Best Satellite Internet for Salt Lake City Homes & Businesses (2025)
Whether you need a backup connection or your primary internet service, Salt Lake City offers 3 satellite internet providers with plans for every scenario. The semi-arid continental climate in Utah does influence satellite signal quality at times, but modern satellite technology has significantly reduced weather-related disruptions for Salt Lake City subscribers.
Based on value and availability in Salt Lake City, Starlink for its low-latency LEO satellite technology (20-40ms), delivering 25-100 Mbps at $120/mo with unlimited data. For budget-conscious households, HughesNet Select at $64.99/mo offers reliable connectivity.
Satellite Internet Providers in Salt Lake City at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Salt Lake City, UT 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 | 99.7% |
| Starlink | Satellite (LEO) | $120/mo | 220 Mbps | Unlimited | LEO | 100.0% |
HughesNet Satellite Internet in Salt Lake City
HughesNet's satellite internet service reaches every corner of Salt Lake City, UT, delivering broadband connectivity through its geostationary satellite network. For the 199,723 residents of this Mountain West growing city, HughesNet provides three plan tiers ranging from basic browsing to its innovative Fusion technology that blends GEO and LEO satellite connections.
HughesNet Plans Available in Salt Lake City
| 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 Salt Lake City subscribers, with an early termination fee that decreases monthly. The provider's equipment includes a satellite modem and Wi-Fi router. For Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Salt Lake City
In Salt Lake City's internet market, Viasat occupies the premium tier of satellite service, offering 199,723 residents download speeds from 100 to 300 Mbps. The provider's Mountain West coverage utilizes both geostationary and low-earth orbit satellites to deliver consistent performance across Utah.
Viasat Plans Available in Salt Lake City
| 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 Salt Lake City is handled by certified technicians who position the dish for optimal signal reception. Given Salt Lake City's semi-arid continental 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 Salt Lake City plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Salt Lake City
For tech-savvy Salt Lake City residents, Starlink delivers the most advanced satellite internet available. The system's Dishy McFlatface terminal uses phased-array technology to electronically steer its beam toward passing LEO satellites, providing Salt Lake City homes with broadband that feels far more responsive than traditional satellite service.
Starlink Plans Available in Salt Lake City
| 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 Salt Lake City. Subscribers can cancel anytime without early termination fees, which appeals to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City
With 67.5% coverage in Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City residents within their network footprint.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Salt Lake City: 1-855-850-5977
Call CenturyLink for service in Salt Lake City: 1-855-512-4817
Call Xfinity for service in Salt Lake City: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Salt Lake City: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Salt Lake City: 1-855-387-1456
Call Rise Broadband for service in Salt Lake City: 1-877-910-6207
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Salt Lake City Residents Need to Know
For Salt Lake City's 199,723 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 Salt Lake City.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City households. Understanding these limits helps Salt Lake City residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How Salt Lake City Weather Affects Satellite Internet
How does Salt Lake City's weather affect satellite internet? The semi-arid continental conditions in Utah 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 Salt Lake City days, weather has minimal impact on satellite internet performance.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City residents have 11 total internet providers to consider, including 3 satellite and 8 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 | 99.7% | 200-600ms | 300 Mbps |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 100.0% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 67.5% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 88.7% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 96.2% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 78.7% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 45.4% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 45.4% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
For Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City businesses maintain satellite internet as a failover connection for this reason.
Satellite Internet Installation in Salt Lake City
Before ordering satellite internet for your Salt Lake City address, verify line-of-sight requirements. GEO satellite dishes need clear southern sky visibility; tall buildings, mature trees, or hills south of your Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City addresses.
Satellite Internet Insights for Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. The city's 8 wired and wireless providers serve as alternatives where available.
The satellite internet market in Salt Lake City, UT continues to evolve rapidly. New satellite launches increase capacity and coverage quality, while competition between providers drives service improvements. For Salt Lake City's 199,723 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 Salt Lake City
What satellite internet providers are available in Salt Lake City, UT?
Salt Lake City is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Salt Lake City area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Salt Lake City?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?
Satellite internet plans in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?
Modern satellite internet in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?
Yes, Salt Lake City's semi-arid continental 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 Salt Lake City
- All Internet Providers in Salt Lake City, UT
- Fiber Internet in Salt Lake City
- Cable Internet in Salt Lake City
- Cheap Internet in Salt Lake City
- 5G Home Internet in Salt Lake City
- Internet Providers in Utah
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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City address.