The Breakdown: Viasat Internet Plans for Seniors
So, you live somewhere off the beaten track and want to keep in touch with old friends and family. (Or maybe you just want to binge-watch your favorite TV show for the third time. No one’s judging.)
No matter what you use the internet for, Viasat’s probably got a plan for you. And because Viasat is pretty much everywhere (satellite internet reaches almost 100 percent of the U.S., according to the FCC2), you’re most likely covered. Here’s a quick breakdown of Viasat’s most popular satellite internet plans for seniors (see the table above for reference).
Basic 12 for Light Internet Users
The Basic 12 plan might work for you if screen time means light emailing, surfing, and low-definition streaming. That’s because the Basic 12 only offers speeds up to 12 Mbps and 80 GB of data per month. For context, most American families burn through at least 300 GB of data per month, and that number is growing by leaps and bounds every year.
Not familiar with internet data and what it means? You use data every time you go on the internet. Whether you’re checking emails, playing online games, listening to music, or using a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, you’re using data. Some activities use more data than others, though. For instance, checking emails uses a small amount of data, while streaming is a very data-heavy activity.
Did You Know? If you ever used Exede satellite internet, you were actually using Viasat. Exede launched in 2012 in Carlsbad, California, and rebranded as Viasat in 2017.
So if you don’t subscribe to a satellite TV service like DirecTV or DISH (which won’t affect your internet data allowance) and you like your Netflix, you might want to consider one of Viasat’s more data-packed plans. However, if you just want to use the internet to check emails and shop online, this more affordable plan might be right for you.
Unlimited Bronze 12 for Middle-of-the-Road Internet Users
Viasat’s Unlimited Bronze 12 plan gives you the same speed (up to 12 Mbps) and the same streaming quality (360p, for all you video geeks out there) as the Basic 12. The difference is that this plan comes with 100 GB of unlimited data.
“Wait a sec,” I can hear you saying, “100 GB of unlimited data? Which is it, 100 GB or unlimited?” Great question.
With Viasat’s unlimited internet plans, you’ll never actually run out of data. Once you reach your “cap” (which is 100 GB with the Bronze 12 plan), Viasat will “prioritize” customers who haven’t reached their monthly cap yet. In other words, they’ll slow your connection down a bit.
FYI: New to satellite internet? Become an expert. Check out our internet buyer’s guide for seniors for the best tips, deals, and tech know-how.
Annoying? It can be. But before you run out and tell everyone at happy hour what sneaks those satellite internet companies are, consider this: We appreciate that Viasat still lets you use data even after you’ve reached your cap. Some providers will completely cut you off after you hit your data limit, so this is a perk with Viasat.
Unlimited Platinum 100 for Higher Speeds and More Data
I think you’ve probably noticed a pattern here: The higher you go on the Viasat pricing table, the faster your internet and the more data you get.
The Platinum 100 plan comes with a pretty generous 300 GB of data, HD streaming, and zippy speeds up to 100 Mbps. If you’re a cinephile who watches movies in ultra HD — which burns through 7 GB per hour — this probably won’t be enough data for you.
Insider tip: Here’s a little-known but important fact — you actually don’t need more than a 5-10 Mbps connection to stream standard-definition TV over the internet. (That refers to download speed, by the way, or data you’re pulling in.)
On the other hand, if you are already hooked up with a satellite TV service to get your HD movie fix, want to video-chat with friends and family a few times a week (without your screen freezing up on you), and want some data left over for emailing, surfing, and YouTubing, one of Viasat’s three top-tier plans may be a good fit.
We won’t deny it, though: It isn’t easy calculating how much data you might use in a month. And it’s definitely no fun running out of data or rationing out your video streaming.
On the bright side, you can always upgrade to one of Viasat’s higher-tier plans if you get caught short on data (or downgrade if, at the end of the month, you’re rolling in extra data like Scrooge McDuck in money). Viasat offers a bunch of plans to choose from.
Money-saving tip: For subscribers living in certain areas of the U.S., Viasat offers free satellite installation. This is a promotion; check with a customer service representative to see if you might be eligible.
Plus, while other senior-friendly internet providers might give you more data — I’m thinking of Cox Communications’ internet plans here, which all come with a humongous 1 TB of data per month — they’re likely cable providers, not satellite. As we’ve mentioned, many cable providers aren’t available in rural areas.
Finally, as with all internet providers, Viasat’s plans and availability aren’t etched in stone. Prices and services will vary depending on where you live.
