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
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
Q: What equipment do I deed?
A: When you sign up as a Viasat internet customer, we provide you with all the equipment you need. You get a brand NEW dedicated Viasat satellite dish and Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem, so you don’t need to purchase a separate router. In addition, one of our nationwide team of certified Viasat technicians will professionally install the equipment at your home or business. The Viasat technician will test the signal in your area and suggest locations for mounting your Viasat satellite dish. Once the dish is mounted, the technician will install the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem inside your home and connect you to the internet.
Just schedule your installation — we’ll take care of everything else! For more information about Viasat’s cutting-edge technology CLICK HERE
Q: How big is the dish?
A: All Viasat customers will receive a NEW state-of-the-art Viasat satellite dish, which is about 30-inches in diameter by 28 inches — approximately the same size as a satellite TV dish.
Q: How is the dish installed?
A: Typically Viasat installers mount the Viasat satellite dish on the roof or side of your house or by using a pole mount, which is considered standard installation. When standard installation is not possible or if your installer determines that standard installation will not give you the best connection, a non-standard option may be recommended, which includes under eave or non-penetrating roof option.
For additional details about the Viasat satellite dish CLICK HERE
Q: Will my Viasat internet equipment work with a wireless router?
A: Absolutely! You can either use your own router or 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 Viasat internet service.
The wireless router will allow you to create your own in-home network with your new Viasat internet service. This WiFi network will allow you to “cut the cord”, while sharing your Viasat service wirelessly with multiple household devices, including your computer & laptops and other wireless devices, such as tablets, smart phones, smart TVs & appliances and more.
Q: What is the difference between a router and a modem?
A: A router is a device that allows multiple computers to join the same network (see below). Whereas a modem the device that provides access to the internet. The new Viasat Gateway Modem comes with a built-in wireless router that allows you to cut the cord, while reducing clutter with two devices combined into one slick new design.
Q: How do I set up my wireless network on the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem?
A: The new Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem comes with a secure, randomly assigned WiFi network name and password. This information is printed on a sticker on the side of the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem, as well as on the bottom of the device. This sticker is peelable, so you can place it somewhere secure if you wish — we suggest saving it in the enclosed user’s guide, and putting the user guide in a safe place. You can either choose to use this random password or set up a new password with the WiFi settings. You can also adjust your WiFi settings for both the 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless bands through the WiFi settings.
NOTE: Choose your password carefully, as this will be shared with any members or guests of the household and must be used on any device(s) you want connected to your wireless network.
Q: What are the specifications of the Viasat WiFi Gateway?
A: The ;Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem technical specs are as follows:
- WiFi type: 802.11ac 3×3 MU-MIMO 2.4/5.0 Dual-band, Dual-concurrent WiFi router
- Ports & Processor: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports; Quad-core processor, Coax connection to satellite dish; universal power supply
- Wireless security: Supports WEP and WPA security standards
- Other features: RJ11 phone jack for Viasat Voice, 2 USB 3.0 ports (can be used for charging devices), Guest access network capability, Parental controls, universal AC power supply
Q: What’s the difference between the 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless band?
A: With many routers, the setup options are limited — you have to choose between the 2.4 and 5 GHz band. While older routers only support the 2.4 GHz band, the new Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem is concurrent dual-band, so it operates in both bands — even allowing users to switch devices from one band to another to provide the best channel for the clearest possible connection. With the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem, customers can also manually switch between bands.
The 2.4 GHz frequency has an extensive range and can easily pass through obstacles like walls, ceilings & floors. However, since most household devices use this frequency band, the communication channels are narrow, and the high-traffic band is prone to interference, and, as a result, slower and less stable, especially at long range. It’s the interstate of bandwidths for most household devices such as: baby monitors, car alarms, garage-door openers, microwave ovens, security cameras, wireless headphones, etc. The 2.4 GHz band is ideal for long range and better obstacle penetration. Recommended for email, some browsing and similar low-bandwidth consuming functions.
Whereas the 5 GHz band can move a lot of data quickly, but has a shorter range and cannot easily penetrate solid objects. It is however broader, less congested and much faster with higher throughput for streaming functions. For instance, if you’re using your tablet on 5 GHz and move to another room in your house, the connection might drop. Because it’s used almost exclusively for WiFi networks, it performs better than 2.4 GHz. And with 23 non-overlapping channels, it offers almost 8X as much capacity as the 3-channel, 2.4 GHz band. It’s ideal for laptops, phones, tablets and other data devices used in small, open spaces. And recommended for indoor music & video streaming. NOTE: Not all of devices are 5 GHz compatible.
Q: How do I use the 5 GHz band on the Viasat WiFi Modem and Viasat WiFi Gateway?
A: If you’d like to use 5 GHz, first check the manual that comes with each of your devices to see if it supports 5 GHz. Even if all your devices aren’t compatible, you can still switch to 5 GHz. Those that aren’t compatible will continue to work just as well on either band, and the devices that are compatible will perform even better. Then complete the following steps:
- Type the IP address 192.168.100.1 into your internet browser
- When prompted, log in using the user name “admin” and password that’s printed on the sticker on your modem (Tip: Take a picture of the password and expand it to make the password easier to read)
- Click on the Router tab
- Click on the Wireless button
- Locate the Configuration View section
NOTE: The Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem supports using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at the same time — so you won’t have to choose!
For additional details about the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem and home networks CLICK HERE
Q: Does the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem work with Viasat Voice?
A: Yes. Viasat Voice is compatible with the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem. In fact the new Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem was designed to help optimize your Viasat Voice service for the Viasat satellite network.
Q: How Does Viasat Voice Work?
A: Viasat Voice uses your existing Viasat internet modem to place calls over our communications satellite. This method is accomplished by using “Voice over Internet Protocol” (VoIP) services, which have been specifically optimized for the Viasat satellite network. It’s also the only VoIP service where calls don’t count against your internet monthly data allowance. Your phone signal will use the internet to send and receive local and long distance calls to any of the 50 states and Canada. And since Viasat Voice has been specially designed for the Viasat network, your usage doesn’t count against your data allowance!
Getting started with Viasat Voice is as simple as connecting your phone or base station to the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem with a phone cord.
Q: Is a phone included with the Viasat Voice service?
A: No. You can use any regular phone with your Viasat Voice service. Simply connect your phone or base station to the Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem with a standard phone cord.
Q: How is Viasat Voice installed?
A: Viasat Voice setup is QUICK & EASY! Your Viasat technician will provide a Viasat Voice adapter that you will connect to your Viasat WiFi Gateway Modem and any home phone.
For additional details about Viasat Voice CLICK HERE
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!
