HughesNet versus Viasat: which fits best? If your address leaves you choosing between satellite providers, the Hughesnet versus Viasat question is usually about one thing - which compromise feels more manageable for your household. Both providers are built for places where cable and fiber do not reach, but they do not feel the same once you start looking at speed tiers, data policies, pricing, and how your internet holds up during everyday use. For many rural households, this is not a luxury comparison. It is the difference between getting schoolwork uploaded, running a home business, streaming a movie at night, or simply staying connected without driving into town for Wi-Fi. That is why the details matter more here than flashy marketing. HughesNet versus Viasat: the biggest differences. At a high level, HughesNet is often the more predictable option. Plans tend to be simpler, and that can be helpful if you want a straightforward package and mainly care about email, web browsing, online shopping, video calls, and light streaming. Viasat usually aims for more flexibility on speed and data experience, which can make it more attractive for households with heavier usage or more devices online at once. The trade-off is that Viasat pricing and availability can vary more by location. One neighborhood may see stronger plan options than another, while HughesNet often feels more standardized. That does not automatically make one better. It means your address can shape the outcome more than you might expect. Latency is another major point. Because both are traditional satellite internet services, neither is ideal for fast-twitch gaming or any application that depends on split-second response time. You can browse, stream, work remotely, and handle normal household tasks, but satellite still carries delay compared with cable, fiber, or fixed wireless. How speeds compare in real life. When shoppers compare internet, advertised speed is usually the first number they look at. That makes sense, but with satellite service, speed only tells part of the story. HughesNet has traditionally focused on consistent download speeds rather than a wide spread of plan options. That can be useful if you want a provider that is easy to understand. You are not sorting through as many tiers, and expectations are generally clear. For a smaller household with moderate internet use, that simplicity can be a plus. Viasat often offers a broader range of speed possibilities, depending on where you live. In some service areas, that can mean access to faster download speeds than HughesNet. If your household streams often, uses multiple connected devices, or wants a little more breathing room for larger downloads, that extra speed can matter. Still, faster advertised speeds do not guarantee a better experience every hour of the day. Congestion, network load, and your plan terms affect what you actually feel when using the service. A household checking email and browsing the web may not notice a major difference. A family trying to stream on several screens probably will. Data policies can make or break your choice. For many buyers, the real HughesNet versus Viasat decision comes down to data. Satellite internet has long been shaped by data thresholds and network management. Even when plans are marketed with unlimited-style language, there are usually terms that explain what happens after you use a certain amount of priority data. That is where shopping carefully matters. HughesNet is often chosen by customers who can live within a more defined data framework. If your usage is fairly steady and you are comfortable managing streaming quality, software updates, and large downloads, HughesNet can work well. It tends to appeal to households that value predictability over chasing the highest possible speed. Viasat can be a better fit for heavier users, especially in areas where plan options include more generous priority data or stronger performance for video and multi-device use. But this is also where local availability matters most. One home may get a compelling Viasat plan, while another may see fewer attractive options. If your household routinely streams in HD, has kids using online learning tools, backs up photos to the cloud, and connects smart home devices, do not treat data as a footnote. It should be one of the first things you compare. Price, contracts, and equipment costs. Price shopping between satellite providers is rarely as simple as comparing one monthly number. HughesNet often appeals to budget-minded shoppers who want a more consistent pricing structure. That can make it easier to estimate what service will cost over time, especially if you do not want too many plan variables. For some homes, that clear structure is more valuable than squeezing out a little more speed. Viasat may offer stronger performance potential in some markets, but plan pricing can be less predictable across addresses. In certain areas, you may find a compelling offer. In others, the cost may rise quickly once you move into faster or more data-friendly tiers. You should also look closely at contract length, early termination terms, equipment lease or purchase fees, and installation details. Satellite providers often include these moving parts, and they can change the value of a deal. A lower monthly rate does not always mean lower total cost. If you expect to move soon, or if you are trying to avoid long commitments, contract terms deserve extra attention. If you plan to stay put and need internet now in a hard-to-serve area, the installation and activation timeline may matter more than shaving a few dollars off the bill. Which provider is better for streaming, work, and everyday use? This is where the answer becomes more personal. For basic home internet tasks, HughesNet is often enough. It can serve households that need dependable access for browsing, email, banking, social media, and occasional video calls. If you are realistic about satellite limits and do not have heavy entertainment demands, HughesNet can be the simpler choice. For larger households or users with more demanding habits, Viasat may feel less restrictive, especially where higher-speed plans are available. Streaming, working from home, and managing several devices at once can be more comfortable on a plan with more headroom. That does not remove satellite latency, but it can reduce the feeling that your internet is always one step behind your household. Neither provider is the perfect answer for competitive online gaming. If that is a priority, satellite is usually a last resort. The same caution applies to households that constantly upload large files or rely on flawless real-time responsiveness for work. On the other hand, for rural homes with limited options, both HughesNet and Viasat fill a very real need. They can support school, entertainment, communication, and home operations in places where wired alternatives are simply not available. HughesNet versus Viasat for rural households. Rural shoppers should compare these providers with their own routines in mind, not just provider claims. If your home has one or two users, lighter streaming habits, and a need for predictable service terms, HughesNet often makes sense. It is especially appealing when you want a plan structure that feels easy to understand without too many variables. If your household is busier, with more screens, more streaming, and more daily data use, Viasat may be worth the extra attention. In the right area, it can offer a better fit for families who need more flexibility. The key phrase there is in the right area. Viasat can look very different depending on address. That is why availability checks matter so much with satellite internet. You are not only comparing brands. You are comparing the version of those brands that is actually offered where you live. How to make the right choice. If you are torn between the two, start with your usage patterns. Count how many people use the internet daily, how often you stream video, whether anyone works from home, and how sensitive your budget is to equipment fees and contract terms. Choose HughesNet if you want a more standardized option, your internet needs are moderate, and you prefer simpler plan decisions. Choose Viasat if your address qualifies for stronger speed and data options and your household needs more room for streaming and multiple connected devices. The best satellite plan is usually not the one with the biggest number in the ad. It is the one that matches how your household actually uses the internet, month after month. Check the plan details carefully, compare the total cost, and be honest about whether you need basic connectivity or something that can carry a busier home. That small bit of realism now can save a lot of frustration later.

