Top Satellite Internet Options in San Jose, CA | Reviewed
In San Jose, CA, satellite internet provides universal coverage that reaches every address in the city. 3 satellite providers serve this major metro of 1,013,240, offering download speeds from 15 Mbps up to 300 Mbps. Whether you live in central San Jose or the suburban outskirts, satellite connectivity remains available as a primary or backup internet solution.
For most San Jose households, we recommend 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 San Jose at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to San Jose, 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 Jose
Operating from geostationary orbit, HughesNet provides San Jose with satellite internet service that requires no wired infrastructure. This makes HughesNet particularly valuable for San Jose residents in newly developed areas or on the city's outskirts where AT&T Internet service may not yet reach.
HughesNet Plans Available in San Jose
| 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 San Jose subscribers, with an early termination fee that decreases monthly. The provider's equipment includes a satellite modem and Wi-Fi router. For San Jose 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 San Jose: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in San Jose
For San Jose 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 San Jose
| 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 San Jose 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 San Jose area.
Call Viasat for San Jose plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in San Jose
SpaceX's Starlink service is available throughout San Jose, offering the 1,013,240 residents a satellite internet experience fundamentally different from GEO-based alternatives. With latency as low as 20ms and download speeds from 25 to 220 Mbps, Starlink has redefined what San Jose residents can expect from satellite internet.
Starlink Plans Available in San Jose
| 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 San Jose residents with obstructed views, Starlink's app provides an augmented-reality tool to check sky visibility before installation. In San Jose's Mediterranean 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 California.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in San Jose
In San Jose, AT&T Internet offers Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL internet at 77.0% coverage. Many San Jose residents compare satellite plans with AT&T Internet as their primary internet source, keeping satellite as a backup option for areas outside AT&T Internet's network reach.
Call AT&T Internet for service in San Jose: 1-855-850-5977
Call Spectrum for service in San Jose: 1-844-481-5997
Call Xfinity for service in San Jose: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in San Jose: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in San Jose: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What San Jose Residents Need to Know
The technology behind satellite internet in San Jose determines much of the user experience. GEO satellites provide reliable service from their fixed position 22,236 miles high but impose unavoidable latency above 600ms. LEO satellites at 340 miles altitude deliver latency comparable to ground-based internet. Both technologies reach every San Jose address, but the experience differs significantly in responsiveness.
Satellite Latency Comparison for San Jose 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, Xfinity |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in San Jose
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving San Jose. 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 Jose households. Understanding these limits helps San Jose residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How San Jose Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Satellite internet performance in San Jose can be affected by weather conditions, a phenomenon known as rain fade. San Jose'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 Jose
San Jose 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 | 77.0% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Spectrum | Cable | 7.2% | 10-30ms | 500 Mbps |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 88.8% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 59.2% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 30.4% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 30.4% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
The choice between satellite and wired internet in San Jose often comes down to location. While 6 wired and wireless providers serve portions of the city, none covers 100% of all addresses. Satellite internet fills these gaps perfectly. Additionally, San Jose residents who need a backup internet connection for remote work or business continuity often add satellite as a secondary service alongside their primary wired connection.
Satellite Internet Installation in San Jose
Installing satellite internet at your San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose installations are completed within 2-3 hours by a certified technician.
Satellite Internet Insights for San Jose, CA
San Jose's position in the Pacific provides favorable satellite reception conditions for most of the year. The city's 1,013,240 residents benefit from a competitive satellite market with 3 providers. Local factors such as tree density, terrain, and building height in different San Jose neighborhoods can influence dish placement and signal quality. Residents in flatter, more open areas of San Jose typically experience the best satellite internet performance.
The Mediterranean climate in California means San Jose subscribers should expect occasional rain fade during severe weather events, but modern satellite technology has reduced these disruptions significantly. For San Jose 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 Jose
What satellite internet providers are available in San Jose, CA?
San Jose is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the San Jose area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in San Jose?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in San Jose 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 Jose?
Satellite internet plans in San Jose 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 Jose?
Modern satellite internet in San Jose 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 Jose?
Yes, San Jose'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 Jose
- All Internet Providers in San Jose, CA
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- 5G Home Internet in San Jose
- 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 San Jose 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 San Jose address.