Complete Satellite Internet Guide for San Francisco, CA Residents
For the 808,988 residents of San Francisco, CA, satellite internet represents a universally available broadband option with 3 competing providers. Located in the Pacific, San Francisco's satellite internet market includes both affordable GEO satellite plans and premium LEO services that rival wired connection performance.
The standout satellite option in San Francisco 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 Francisco at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco
HughesNet continues to serve San Francisco, CA with satellite broadband that covers every residential and commercial address. Their GEO satellite platform, while producing higher latency than LEO alternatives, offers reliable download speeds and generous data allowances that meet the needs of many San Francisco households.
HughesNet Plans Available in San Francisco
| 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's data policies in San Francisco work on a soft-cap system. Once you exceed your monthly data allowance, speeds slow to around 1-3 Mbps rather than cutting off entirely. All plans include a 50 GB bonus zone between 2-8 AM local time in CA, which is useful for scheduling large downloads or system updates.
Call HughesNet for plans in San Francisco: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in San Francisco
Viasat's satellite internet service in San Francisco, CA delivers premium broadband with speeds rivaling many wired connections. The provider's Unleashed plan lineup offers San Francisco residents unlimited data on all tiers, addressing one of the most common complaints about traditional satellite internet: data caps.
Viasat Plans Available in San Francisco
| 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 unlimited data plans remove the usage anxiety that has historically plagued satellite internet subscribers in San Francisco. The Unleashed 100 plan includes a priority data tier before speeds may be managed during congestion, while the Unleashed 200 and 300 plans offer more generous priority data for heavy users.
Call Viasat for San Francisco plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in San Francisco
Starlink's LEO satellite constellation serves San Francisco with internet speeds and latency that were previously impossible via satellite. For San Francisco's 808,988 residents, Starlink offers 25-100 Mbps on its Standard plan and 40-220 Mbps on Priority, with unlimited data and the responsive connectivity needed for video calls and online gaming.
Starlink Plans Available in San Francisco
| 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 |
In terms of reliability, Starlink in San Francisco typically achieves 99%+ uptime outside of severe weather events. The Mediterranean conditions in California have minimal impact on LEO satellite signals compared to GEO services, as the shorter signal path is less susceptible to atmospheric interference during San Francisco's weather patterns.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in San Francisco
Before choosing satellite internet in San Francisco, consider AT&T Internet with their Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL service covering 89.3% of the area. AT&T Internet generally provides lower latency and may offer competitive pricing compared to satellite providers serving San Francisco.
Call AT&T Internet for service in San Francisco: 1-855-850-5977
Call Xfinity for service in San Francisco: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in San Francisco: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in San Francisco: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What San Francisco Residents Need to Know
Understanding satellite orbits helps San Francisco 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 San Francisco subscribers is latency as low as 20ms.
Satellite Latency Comparison for San Francisco 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, Verizon Fios |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in San Francisco
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving San Francisco. 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 San Francisco households. Understanding these limits helps San Francisco residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How San Francisco Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Satellite internet performance in San Francisco can be affected by weather conditions, a phenomenon known as rain fade. San Francisco'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 San Francisco
Before committing to satellite internet in San Francisco, it is worth comparing it against local wired and wireless alternatives. While satellite covers 100% of San Francisco, providers like AT&T Internet offer different performance characteristics at potentially different price points.
| 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 | 89.3% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 97.7% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 65.4% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 36.8% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 36.8% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
When should San Francisco residents choose satellite over wired internet? The primary scenario is when wired providers do not serve your specific address. Even in a large city like San Francisco, 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 Francisco
Before ordering satellite internet for your San Francisco address, verify line-of-sight requirements. GEO satellite dishes need clear southern sky visibility; tall buildings, mature trees, or hills south of your San Francisco 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 San Francisco addresses.
Satellite Internet Insights for San Francisco, CA
The Pacific has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and San Francisco reflects this trend. Among the city's 808,988 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in San Francisco
What satellite internet providers are available in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the San Francisco area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in San Francisco?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in San Francisco 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 Francisco?
Satellite internet plans in San Francisco 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 Francisco?
Modern satellite internet in San Francisco 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 Francisco?
Yes, San Francisco'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 San Francisco
- All Internet Providers in San Francisco, CA
- Fiber Internet in San Francisco
- Cable Internet in San Francisco
- Cheap Internet in San Francisco
- 5G Home Internet in San Francisco
- 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.
This satellite internet comparison for San Francisco, CA 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 Francisco address. Satellite internet performance may be affected by weather and network conditions in California. Updated for 2025.