Jetstar selects Viasat to power in-flight connectivity across its long-range international routes. The Viasat AMARA multi-orbit platform chosen to future-proof connectivity to Jetstar's Boeing 787 fleet CARLSBAD, Calif., April 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, have announced that Jetstar Airways, Australia's leading low cost airline, has selected Viasat AMARA, Viasat's next-generation in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution to equip its upgraded Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Viasat's industry-leading system will be installed across 11 Jetstar aircraft, delivering a fast, reliable in-flight internet experience that supports streaming, messaging and browsing in-flight. The solution was selected as part of Jetstar's cabin modernization program to support long-haul and ultra-long-haul missions, where consistent, high-quality connectivity is increasingly critical to the passenger experience. Installation for Viasat's new customer has already begun, with the initial aircraft entering service earlier this month. Full fleet installations will continue through to mid 2027 bringing high-performance, multi-orbit-ready connectivity to passengers across Jetstar's expanding international network. Don Buchman, President of Viasat Aviation, said: "Jetstar is making a deliberate investment in the future of the onboard experience, particularly for longer-range flying. Viasat AMARA was designed for exactly this challenge - delivering a consistent, high-quality connection today, while giving airlines a clear path to scale capacity, resilience, and performance over time through a truly multi-orbit network architecture. By combining Jetstar's modernized cabins with Viasat's expanding global satellite network, we're enabling an in-flight connectivity platform that can grow with passenger expectations and adapt as new capacity and technologies are introduced." Enabled today by Viasat's high-capacity Ka-band satellite network, Jetstar Business Class passengers will receive access to in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi when flying on the refreshed 787 aircraft, with a range of paid options available for Economy passengers. Importantly, Viasat AMARA is designed to evolve through software-driven network enhancements, enabling Jetstar to seamlessly benefit from additional capacity and new satellite networks as they come online, without adding operational complexity. Jetstar Advances Wi-Fi Strategy with a Smart Multi-Orbit Connectivity Platform With 94% of travelers preferring to use their own devices in-flight*, Viasat AMARA will play a central role in Jetstar's cabin strategy, supporting the airline's move away from traditional seatback screens in favor of a personal-device-centric experience. Viasat AMARA is a multi-network, multi-orbit connectivity platform that intelligently blends satellite resources to deliver consistent, high-quality performance across aircraft types, routes, and flight conditions. By dynamically steering traffic across the best available network paths, the platform is designed to maintain reliability and performance even as demand shifts across regions, flight profiles, and phases of flight. This partnership is underpinned by Viasat's expanding global network roadmap, including the continued deployment of ViaSat-3 capacity, which is expected to add significant new bandwidth across the Asia-Pacific region, and the planned integration of Ka-band LEO capacity from Telesat Lightspeed. Together, these investments support a resilient, scalable, and future-ready multi-orbit architecture designed specifically to meet the growing demands of commercial aviation. Viasat AMARA is part of the aviation portfolio within the company's Communications Services segment. *Viasat Passenger Experience Survey 2024 About Viasat Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, its mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are - on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow ViaSat on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube. Viasat, Inc. Contacts: Scott Goryl, External Communications, Corporate & Aviation, [email protected] Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez, Investor Relations, [email protected] About the Jetstar Group Since taking off in 2004, the Jetstar Group has carried more than 400 million passengers across its extensive domestic and international network. The Group includes Jetstar Airways in Australia and New Zealand (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group) and Jetstar Japan in Japan. Together, the Jetstar Group operates a modern fleet of more than 120 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, flying to over 50 destinations across more than 130 routes. Jetstar is committed to offering great value low fares, helping customers takeoff more for less. Recognised globally for safety and service, Jetstar continues to be ranked among the world's best low-cost carriers. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements related to the features, benefits and performance of the Viasat AMARA solution; the timing and scope of the introduction and deployment of Viasat's in-flight connectivity services on Jetstar aircraft; the additional ViaSat-3 capacity expected to come online; and the planned integration of Ka-band LEO capacity from Telesat Lightspeed. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: its ability to successfully implement its business plan for its broadband services on its anticipated timeline or at all; risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of the satellite(s) used to supply these services, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; contractual problems; product defects; manufacturing issues or delays; regulatory issues; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key suppliers; technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and other factors affecting the aviation sector generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.