Satellite Internet in Virginia Beach, VA: Plans, Prices & Availability
Satellite internet serves as a crucial connectivity option for Virginia Beach, VA's 459,470 residents, particularly in areas where wired infrastructure may be limited. 3 satellite providers offer service here, including both traditional GEO satellite services and next-generation LEO constellations. Virginia Beach's position in the Mid-Atlantic gives it access to excellent satellite coverage year-round, despite the area's humid subtropical climate patterns.
For Virginia residents in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach at a Glance
The following table summarizes every satellite internet provider available to Virginia Beach, VA 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 | 99.9% |
| Starlink | Satellite (LEO) | $120/mo | 220 Mbps | Unlimited | LEO | 100.0% |
HughesNet Satellite Internet in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach's competitive internet market, HughesNet fills an important niche as a universally available broadband option. Their GEO satellite network provides coverage to 100% of Virginia addresses, and their recent Fusion plans introduce LEO satellite technology for improved latency that benefits Virginia Beach households needing better real-time performance.
HughesNet Plans Available in Virginia Beach
| 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 coverage reliability in Virginia Beach is backed by its Jupiter 3 satellite, one of the highest-capacity communications satellites ever launched. This satellite provides dedicated capacity for the Mid-Atlantic, ensuring that Virginia Beach subscribers experience consistent speeds even during peak usage hours. The 25 Mbps cap applies to all plans in the area.
Call HughesNet for plans in Virginia Beach: 1-855-543-5405
Viasat Satellite Internet in Virginia Beach
As the speed leader among satellite internet providers in Virginia Beach, Viasat offers download speeds up to 300 Mbps through its combined GEO and LEO satellite network. This positions Viasat as the premium satellite option for Virginia Beach households that need faster speeds for streaming, remote work, and multi-device connectivity.
Viasat Plans Available in Virginia Beach
| 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 equipment for Virginia Beach subscribers includes a satellite dish, indoor gateway (modem/router combo), and optional Wi-Fi extenders. The gateway supports Wi-Fi 6, providing fast wireless speeds throughout Virginia Beach homes. Professional installation is included, with same-week appointment availability in most Virginia locations.
Call Viasat for Virginia Beach plans: 1-855-463-9333
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet in Virginia Beach
Starlink has brought a revolution in satellite internet to Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach.
Starlink Plans Available in Virginia Beach
| 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach residents find the optimal placement before ordering.
AT&T Internet as a Satellite Alternative in Virginia Beach
AT&T Internet provides Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL internet service covering 68.6% of Virginia Beach. For residents within their coverage area, AT&T Internet may offer faster speeds and lower latency than satellite internet, making it worth comparing alongside satellite options.
Call AT&T Internet for service in Virginia Beach: 1-855-850-5977
Call Spectrum for service in Virginia Beach: 1-844-481-5997
Call Cox Internet for service in Virginia Beach: 1-855-342-0684
Call T-Mobile for service in Virginia Beach: 1-844-275-9311
Call Verizon Fios for service in Virginia Beach: 1-855-387-1456
LEO vs GEO Satellite Technology: What Virginia Beach Residents Need to Know
Understanding satellite orbits helps Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach subscribers is latency as low as 20ms.
Satellite Latency Comparison for Virginia Beach 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, Cox Internet |
Satellite Internet Data Caps in Virginia Beach
Data usage limits vary dramatically among satellite providers serving Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach households. Understanding these limits helps Virginia Beach residents choose the right plan for their usage patterns.
How Virginia Beach Weather Affects Satellite Internet
Weather sensitivity is a practical concern for satellite internet users in Virginia Beach. The humid subtropical weather patterns in Virginia can occasionally interfere with satellite signals, particularly during heavy rain or dense cloud cover. GEO satellites like those used by HughesNet are more affected due to the longer signal path (22,236 miles through the atmosphere). Starlink's LEO satellites, orbiting at just 340 miles, experience less weather-related disruption, though severe storms can still impact connectivity.
Satellite Internet vs Local Alternatives in Virginia Beach
While satellite internet provides universal coverage in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA.
| Provider | Technology | Coverage in City | Typical Latency | Best Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | GEO Satellite | 100.0% | 600-800ms | 25 Mbps |
| Viasat | GEO + LEO Satellite | 99.9% | 200-600ms | 300 Mbps |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 100.0% | 20-40ms | 220 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 68.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Spectrum | Cable | 9.3% | 10-30ms | 500 Mbps |
| Cox Internet | Cable, Fiber | 77.3% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 75.5% | 25-50ms | 300 Mbps |
| Metronet | Fiber | 5.6% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 56.9% | 5-15ms | 1 Gbps+ |
The choice between satellite and wired internet in Virginia Beach often comes down to location. While 7 wired and wireless providers serve portions of the city, none covers 100% of all addresses. Satellite internet fills these gaps perfectly. Additionally, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Before ordering satellite internet for your Virginia Beach address, verify line-of-sight requirements. GEO satellite dishes need clear southern sky visibility; tall buildings, mature trees, or hills south of your Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach addresses.
Satellite Internet Insights for Virginia Beach, VA
As a thriving mid-size city, Virginia Beach 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. Virginia Beach's location in Virginia ensures good satellite visibility, though some neighborhoods with dense tree canopy or multi-story buildings may need careful dish placement.
Local Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach residents, while Viasat appeals to those who prioritize download speed over cost. The Mid-Atlantic's growing demand for satellite internet has led to capacity improvements across all providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet in Virginia Beach
What satellite internet providers are available in Virginia Beach, VA?
Virginia Beach is served by 3 satellite internet providers: HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink. All offer coverage to 100% of addresses in the Virginia Beach area.
What is the fastest satellite internet in Virginia Beach?
Viasat's Unleashed 300 plan offers the fastest satellite speeds in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?
Satellite internet plans in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?
Modern satellite internet in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?
Yes, Virginia Beach's humid 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 Virginia Beach
- All Internet Providers in Virginia Beach, VA
- Fiber Internet in Virginia Beach
- Cable Internet in Virginia Beach
- Cheap Internet in Virginia Beach
- 5G Home Internet in Virginia Beach
- Internet Providers in Virginia
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 Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach address. Satellite internet performance may be affected by weather and network conditions in Virginia. Updated for 2025.