How to Get Unlimited Satellite Internet in 2026

How to Get Unlimited Satellite Internet in 2026

Satellite internet has come a long way from the days of strict data caps and sky-high overage fees. If you live in a rural area where cable and fiber aren’t options, you’ve probably noticed providers advertising “unlimited” satellite internet. But what does unlimited mean when it comes to satellite service?

Unlimited satellite internet does exist, but it comes with asterisks. Most satellite providers have eliminated hard data caps and overage fees, but they still manage network congestion through deprioritization or throttling after you hit certain thresholds.

Let’s break down exactly what you’re getting from each major satellite internet provider and how to choose the best unlimited plan for your needs.

What Does “Unlimited” Mean for Satellite Internet?

When satellite internet providers say “unlimited,” they’re technically telling the truth—you won’t face overage fees or have your service shut off mid-month. However, unlimited doesn’t necessarily mean unrestricted.

Here’s what satellite providers usually mean by unlimited:

• No hard data caps — You can use as much data as you want without extra charges
• No overage fees — Your bill stays the same regardless of usage
• Possible deprioritization — Your speeds may slow during peak hours after hitting a threshold
• Potential throttling — Some plans reduce speeds after you exceed your priority data allowance

The satellite providers

Viasat Unleashed

Viasat currently offers the most genuinely unlimited satellite internet experience through its Unleashed plans.

Viasat Unleashed Plans

Viasat Unleashed is the company’s premium tier that delivers unlimited data with no deprioritization—meaning your speeds stay consistent regardless of how much data you use or when you’re online.

Key features:

• No data caps or thresholds
• No deprioritization during peak hours
• Speeds up to 150 Mbps (depending on location)
• Higher monthly cost than standard plans

Viasat Unleashed plans are available in most areas but cost significantly more than standard Viasat plans. You’re paying a premium to avoid the network management policies that affect other customers.

Standard Viasat Plans

If Unleashed is outside your budget, standard Viasat plans still offer unlimited data, but with some caveats:

• Priority data allowances range from 40GB to 150GB, depending on your plan
• After exceeding your priority data, speeds may be slower during peak hours (typically 5 PM to 9 PM)
• Speeds return to normal during off-peak times
• No overage fees regardless of usage

Standard Viasat plans work well if you can shift heavy usage activities like streaming or large downloads to off-peak hours.

Starlink

Starlink has disrupted the satellite internet market with its low-earth-orbit constellation and straightforward, unlimited approach.

Starlink Residential Plans

Starlink’s residential service offers truly unlimited data with no hard caps, no throttling thresholds, and no deprioritization for most users.

What you get:

• Unlimited data with no restrictions
• Download speeds between 50-200 Mbps (typically 100+ Mbps)
• Low latency (20-40ms) compared to traditional satellite
• Higher upfront equipment cost ($599 for hardware)

While Starlink residential service is unlimited, the company implements “Fair Use” policies during periods of extreme network congestion. In practice, most residential users never experience these restrictions unless they’re in heavily saturated areas.

HughesNet

HughesNet technically offers unlimited data, but it’s the most limited of the three major providers.

How HughesNet “Unlimited” Works

HughesNet plans come with priority data allowances (typically 100-200GB), after which your speeds are significantly reduced.

The details:

• All plans include unlimited data
• Priority data ranges from 100GB to 200GB, depending on your plan
• After exceeding priority data, speeds drop to 1-3 Mbps
• No additional charges for going over your threshold
• Speed restrictions last until your next billing cycle

HughesNet’s approach works if your internet usage is light to moderate. Basic web browsing, email, and standard definition streaming remain possible even after deprioritization, but you’ll notice significant slowdowns with HD video or large downloads.

HughesNet Bonus Zone

HughesNet offers a “Bonus Zone” with 50GB of additional data between 2 AM and 8 AM. If you can schedule large downloads or updates during these hours, you can stretch your priority data further.

The comparison

Comparing Satellite Internet Data Plans

Here’s how the three major satellite providers stack up on unlimited data:

Speed After Threshold

Viasat Unleashed: No slowdown

Viasat Standard: Slowdown during peak hours (5-9 PM)

Starlink: Rarely affected for residential users

HughesNet: Significant slowdown to 1-3 Mbps

True Unlimited Experience

Viasat Unleashed: Yes, genuinely unlimited

Viasat Standard: Mostly unlimited with peak-hour management

Starlink: Yes, with rare exceptions in saturated markets

HughesNet: Unlimited but heavily restricted after threshold

Best Value

For heavy users: Starlink offers the best combination of speed, latency, and unlimited usage

For moderate users on a budget: Viasat standard plans provide good value with manageable restrictions

For light users: HughesNet can work if you’re primarily doing basic browsing and email

What to Look for in Satellite Internet Plans

When evaluating satellite internet options, focus on these factors:

Priority Data Allowance

This is the amount of data you can use at full speed before any network management kicks in. Higher is better, especially if you stream video or work from home.

