subscribers is portability. The Starlink dish can be taken to any location within the coverage zone, making it popular among Portland residents who also have rural property or travel frequently within Oregon. This flexibility is not available with HughesNet or Viasat.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Portland
With 55.8% coverage in Portland, AT&T Internet offers Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL service as an alternative to satellite internet. While not available everywhere like satellite providers, AT&T Internet typically delivers lower latency and more consistent speeds for Portland residents within their network footprint.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Portland: 1-855-850-5977
Call CenturyLink for service in Portland: 1-855-512-4817
Call Xfinity for service in Portland: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Portland: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Portland: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Portland Residents Need to Know
Understanding the difference between LEO and GEO satellite internet is essential for Portland 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 Portland 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, Xfinity |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Portland
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving Portland. HughesNet's soft caps (100-200 GB) slow speeds rather than cutting access entirely. Viasat markets unlimited data but applies priority tiers during congestion. Starlink's Standard plan includes 1 TB of priority data, which suits most Portland households. Understanding these limits helps Portland residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How Portland Weather Affects Satellite Internet
How does Portland's weather affect satellite internet? The oceanic conditions in Oregon 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 Portland days, weather has minimal impact on satellite internet performance.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Portland
Portland residents have 10 total internet providers to consider, including 3 satellite and 7 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 | 55.8% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 44.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 90.5% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 60.9% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 24.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 24.6% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
The choice between satellite and wired internet in Portland often comes down to location. While 7 wired and wireless providers serve portions of the city, none covers 100% of all addresses. Satellite internet fills these gaps perfectly. Additionally, Portland 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 Portland
Setting up satellite internet in Portland involves professional dish installation and line-of-sight verification. Portland's oceanic environment and local terrain influence optimal dish placement. HughesNet and Viasat dishes point south at a specific elevation angle determined by Portland's latitude in Oregon. 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 Portland, OR
Portland 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 Portland. The city's 7 wired and wireless providers serve as alternatives where available.
The satellite internet market in Portland, OR continues to evolve rapidly. New satellite launches increase capacity and coverage quality, while competition between providers drives service improvements. For Portland's 652,503 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 Portland
What satellite internet providers are available in Portland, OR?
Portland is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Portland area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Portland?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Portland 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 Portland?
Satellite internet plans in Portland 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 Portland?
Modern satellite internet in Portland 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 Portland?
Yes, Portland's oceanic 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 Portland
- All Internet Providers in Portland, OR
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- Cable Internet in Portland
- Cheap Internet in Portland
- 5G Home Internet in Portland
- Internet Providers in Oregon
For more information about satellite internet technology and availability, visit our Satellite Internet Guide or compare HughesNet vs Viasat plans nationwide.
This satellite internet comparison for Portland, OR is provided for informational purposes by InternetProviders.ai. Actual speeds, availability, and pricing may differ from what is listed and should be verified with each provider. Our revenue comes partly from affiliate partnerships with internet service providers; however, our recommendations remain independent and based on objective evaluation. Installation requirements, including line-of-sight conditions, vary by Portland address. Satellite internet performance may be affected by weather and network conditions in Oregon. Updated for 2025.