Compare Satellite Internet in San Antonio: Speeds, Prices & Coverage
The satellite internet landscape in San Antonio, TX includes 3 providers competing for the city's 1,434,625 residents. From budget-friendly GEO satellite plans at $64.99/mo to cutting-edge LEO satellite technology offering gaming-capable latency, San Antonio households have multiple satellite options to consider alongside the city's 5 wired providers.
Our top satellite pick for San Antonio 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 San Antonio at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio
HughesNet has served San Antonio and the broader Texas market for over two decades, making it one of the most established satellite internet providers in the region. Using geostationary (GEO) satellites positioned 22,236 miles above Earth, HughesNet delivers consistent broadband coverage to every address in San Antonio, including areas where fiber and cable have not yet been deployed.
HughesNet Plans Available in San Antonio
| 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 |
Installation in San Antonio typically takes 2-3 hours and requires a clear southern sky view for the satellite dish. HughesNet's professional installation is included, with the technician positioning the dish for optimal signal reception given San Antonio's varied subtropical weather conditions and local terrain. Equipment lease is $14.99/mo or available for purchase.
Call HughesNet for plans in San Antonio: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in San Antonio
For San Antonio residents comparing satellite options, Viasat stands out with its focus on speed and unlimited data. The provider's Texas service area includes the entire state, and its multi-satellite architecture ensures that San Antonio subscribers get reliable service throughout the varied subtropical weather patterns of the South Central.
Viasat Plans Available in San Antonio
| 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 hybrid satellite approach routes latency-sensitive traffic through LEO satellites when available, reducing round-trip times for web browsing and video calls in San Antonio. This technology is integrated into the Unleashed 200 and 300 plans, giving San Antonio subscribers a more responsive internet experience.
Call Viasat for San Antonio plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in San Antonio
For San Antonio 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 Texas, slashing round-trip latency to 20-40ms. This makes Starlink viable for latency-sensitive activities that were impossible with GEO satellites in San Antonio.
Starlink Plans Available in San Antonio
| 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 San Antonio subscribers is portability. The Starlink dish can be taken to any location within the coverage zone, making it popular among San Antonio residents who also have rural property or travel frequently within Texas. This flexibility is not available with HughesNet or Viasat.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in San Antonio
Before choosing satellite internet in San Antonio, consider AT&T Internet with their Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL service covering 69.8% of the area. AT&T Internet generally provides lower latency and may offer competitive pricing compared to satellite providers serving San Antonio.
Call AT&T Internet for service in San Antonio: 1-855-850-5977
Call Spectrum for service in San Antonio: 1-844-481-5997
Call T-Mobile for service in San Antonio: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in San Antonio: 1-855-387-1456
Call Rise Broadband for service in San Antonio: 1-877-910-6207
Call Google Fiber for service in San Antonio: 1-866-777-7550
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What San Antonio Residents Need to Know
Understanding the difference between LEO and GEO satellite internet is essential for San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio
Data caps remain a significant consideration for satellite internet subscribers in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio household watching 2 hours of HD content daily would use roughly 180 GB monthly.
How San Antonio Weather Affects Satellite Internet
San Antonio's varied 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio
San Antonio 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 | 69.8% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Spectrum | Cable | 83.1% | 10-30ms | 500 Mbps |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 64.5% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 35.3% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 35.3% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless, Fiber | 5.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
When should San Antonio residents choose satellite over wired internet? The primary scenario is when wired providers do not serve your specific address. Even in a major metro like San Antonio, coverage gaps exist, particularly in newer developments, rural-adjacent areas, and properties far from utility corridors. In these situations, satellite internet from HughesNet, Viasat, or Starlink provides reliable broadband where no wired alternative exists.
Satellite Internet Installation in San Antonio
Installing satellite internet at your San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio installations are completed within 2-3 hours by a certified technician.
Satellite Internet Insights for San Antonio, TX
San Antonio's position in the South Central provides favorable satellite reception conditions for most of the year. The city's 1,434,625 residents benefit from a competitive satellite market with 3 providers. Local factors such as tree density, terrain, and building height in different San Antonio neighborhoods can influence dish placement and signal quality. Residents in flatter, more open areas of San Antonio typically experience the best satellite internet performance.
The varied subtropical climate in Texas means San Antonio subscribers should expect occasional rain fade during severe weather events, but modern satellite technology has reduced these disruptions significantly. For San Antonio households considering satellite internet, testing availability of wired alternatives at your specific address first is recommended, as providers like AT&T Internet offer coverage to portions of the city with lower latency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in San Antonio
What satellite internet providers are available in San Antonio, TX?
San Antonio is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the San Antonio area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in San Antonio?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
Satellite internet plans in San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
Modern satellite internet in San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
Yes, San Antonio's varied 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 San Antonio
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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 San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio address. Satellite internet performance may be affected by weather and network conditions in Texas. Updated for 2025.