Complete Satellite Internet Guide for Raleigh, NC Residents
For the 482,295 residents of Raleigh, NC, satellite internet represents a universally available broadband option with 3 competing providers. Located in the Southeast, Raleigh's satellite internet market includes both affordable GEO satellite plans and premium LEO services that rival wired connection performance.
After evaluating all Raleigh satellite options, 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 Raleigh at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh
As one of the longest-running satellite internet providers, HughesNet offers Raleigh residents reliable broadband service backed by its fleet of GEO satellites. With 100% coverage across North Carolina, HughesNet remains a dependable choice for Raleigh households that need internet service where wired options are unavailable or unreliable.
HughesNet Plans Available in Raleigh
| 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 Raleigh households on a budget, HughesNet's Select plan at $64.99/mo provides 15 Mbps download speeds with 100 GB of data, sufficient for email, web browsing, and standard-definition streaming. The Elite plan at $79.99/mo doubles the data allowance to 200 GB, making it better suited for families.
Call HughesNet for plans in Raleigh: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Raleigh
Viasat's satellite internet service in Raleigh, NC delivers premium broadband with speeds rivaling many wired connections. The provider's Unleashed plan lineup offers Raleigh residents unlimited data on all tiers, addressing one of the most common complaints about traditional satellite internet: data caps.
Viasat Plans Available in Raleigh
| 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Raleigh
In the Southeast, Starlink has gained significant subscriber traction among Raleigh 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 Raleigh
| 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 |
For Raleigh residents with obstructed views, Starlink's app provides an augmented-reality tool to check sky visibility before installation. In Raleigh's humid subtropical environment, trees and neighboring structures are the most common obstructions. The dish's motorized base adjusts automatically, but a clear northern sky view produces the best results in North Carolina.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Raleigh
AT&T Internet serves 77.0% of Raleigh 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. Raleigh residents should compare both options before committing to a satellite plan.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Raleigh: 1-855-850-5977
Call Spectrum for service in Raleigh: 1-844-481-5997
Call T-Mobile for service in Raleigh: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Raleigh: 1-855-387-1456
Call Google Fiber for service in Raleigh: 1-866-777-7550
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Raleigh Residents Need to Know
Understanding satellite orbits helps Raleigh residents make better internet decisions. A GEO satellite at 22,236 miles covers a vast area but signals travel far, creating 600ms+ delays noticeable in video calls and gaming. A LEO satellite at 340 miles covers a smaller area but moves quickly overhead, requiring a large constellation for continuous service. The payoff for Raleigh subscribers is latency as low as 20ms.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Raleigh 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, Spectrum, Verizon Fios |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Raleigh
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving Raleigh. 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 Raleigh households. Understanding these limits helps Raleigh residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How Raleigh Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Raleigh's humid subtropical climate influences satellite internet reliability throughout the year. During heavy precipitation events, satellite signals may weaken temporarily; this rain fade effect is more pronounced with GEO satellites than LEO. For Raleigh subscribers, this means HughesNet and Viasat connections may briefly slow during intense storms, while Starlink typically maintains more stable performance. All providers' signals recover quickly once severe weather passes.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Raleigh
While satellite internet provides universal coverage in Raleigh, residents within the footprint of wired providers may want to compare their options. The following table shows how satellite internet stacks up against the local wired and fixed wireless alternatives available in Raleigh, NC.
| 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 | 77.0% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Spectrum | Cable | 90.5% | 10-30ms | 500 Mbps |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 75.9% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 27.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 27.6% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Google Fiber | Fiber | 30.7% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
Satellite internet makes the most sense for Raleigh residents who live outside the coverage areas of providers like AT&T Internet. If your address shows availability for fiber or cable service, those technologies will typically provide better performance and value. However, satellite internet serves as an excellent backup option and is the only choice for addresses in Raleigh's outer areas where wired infrastructure has not been deployed.
Satellite Internet Installation in Raleigh
Installing satellite internet at your Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh installations are completed within 2-3 hours by a certified technician.
Satellite Internet Insights for Raleigh, NC
The Southeast has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and Raleigh reflects this trend. Among the city's 482,295 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. Raleigh 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 Raleigh residents in apartment buildings or condominiums, satellite internet installation may require landlord approval for dish mounting. North Carolina 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 Raleigh properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Raleigh
What satellite internet providers are available in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Raleigh area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Raleigh?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
Satellite internet plans in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
Modern satellite internet in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
Yes, Raleigh'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 Raleigh
- All Internet Providers in Raleigh, NC
- Fiber Internet in Raleigh
- Cable Internet in Raleigh
- Cheap Internet in Raleigh
- 5G Home Internet in Raleigh
- Internet Providers in North Carolina
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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh address.