View FAQs by Topic:
About Viasat Internet
Billing
Data Allowance & Plans
Gaming
Hibernation Plans
Installation Process
Internet Speeds
Unlimited Data Plans
Viasat Browser
Viasat Equipment
Viasat Shield
Video Streaming
Viasat Voice
Viasat Internet
Q: What is Viasat?
A: Viasat Inc. is a U.S. based communications company delivering WildBlue, Exede internet services and the new Viasat satellite internet. Top ranked space company by SpaceNews. One of Defense News list of Top 100 defense companies. Viasat is an innovator and leader in the satellite industry, providing high-speed satellite internet and secure networking systems world wide. Serving business & residential, the U.S. military & government, and now in-flight WiFi on many major airlines — American Airlines, jetBlue, United Airlines, Virgin America & MORE! Founded in California in 1986, today, Viasat employees more than 3,700 people and is dedicated to bringing the best satellite internet service nationwide.
Q: Where is Viasat satellite internet available?
A: You can get FAST Viasat internet service just about anywhere in the U.S. Even rural AMERICA!
- Viasat is available in the continental United States, covering 98 percent of the U.S. population.
- Viasat provides NATIONWIDE high speed internet service to rural households.
- Viasat is ideal in locations where local internet cable companies offer slow DSL or dial-up service.
- Viasat offers the perfect solution for remote areas where other internet providers are not available.
To find out what Viasat plans & special offers are available in your area, use our our quick & easy online quote form CLICK HERE or phone us 24/7 (toll-free) TODAY at 1-844-4GETNET (1-844-443-8638).
Q: How does Viasat satellite technology work?
A: Viasat links your computer to the internet with a high-speed connection through Viasat’s high capacity satellite network. A small, 30-inch Viasat satellite dish, about the size of a satellite TV dish and a Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem are all you need. Viasat provides the equipment and one of our nationwide team of certified Viasat technicians will professionally install the equipment in your home or at your business. To learn more about Viasat’s cutting-edge technology CLICK HERE
Q: What are WildBlue and Exede?
A: Viasat is the owner of both WildBlue and Exede Internet. Before the launch of Viasat’s latest satellite, the ViaSat-2, WildBlue was the forerunner to today’s Viasat residential internet service with the development of the first ViaSat-1 satellite. Followed by Exede satellite internet. While there are still customers using WildBlue & Exede’s older ViaSat-1 satellite service, WildBlue and Exede plans are no longer available for purchase.
Q: I’m a current Exede customer. Can I get upgrade to Viasat?
A: Absolutely! As a valued current customer, we want you to experience the latest technology and super-fast speeds offered by Viasat internet. The upgrade will require a new Viasat satellite Dish and WiFi Modem, which will be installed and configured by a Viasat-certified professional technician. However, we may be able to use the existing Exede wiring and bracket for the new Viasat satellite dish outside your home. Upgrading to Viasat service requires a new 24-month contract, but there is usually no additional fee for the upgrade. Just CALL 1-844-4GETNET (1-844-443-8638) to get your upgrade started.
Q: What if I choose to stay with my current WildBlue or Exede service?
A: Viasat remains dedicated to providing high quality service to customers who wish to continue their WildBlue or Exede service. In fact, since the launch of the new Viasat internet service, Viasat has also implemented technology upgrades for all their WildBlue & Exede customers, resulting in faster speeds and better performance for all. However, if you are no longer in contract, we recommend that you upgrade to Viasat internet so that you can take advantage of the fastest speeds currently being offered in your local area. Call 1-844-4GETNET (1-844-443-8638) and inquire about the new plans & services available in your area.
Q: Will my Viasat internet service work with a wireless router?
A: Yes. You can either use your own router or you can get the new Viasat Gateway Modem with built-in WiFi when you order Viasat internet service today. If you would prefer to use your own router, any modern router will work with your new Viasat internet service.
The wireless router will allow you to create your own in-home network. “Cut the cord” while sharing your Viasat service wirelessly with multiple household devices, including your computer or laptop and any other wireless device, such as tablets, smart phones, smart TVs & appliances and more. For additional details about the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem and home networks CLICK HERE
Q: Does Viasat offer a service for mobile vehicles?
A: Unfortunately, Viasat currently does not offer a broadband service for mobile campers, RVs, boats, service vehicles, etc. Viasat internet service can be used on a vehicle such as a camper or RV if it is parked and will remain stationary. The use of Viasat’s internet service requires the installation of a dish antenna at a fixed location at your home or office, typically using a roof or pole mount.
