Complete Satellite Internet Guide for Spokane, WA Residents
For the 228,989 residents of Spokane, WA, satellite internet represents a universally available broadband option with 3 competing providers. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Spokane's satellite internet market includes both affordable GEO satellite plans and premium LEO services that rival wired connection performance.
The leading satellite choice in Spokane is 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 Spokane at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Spokane, 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 Spokane
As one of the longest-running satellite internet providers, HughesNet offers Spokane residents reliable broadband service backed by its fleet of GEO satellites. With 100% coverage across Washington, HughesNet remains a dependable choice for Spokane households that need internet service where wired options are unavailable or unreliable.
HughesNet Plans Available in Spokane
| 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 Fusion plan is particularly noteworthy for Spokane residents who need lower latency. By routing some traffic through LEO satellites, Fusion reduces round-trip times for activities like web browsing and video conferencing, which typically suffer most from GEO satellite delay. At $94.99/mo, it bridges the gap between traditional satellite and wired-like responsiveness.
Call HughesNet for plans in Spokane: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Spokane
Viasat has invested heavily in satellite technology that benefits Spokane subscribers, including its ViaSat-3 satellite system that dramatically increased capacity over the Pacific Northwest. For Spokane residents willing to invest in premium satellite internet, Viasat's Unleashed plans offer speed and data allowances that rival many cable internet packages.
Viasat Plans Available in Spokane
| 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 Spokane is handled by certified technicians who position the dish for optimal signal reception. Given Spokane's oceanic 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 Spokane plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Spokane
Starlink has brought a revolution in satellite internet to Spokane, 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 Spokane.
Starlink Plans Available in Spokane
| 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 Spokane residents with obstructed views, Starlink's app provides an augmented-reality tool to check sky visibility before installation. In Spokane's oceanic 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 Washington.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Spokane
AT&T Internet serves 49.2% of Spokane with Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL technology. As a wired or fixed wireless alternative to satellite internet, AT&T Internet offers advantages in latency and often provides higher speeds. Spokane residents should compare both options before committing to a satellite plan.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Spokane: 1-855-850-5977
Call CenturyLink for service in Spokane: 1-855-512-4817
Call Xfinity for service in Spokane: 1-844-963-0138
Call T-Mobile for service in Spokane: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Spokane: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Spokane Residents Need to Know
Understanding satellite orbits helps Spokane 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 Spokane subscribers is latency as low as 20ms.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Spokane 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 Spokane
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving Spokane. 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 Spokane households. Understanding these limits helps Spokane residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How Spokane Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Spokane's oceanic 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 Spokane 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 Spokane
While satellite internet provides universal coverage in Spokane, residents within the footprint of wired providers may want to compare their options. The following table shows how satellite internet stacks up against the local wired and fixed wireless alternatives available in Spokane, WA.
| 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 | 49.2% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 74.1% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 77.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 59.2% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 28.2% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 28.2% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
When should Spokane residents choose satellite over wired internet? The primary scenario is when wired providers do not serve your specific address. Even in a mid-size city like Spokane, 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 Spokane
Before ordering satellite internet for your Spokane address, verify line-of-sight requirements. GEO satellite dishes need clear southern sky visibility; tall buildings, mature trees, or hills south of your Spokane 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 Spokane addresses.
Satellite Internet Insights for Spokane, WA
The Pacific Northwest has seen significant growth in satellite internet adoption, and Spokane reflects this trend. Among the city's 228,989 residents, satellite internet serves as both a primary and supplementary broadband option. Spokane neighborhoods on the urban fringe, where wired infrastructure may lag behind development, benefit most from satellite's universal availability. The city's oceanic climate creates generally favorable conditions for satellite signal reception throughout the year.
For Spokane residents in apartment buildings or condominiums, satellite internet installation may require landlord approval for dish mounting. Washington 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 Spokane properties where roof installation is not feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Spokane
What satellite internet providers are available in Spokane, WA?
Spokane is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Spokane area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Spokane?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Spokane 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 Spokane?
Satellite internet plans in Spokane 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 Spokane?
Modern satellite internet in Spokane 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 Spokane?
Yes, Spokane'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 Spokane
- All Internet Providers in Spokane, WA
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- 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.
This satellite internet comparison for Spokane, WA 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 Spokane address. Satellite internet performance may be affected by weather and network conditions in Washington. Updated for 2025.