Satellite Internet in Sacramento, CA: Plans, Prices & Availability
Satellite internet serves as a crucial connectivity option for Sacramento, CA's 524,943 residents, particularly in areas where wired infrastructure may be limited. 3 satellite providers offer service here, including both traditional GEO satellite services and next-generation LEO constellations. Sacramento's position in the Pacific gives it access to excellent satellite coverage year-round, despite the area's Mediterranean climate patterns.
Our top satellite pick for Sacramento 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 Sacramento at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Sacramento, CA 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 Sacramento
In Sacramento's competitive internet market, HughesNet fills an important niche as a universally available broadband option. Their GEO satellite network provides coverage to 100% of California addresses, and their recent Fusion plans introduce LEO satellite technology for improved latency that benefits Sacramento households needing better real-time performance.
HughesNet Plans Available in Sacramento
| 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 Sacramento subscribers, with an early termination fee that decreases monthly. The provider's equipment includes a satellite modem and Wi-Fi router. For Sacramento 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 Sacramento: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Sacramento
For Sacramento households demanding the highest satellite internet speeds, Viasat delivers with plans reaching 300 Mbps. While priced higher than HughesNet, Viasat's service in California includes unlimited data on its premium tiers, eliminating the data anxiety that some satellite subscribers experience with capped plans.
Viasat Plans Available in Sacramento
| 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 |
The premium Unleashed 300 plan at $199.99/mo represents Viasat's best offering for Sacramento power users. At 300 Mbps download speed with unlimited priority data, this plan supports multiple 4K streams simultaneously and handles demanding applications that previously required wired broadband in the Sacramento area.
Call Viasat for Sacramento plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Sacramento
Among satellite providers in Sacramento, Starlink represents the newest and most technologically advanced option. Operating from low-earth orbit rather than geostationary position, Starlink delivers to Sacramento households a satellite internet experience with latency low enough for Zoom calls, FaceTime, and even competitive online gaming.
Starlink Plans Available in Sacramento
| 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 Sacramento subscribers is portability. The Starlink dish can be taken to any location within the coverage zone, making it popular among Sacramento residents who also have rural property or travel frequently within California. This flexibility is not available with HughesNet or Viasat.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Sacramento
AT&T Internet serves 69.3% of Sacramento 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. Sacramento residents should compare both options before committing to a satellite plan.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Sacramento: 1-855-850-5977
Call Xfinity for service in Sacramento: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Sacramento: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Sacramento: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Sacramento Residents Need to Know
Understanding satellite orbits helps Sacramento 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 Sacramento subscribers is latency as low as 20ms.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving Sacramento. 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 Sacramento households. Understanding these limits helps Sacramento residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How Sacramento Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Satellite internet performance in Sacramento can be affected by weather conditions, a phenomenon known as rain fade. Sacramento's Mediterranean climate means California 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 Sacramento
Sacramento 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 | 69.3% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 75.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Consolidated Communications / Fidium | Fiber, DSL | 21.3% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 73.5% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 31.7% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 31.7% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
For Sacramento 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 Sacramento businesses maintain satellite internet as a failover connection for this reason.
Satellite Internet Installation in Sacramento
Before ordering satellite internet for your Sacramento address, verify line-of-sight requirements. GEO satellite dishes need clear southern sky visibility; tall buildings, mature trees, or hills south of your Sacramento 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 Sacramento addresses.
Satellite Internet Insights for Sacramento, CA
The Pacific has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and Sacramento reflects this trend. Among the city's 524,943 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. Sacramento neighborhoods on the urban fringe, where wired infrastructure may lag behind development, benefit most from satellite's universal availability. The city's Mediterranean climate creates generally favorable conditions for satellite signal reception throughout the year.
For Sacramento residents in apartment buildings or condominiums, satellite internet installation may require landlord approval for dish mounting. California 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 Sacramento properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Sacramento
What satellite internet providers are available in Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Sacramento area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Sacramento?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
Satellite internet plans in Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
Modern satellite internet in Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
Yes, Sacramento's Mediterranean 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 Sacramento
- All Internet Providers in Sacramento, CA
- Fiber Internet in Sacramento
- Cable Internet in Sacramento
- Cheap Internet in Sacramento
- 5G Home Internet in Sacramento
- Internet Providers in California
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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento address.