Dish does offer internet, but only in certain areas through a partnership with Viasat
Dish Network, the satellite TV provider, does not run its own internet service. Instead, Dish customers can bundle internet through Viasat, another satellite internet company, in areas where Viasat operates. This is not the same as getting internet directly from Dish — you are purchasing Viasat service and bundling it with your Dish TV account for a discount.
Viasat satellite internet is available in most rural and remote areas where cable and fiber do not reach. Speeds range from 12 Mbps to 35 Mbps depending on your location and plan. The service uses a satellite dish mounted on your roof, separate from your TV dish, and requires clear line of sight to the southern sky.
Dish also owns Dish Wireless, a mobile phone service, but this is different from home internet. If you are looking for home broadband through Dish, the Viasat bundle is your only option.
Key Takeaways
- Dish does not operate its own home internet network; it partners with Viasat to offer bundled internet service in select areas.
- Viasat satellite internet speeds range from 12 Mbps to 35 Mbps, which works for email and web browsing but may struggle with video streaming or gaming.
- You need a separate satellite dish for internet, and the service requires clear southern sky visibility to function properly.
- Bundling Viasat internet with Dish TV typically costs less than purchasing Viasat alone, but availability depends on your address.
How the Dish and Viasat bundle works
When you order Dish TV service, you can add Viasat internet to your account during signup or after. Dish handles the billing — you receive one bill for both services — and Dish customer service can help with account questions. However, technical support for the internet connection itself comes from Viasat, not Dish.
The bundle discount varies by location and plan, but bundling typically saves you $10 to $20 per month compared to ordering Viasat directly. Installation of the internet dish is usually included, though Dish may charge a separate fee depending on your location and current promotions.
You do not need to be a Dish TV customer to order Viasat internet on its own. If you already have Viasat or prefer to order directly, you can do so without a TV subscription. The bundle simply combines the two services under one account and one bill.
Viasat internet speeds and what they support
Viasat offers three speed tiers: 12 Mbps, 25 Mbps, and 35 Mbps download speeds. Upload speeds are much slower — typically 1 to 3 Mbps — because satellite internet has inherent latency (delay) that makes two-way communication slower than cable or fiber.
At 12 Mbps, you can handle email, web browsing, and social media for one or two people. At 25 Mbps, light video streaming (Netflix in standard definition) and video calls become possible. At 35 Mbps, you can stream HD video and support multiple users, though online gaming and large file uploads remain slow.
Viasat also imposes data caps — typically 150 GB, 300 GB, or unlimited per month depending on your plan. Exceeding your cap results in slower speeds for the remainder of the month, not overage charges. The unlimited plan costs more but removes this restriction.
Coverage and availability
Viasat operates across most of the United States, including rural areas where cable and fiber are not available. However, not every address can receive service. Trees, tall buildings, or terrain that blocks the southern sky can prevent installation.
To check if Viasat internet is available at your address, you can enter your zip code on the Viasat website or call Dish to check availability when you inquire about TV service. Availability can change as Viasat expands its network, so it is worth checking even if you checked in the past.
Dish is also investing in Project Kuiper, a satellite internet network that may eventually offer faster speeds than Viasat. However, Project Kuiper is still in testing and is not yet available to customers. For now, Viasat is the only internet option through Dish.
Comparing Viasat through Dish to other rural internet options
If you are in a rural area, you have other choices beyond Viasat. Starlink, another satellite internet service, offers faster speeds (50 to 150 Mbps) and lower latency than Viasat, but it is more expensive and requires purchasing equipment upfront. HughesNet is another satellite provider with similar speeds to Viasat but different data cap structures.
Fixed wireless services like those from T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home are expanding in rural areas and can offer faster speeds than satellite if you live within range of a tower. Cable internet from Comcast or Charter may also be available in some areas that appear rural but are near towns.
The best choice depends on what is available at your address, what speeds you need, and your budget. Bundling with Dish TV makes Viasat cheaper if you already want TV service, but if you only need internet, comparing standalone options may reveal a better fit.
Installation, equipment, and setup
Viasat installation typically takes one to two hours. A technician mounts the satellite dish on your roof or a pole, runs a cable into your home, and connects it to a modem. The modem connects to your router via ethernet or WiFi. You do not need any special wiring inside your home — standard ethernet or WiFi works.
The satellite dish must have a clear view of the southern sky with no trees, buildings, or other obstructions blocking the signal. If your roof does not have a suitable location, the technician may mount the dish on a pole in your yard or on a side of your house that faces south.
Dish typically includes installation as part of the bundle, though some promotions may require a service fee. Equipment (the dish and modem) is usually provided by Viasat and remains their property — you do not own it, and you return it if you cancel service.
Pricing and contract terms
Viasat internet through Dish starts around $50 to $70 per month for the base plan, depending on your location and current promotions. Faster speeds and higher data caps cost more. Bundling with Dish TV typically reduces the internet price by $10 to $20 per month.
Viasat contracts are typically two years, with early termination fees if you cancel before the contract ends. Dish may offer different contract terms or promotional pricing for new customers, so it is worth asking about current offers when you inquire.
Price increases are common after the promotional period ends. Your first bill may be $50, but after 12 months it may jump to $70 or higher. Reading the terms before you sign helps you understand what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Dish internet without Dish TV?
No, not directly through Dish. However, you can order Viasat internet on its own without a TV subscription by contacting Viasat directly. The Dish bundle simply combines the two services for a discount if you want both.
Is satellite internet from Viasat good for gaming or video calls?
Video calls work on Viasat, though the high latency (delay) can make the connection feel slightly sluggish. Online gaming is difficult because satellite latency is typically 500 to 600 milliseconds, much higher than cable or fiber. Casual games may work, but competitive online games are not practical.
What happens if trees block my satellite dish?
Viasat requires a clear southern sky view. If trees or buildings block the signal, the technician may suggest mounting the dish on a pole, on a different part of your roof, or on a shed. If no location works, Viasat cannot install service at your address.
How much data does streaming use on Viasat?
One hour of HD video streaming uses roughly 3 to 5 GB of data. A 300 GB monthly cap allows about 60 to 100 hours of HD streaming per month, or roughly 2 to 3 hours per day. The unlimited plan removes this concern but costs more.
Can I switch from Viasat to a different internet provider later?
Yes, but you may owe an early termination fee if you cancel before your contract ends. The fee is typically $15 to $20 per month remaining on the contract. Once your contract expires, you can cancel without penalty and switch to another provider if one becomes available in your area.