Q: Is there a specific web browser I should use with my Viasat service?
A: All web browsers including Chrome, Firefox Internet Explorer, Opera and Safari work just fine with Viasat internet. However, for the fastest browsing experience possible with your new Viasat service, you can download the Viasat Browser, which was designed to optimize Viasat’s internet service. Additionally, the Viasat Browser helps to reduce data usage through its integrated ad-blocking technology and data saver mode. More information about the Viasat Browser can be found in the Viasat Browser FAQs section.
Q: What about latency?
A: Older versions of satellite internet service were often slow typically as a result of the technology available at the time rather than any latency issues. Today’s Viasat satellite incorporates groundbreaking web acceleration technology, which has dramatically improved page-load times, thus minimizing the effect of latency to 630MS. While, satellite internet does result in a higher latency rate than experienced on cable and DSL networks, it’s not enough to make a notable difference in most internet activities. Exceptions include certain online gaming and VPN services (see below.)
Q: Will Viasat internet work with my existing Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo! or other email account(s)?
A: Of course. Any online email account should work fine with Viasat internet.
Q: Can I get an email account from Viasat?
A: Effective since November 30, 2017, Viasat no longer offers new email addresses. We recommend using a free email service such as Gmail, Mail.com or Outlook.
Q: Can I play video games with Viasat internet?
A: It depends. Facebook games, children’s online games, MMO & MMORPG gaming, like Final Fantasy & World of Warcraft, and most mobile game apps work just fine on Viasat’s satellite network. However, the performance of some video games can be poor due to latency, and some first-person shooter games may not work at all.
As a general rule, most online multiplayer live-action games will experience a split-second delay with Viasat internet, while turn-based multiplayer or single-player games with fewer online elements work much better. Your physical location, gaming platform and several other factors can impact online gaming performance. For example, Viasat is not recommended for live-action first person shooter (FPS) video gaming (also known as “fast-twitch” or “twitch gameplay”), such as Halo, Battlefield & Call of Duty, due to internet latency and lag delays. If live fast-twitch online gaming is the primary reason for your internet service and you have DSL 3 Mbps or faster available, then that would be the recommended option for live-action FPS gamers who live in rural areas. However, if DSL is not available or you are primarily looking for high-speed internet service with occasional live-action twitch gameplay, many gamers chose Viasat internet for their larger game data downloads and software updates because of Viasat’s fast speeds and new unlimited data plans.
NOTE: Software updates and downloadable content counts toward your monthly data allowance usage.
Q: Can I use VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) with Viasat internet service?
A: Yes. In fact Viasat offers Viasat Voice home phone service, which is optimized specifically for your Viasat satellite network and includes unlimited local & long-distance calls to all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Canada. If you already have VoIP service with another provider, typically other VoIP services work fine with Viasat internet, but you’ll likely enjoy better quality with Viasat Voice home phone service.
Plus, with Viasat Voice, your calls don’t count toward your monthly data usage. And when you bundle Viasat Voice with your Viasat internet services, you will save $10 off your monthly Viasat bill for the first six months. See the Viasat VoIP Voice page for more information & pricing.
Q: Can I use a VPN (virtual private network) with my Viasat service?
A: Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and other remote computer access software, such as those used to connect business servers to at-home remote employees may be slow with Viasat internet. And while many VPN systems work, some VPNs may not. SSL-based VPN systems like Cisco are our most commonly successful VPN customers; however, for use of a IPsec VPN you will need to upgrade to a Viasat Business plan. The average latency per customer feedback is 630ms with download speeds up to 100 Mbps. Before your scheduled installation, please check with your company’s tech support or IT department to confirm whether your system uses a SSL-based or IPsec-based VPN and confirm that Viasat’s service will meet your specific requirements.
Q: Does Viasat offer a warranty on equipment?
A: Yes. Viasat will replace defective equipment within the first 90 days of service. After that, you can get an extended extra level of support for your service with Viasat EasyCare at a low monthly price. Viasat EasyCare includes all required service calls, priority Customer Support, annual dish relocation for a discounted price and more! Sign up for EasyCare when you order Viasat today and get your first three months FREE! Cancel anytime.
Q: I don’t see my question listed. What should I do?
A: If you have a question or issue not already addressed, we are here to help. You can Chat with us online (see the lower right-hand corner of your screen below), email us at viasat@getruralinternet.com or use our handy online email form and we will get back to you with an answer or solution to help make your Viasat internet experience the best possible! Better yet, just call and ask us at 1-844-4GETNET (1-844-443-8638) TODAY!
Web Design!
