Compare Satellite Internet in Seattle: Speeds, Prices & Coverage
The satellite internet landscape in Seattle, WA includes 3 providers competing for the city's 737,015 residents. From budget-friendly GEO satellite plans at $64.99/mo to cutting-edge LEO satellite technology offering gaming-capable latency, Seattle households have multiple satellite options to consider alongside the city's 5 wired providers.
The standout satellite option in Seattle 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 Seattle at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle
As one of the longest-running satellite internet providers, HughesNet offers Seattle residents reliable broadband service backed by its fleet of GEO satellites. With 100% coverage across Washington, HughesNet remains a dependable choice for Seattle households that need internet service where wired options are unavailable or unreliable.
HughesNet Plans Available in Seattle
| 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 |
For Seattle business customers, HughesNet offers commercial plans with static IP addresses and priority support. These plans are particularly relevant for Seattle businesses located outside the wired infrastructure footprint, providing reliable internet connectivity that doesn't depend on local cable or fiber availability.
Call HughesNet for plans in Seattle: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Seattle
In Seattle's internet market, Viasat occupies the premium tier of satellite service, offering 737,015 residents download speeds from 100 to 300 Mbps. The provider's Pacific Northwest coverage utilizes both geostationary and low-earth orbit satellites to deliver consistent performance across Washington.
Viasat Plans Available in Seattle
| 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Seattle
Starlink has brought a revolution in satellite internet to Seattle, WA with its constellation of thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional GEO satellite services, Starlink's satellites orbit at approximately 340 miles altitude, reducing latency to 20-40 milliseconds, which is comparable to many wired connections available in Seattle.
Starlink Plans Available in Seattle
| 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 |
Starlink requires a one-time equipment purchase of $599 for the Standard kit, which includes the satellite dish, router, and mounting hardware. For Seattle homes, a roof or ground mount provides the best sky visibility. The dish needs a clear view of the sky, with the Starlink app helping Seattle residents find the optimal placement before ordering.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Seattle
Before choosing satellite internet in Seattle, consider AT&T Internet with their Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL service covering 63.5% of the area. AT&T Internet generally provides lower latency and may offer competitive pricing compared to satellite providers serving Seattle.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Seattle: 1-855-850-5977
Call CenturyLink for service in Seattle: 1-855-512-4817
Call Xfinity for service in Seattle: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Seattle: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Seattle: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Seattle Residents Need to Know
The satellite internet options available in Seattle span two fundamentally different orbital technologies. GEO (geostationary earth orbit) satellites sit at a fixed point 22,236 miles high, providing broad coverage with high latency (600ms+). LEO (low-earth orbit) satellites like Starlink orbit at only 340 miles, requiring thousands of satellites for continuous coverage but delivering dramatically lower latency of 20-40ms that enables real-time applications.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Seattle 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 Seattle
Managing data on satellite internet in Seattle requires awareness of each provider's policies. HughesNet offers a bonus zone (2-8 AM WA time) for large downloads, effectively extending your data allowance. Viasat's Unleashed plans remove hard caps entirely, though heavy users during peak hours may see temporary speed adjustments. Starlink provides generous 1 TB priority data suitable for most Seattle families.
How Seattle Weather Affects Satellite Internet
How does Seattle's weather affect satellite internet? The oceanic conditions in Washington 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 Seattle days, weather has minimal impact on satellite internet performance.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Seattle
Seattle 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 | 63.5% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 42.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 93.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 72.5% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 33.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 33.9% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
Satellite internet makes the most sense for Seattle residents who live outside the coverage areas of providers like AT&T Internet. If your address shows availability for fiber or cable service, those technologies will typically provide better performance and value. However, satellite internet serves as an excellent backup option and is the only choice for addresses in Seattle's outer areas where wired infrastructure has not been deployed.
Satellite Internet Installation in Seattle
Installing satellite internet at your Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle installations are completed within 2-3 hours by a certified technician.
Satellite Internet Insights for Seattle, WA
As a significant urban center, Seattle has a diverse internet landscape that includes 10 total providers. Satellite internet plays a specific role in this market, serving residents outside wired coverage areas and providing backup connectivity for homes and businesses. Seattle's location in Washington ensures good satellite visibility, though some neighborhoods with dense tree canopy or multi-story buildings may need careful dish placement.
Local Seattle internet forums and community groups frequently discuss satellite internet experiences, with Starlink generating the most interest due to its low-latency LEO technology. HughesNet remains popular among budget-conscious Seattle residents, while Viasat appeals to those who prioritize download speed over cost. The Pacific Northwest's growing demand for satellite internet has led to capacity improvements across all providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Seattle
What satellite internet providers are available in Seattle, WA?
Seattle is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Seattle area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Seattle?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Seattle 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 Seattle?
Satellite internet plans in Seattle 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 Seattle?
Modern satellite internet in Seattle 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 Seattle?
Yes, Seattle's oceanic 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 Seattle
- All Internet Providers in Seattle, WA
- Fiber Internet in Seattle
- Cable Internet in Seattle
- Cheap Internet in Seattle
- 5G Home Internet in Seattle
- Internet Providers in Washington
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 Seattle 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 Seattle address.