Viasat vs. CenturyLink

Internet access is becoming like stable in most homes. Choosing between Viasat and CenturyLink boils down to where you live and the kind of internet speeds you expect. Viasat uses satellite technology to transmit internet signals while CenturyLink mainly focuses on DSL, cable, and fiber.

When to use CenturyLink

CenturyLink DSL is widely available in almost 37 states and uses the existing telephone infrastructure to provide fast internet access. Its fiber network is even better and offers speeds of up to 1Gbps. The company is well known for its Price for Life deals. With CenturyLink you have access to unlimited internet plans, and no contracts.

When to use Viasat

If you are living in rural areas, where the rate of infrastructure penetration is subpar then your best option will be Viasat. All you need for you to get a good satellite signal is to have your dish path clear in the sky. Distance between your dish and satellite is not that important for you to get good internet connection.

Viasat vs. CenturyLink Feature Comparison

If you are living in a remote area then Viasat is the service provider for you. However, if you are looking fast internet speeds then CenturyLink is the way to go.

Features	Viasat	CenturyLink
Coverage	All 50 states	34 states DSL and 25 Fiber
Speeds	25Mbps-100Mbps	100Mbps – 940Mbps
Price	From $39.99	$49-69
Type	Satellite	DSL, cable, fiber

How we evaluate Viasat and CenturyLink

When comparing two service providers it can be challenging when there are offering almost similar services. However, for the case of Viasat and CenturyLink you will notice that the two are quite different when it comes to product offering and how they offer their internet.

• Data caps: This is a ceiling for data usage, once you pass this limit you are charged for any excess data usage
• Location: for this test you want to known whether the ISP covers your area
• Price and Download speeds: this is one of the most important factor as it determines what you can do with your ISP
• Connection Type: the service can be DSL, cable, fiber or satellite

Viasat vs. CenturyLink – A Comparison Overview

Viasat – Overview

Viasat offers high speed satellite to its customers. The ISP is capable of providing internet to a wider coverage due to the fact that it is satellite and does not suffer from infrastructure handles. In the US, the ISP covers all the 50 states and over 98% of the population. Viasat has been in existence for the last 30 years and offers services to consumers and government agencies. The company is quite popular in rural areas where there is lack of access to fiber, DSL, and cable. It may not be that good for people who are into streaming and playing various multi-player games. The company has various data packages like Evolution, Classic, Liberty, Essential, liberty and basic plans. You can voice to your package for an extra fee and this allows you to make important calls to loved ones as you surf the web.

Pros

• Best for people living in rural areas
• Recommended for places that lack infrastructure to fiber, DSL, and cable
• Highly suitable for people whose desire is light internet surfing

Cons

May not be suitable for streaming videos and heavy downloads

Viasat internet plans

Plans	Monthly cost	Connection Type	Download Speed	Upload Speed	Data cap	Contract
Basic 12	From $39.99	Satellite	12Mbps	3Mbps	Unlimited	24 month
Unlimited Bronze 12	From $49.99	Satellite	12Mbps	3Mbps	Unlimited	24 month
Unlimited Silver 25	From $69.99	Satellite	25Mbps	3Mbps	Unlimited	24 month
Unlimited Gold 50	From $99.99	Satellite	50Mbps	3Mbps	Unlimited	24 month
Unlimited Platinum 100	From $149.99	Satellite	100Mbps	3Mbps	Unlimited	24 month

CenturyLink – Overview

CenturyLink offers its customers DSL, cable, and fiber internet. The company is available in over 37 states but its fiber is offered in 25 of these states. CenturyLink prides itself in offering affordable internet to its consumers. You will find lots of bundled internet packages that combine internet, TV and voice. Their fiber is quite fast and capable of speeds of up to 1Gbps. This makes it ideal for movie streaming.

Plan	Monthly cost	Connection Type	Download speed	Upload speed	Data cap
CenturyLink Internet	Starts at $49	DSL	100Mbps	N/A	None
Fiber Gigabit	Starts at $65	Fiber	940Mbps	N/A	None

Pros

• Affordable internet plans
• Widely available
• Fiber offers incredibly fast speeds

Cons

Poor customer service

How does Viasat and CenturyLink Compare

Location and speed

Viasat is found in more locations in the country than CenturyLink. The ISP is more suitable for rural areas as you do not have issues of infrastructure development, all you need is your dish. CenturyLink DSL, fiber and cable services are available in certain states and may not be available in rural areas. CenturyLink offers faster internet services as it has fiber where you can get up to 1Gps. This compares sharply with Viasat where you get anything from 12Mbps to 100Mbps.

Price range per month

Viasat will cost you $39.99 for their basic internet package (12Mbps) to a high of $149.99 for their unlimited package (100Mbps). CenturyLink DSL internet goes for $49 and offers you 100Mbps while their Fiber Gigabit goes for $65 and gives you access to 940Mbps.This makes CenturyLink cheaper than Viasat.

Connection Type

Viasat transmits its internet via satellite which allows it to broadcast over a larger geographical area than CenturyLink. CenturyLink offers you DSL, cable and fiber.

Data cap

Both of the ISPs do not have data caps and provide unlimited internet. These means you can surf as much as you want without additional charges. You also do have to get into a contract.

Conclusion

Viasat is an ideal service provider for areas that are not connected to DSL, cable or fiber. It is our winner as it is widely available. Viasat offers better coverage and is available in all 50 states.  However, it offers very low internet speeds unlike CenturyLink fiber. If you are getting internet for streaming than go with CenturyLink.

FAQ

Is Viasat good service?

It is a good service for those who leave in rural areas where coverage by other ISPs is non-existent. The service is ideal for people who desire light internet browsing but may not be ideal for streaming

Is Viasat good for Netflix?

Yes, it is as it can handle over 100Mbps. Netflix recommends 25Mbps for Ultra HD viewing

What is better – DSL or Satellite Internet?

Satellite has the advantage of being widely available anywhere in the country and is not limited like DSL that requires heavy investment in infrastructure, this makes it better than DSL.

What Wi-Fi is better than CenturyLink?

That would be Xfinity internet