Deprioritization vs. Throttling

Deprioritization means you might experience slower speeds during peak hours after hitting your threshold, but speeds recover during off-peak times.

Throttling means your speeds drop to a specific lower level regardless of the time of day. Deprioritization is generally preferable because you retain full speed most of the time.

Contract Terms and Equipment Costs

Starlink requires a $599 upfront hardware purchase but has no contract. Viasat and HughesNet typically lease equipment but may require 24-month contracts. Factor these costs into your decision.

Installation and Availability

Starlink requires a clear view of the northern sky and is subject to capacity limits in some areas. Viasat and HughesNet are available virtually everywhere in the continental US, but may have installation wait times.

How to Maximize Your Satellite Internet Data

Even with unlimited plans, you can optimize your experience by following these strategies:

Use Off-Peak Hours

If you’re on a plan with deprioritization, schedule large downloads, software updates, and backup operations during off-peak hours—typically late night to early morning.

Adjust Streaming Quality

Set streaming services to standard definition rather than HD or 4K. Most platforms let you control video quality in settings, which can reduce data usage by 60-70%.

Enable Data Saver Modes

Most browsers and mobile operating systems offer data saver or compression features that can significantly reduce data consumption for web browsing.

Download Rather Than Stream

When possible, download content during off-peak hours to watch later, rather than streaming in real-time during peak hours.

Monitor Your Usage

Most satellite providers offer apps or web portals where you can track your data usage and identify which activities consume the most bandwidth.

The Future of Satellite Internet

Satellite internet technology continues to improve rapidly:

More satellites: Both Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are launching thousands of additional satellites to increase capacity and coverage.

Faster speeds: Next-generation satellites will deliver faster download and upload speeds with lower latency.

Better pricing: As competition intensifies, we’re seeing more affordable unlimited plans and reduced equipment costs.

True 5G alternatives: Satellite internet is increasingly becoming a genuine alternative to terrestrial broadband for rural areas.

Unlimited satellite internet is more realistic today, and it’s only getting better.

Finding the Best Unlimited Satellite Internet for Your Home

Your ideal satellite internet plan depends on your specific usage patterns and budget:

Choose Viasat Unleashed if: You need genuinely unlimited data with no restrictions and can afford premium pricing.

Choose Starlink if: You want the fastest speeds and lowest latency with effectively unlimited data, and you can handle the upfront equipment cost.

Choose standard Viasat if: You’re a moderate user who can work around peak-hour deprioritization and want a lower monthly cost.

Choose HughesNet if: Your usage is light and you prioritize the lowest possible monthly cost.

Ready to see what’s available at your address? Enter your zip code below to compare satellite internet plans in your area. Our tool shows real-time availability, pricing, and current promotions from all major satellite providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is satellite internet truly unlimited, or are there hidden data caps?

Most satellite internet providers now offer unlimited data without overage fees, but “unlimited” doesn’t mean unrestricted. Viasat Unleashed and Starlink provide the closest experience to genuinely unlimited service with minimal restrictions. Standard Viasat plans and HughesNet include unlimited data, but may slow your speeds after you reach a priority data threshold—though you can keep using the internet without extra charges. The key difference is whether providers use deprioritization during busy times or reduce your speeds until the next billing cycle.

Which satellite internet provider has the best unlimited data policy?

Starlink currently offers the best overall unlimited experience for most users, with fast speeds, low latency, and no regular deprioritization for residential customers. Viasat Unleashed provides completely unrestricted unlimited data, but costs more than standard plans. For budget-conscious users willing to manage their usage during peak evening hours, standard Viasat plans offer a good middle ground. HughesNet’s unlimited plans are the most restrictive, dropping speeds significantly after you use your priority data allotment.

Can I stream Netflix and YouTube with unlimited satellite internet?

Yes, you can stream video services with unlimited satellite internet from any provider. However, your experience varies by plan. Starlink and Viasat Unleashed handle streaming smoothly without interruptions. Standard Viasat plans may buffer during peak hours after you’ve used your priority data, though streaming at standard definition typically works fine. HughesNet allows streaming, but you’ll need to stick with standard definition once you’ve exceeded your priority data, as HD video becomes impractical at the reduced speeds. Downloading shows during off-peak hours is a smart strategy for any plan.

Sources

[1] Viasat.com. “Viasat Unleashed Plans and Pricing”

[2] Starlink.com. “Starlink Residential Service Specifications”

[3] HughesNet.com. “HughesNet Plans and Data Policies”

[4] FCC.gov. “Measuring Broadband America Report – Satellite Internet Performance”

[5] Viasat.com. “Understanding Priority Data and Network Management”

[6] Starlink.com. “Fair Use Policy and Network Management”

[7] HughesNet.com. “Bonus Zone Data Explained”