Article At A Glance
- Viasat supplies the equipment needed for its satellite internet service. The system includes an outdoor satellite dish and transceiver assembly, a Viasat modem or gateway, and the related cables and installation hardware.
- Current Viasat modems and gateways include built-in Wi-Fi. You do not need to purchase a separate router simply to create a wireless network in your home.
- Viasat’s satellite equipment is provider-specific. You cannot replace the required Viasat satellite modem, transceiver, or dish with ordinary cable-internet equipment from a retail store.
- You can add your own router or mesh Wi-Fi system. Viasat supports third-party networking equipment when additional indoor Wi-Fi coverage is needed.
- Viasat currently requires customers to lease the necessary satellite user-terminal equipment. Equipment and applicable charges should be confirmed with the specific service offer available at your address.
- If you’re considering Viasat for a rural or hard-to-connect property, call (844) WiFi-Man — (844) 943-4626 to speak with an Internet Specialist at High Speed Internet Now by Spacelink Installs.
What Equipment Comes With Viasat Internet?
Viasat keeps the equipment needed for residential satellite internet relatively straightforward.
The main system includes an outdoor satellite dish and transceiver assembly, a Viasat internet modem or gateway inside the property, and the cables and hardware needed to connect the system.
Current Viasat Wi-Fi modems and gateways also include a built-in wireless router, allowing the equipment to provide Wi-Fi throughout the home without requiring customers to purchase a separate router simply to get connected.
Unlike cable internet, you generally don’t shop for a compatible Viasat satellite modem or dish at a retail store. The required satellite equipment is supplied by Viasat and installed as part of the service setup.
Understanding what comes with Viasat can help you prepare for installation and determine whether you may want additional Wi-Fi equipment for a larger or more complicated property.
The Viasat Satellite Dish and Transceiver
The outdoor satellite equipment is what connects your property to Viasat’s satellite network.
Viasat identifies the primary outdoor components as an official Viasat satellite dish, transceiver, bracket assembly, and related mounting and cabling hardware.
A Viasat-certified technician performs a site survey and determines an appropriate location for the dish. The property needs a suitable line of sight to the southern sky.
The dish does not necessarily have to be installed on the roof.
Depending on the property and installation requirements, possible mounting locations can include:
- A sloped roof
- An exterior wall
- An under-eave location
- A non-penetrating roof mount in appropriate situations
- A ground-based pole mount
Some non-standard installation methods can involve additional charges, so customers should discuss special mounting requirements with the technician.
The technician handles the positioning and alignment of the satellite equipment. Viasat does not allow customers to self-install the outdoor satellite dish.
The Viasat Modem and Wi-Fi Gateway
Inside the property, the satellite connection runs to a Viasat modem or gateway.
Current Viasat Wi-Fi modem and gateway equipment includes a built-in wireless router. That means one device can handle the Viasat internet connection while also creating the home’s Wi-Fi network.
The gateway communicates with the outdoor satellite equipment through the installed cabling and then provides internet connectivity to compatible devices inside the property.
Depending on the equipment model, customers can connect devices through Wi-Fi or use available Ethernet connections for compatible wired devices.
The Viasat equipment is configured to operate with the company’s satellite network, so customers should not assume that a standard cable modem or another provider’s satellite modem can replace it.
For more information about the installation itself, see What Happens During Viasat Installation?
Do You Need to Buy a Separate Wi-Fi Router?
No. You do not need to buy a separate router simply to use Wi-Fi with current Viasat residential equipment.
Viasat’s current Wi-Fi modem and gateway includes built-in Wi-Fi capability.
However, the built-in Wi-Fi system may not provide ideal coverage for every property.
Wi-Fi performance can be affected by:
- Home size
- Multiple floors
- Thick walls
- Building materials
- Long distances between rooms
- Interference from other electronics
- Detached areas of a property
Viasat supports the use of a third-party standalone router or mesh Wi-Fi system when additional wireless coverage is needed.
In fact, Viasat recommends considering an external Wi-Fi solution when the home’s layout or size makes additional coverage beneficial.
Can You Use Your Own Router With Viasat?
Yes.
Viasat allows customers to connect a compatible third-party router or mesh Wi-Fi system to the Viasat modem or gateway.
Viasat provides instructions for using its gateway in bridge mode when connecting a separate Wi-Fi router.
Bridge mode allows the third-party router to handle the home’s Wi-Fi network rather than having both the Viasat gateway and separate router independently broadcasting wireless networks.
This can be useful for:
- Larger homes
- Multi-story homes
- Properties with Wi-Fi dead zones
- Households with many connected devices
- Users who want more control over their home network
A mesh Wi-Fi system can be particularly useful in larger or multi-level properties because multiple access points can distribute Wi-Fi coverage throughout the building.
Adding your own router does not replace the Viasat satellite modem or outdoor equipment. It expands or replaces the Wi-Fi portion of the home network while the Viasat equipment continues to provide the satellite internet connection.
Can You Buy Your Own Viasat Modem or Satellite Dish?
No. You should not purchase a standard retail modem or satellite dish and expect it to work with Viasat service.
Viasat’s satellite system requires equipment designed and configured for its network.
Viasat’s current installation guidance states that customers must lease the necessary satellite user-terminal equipment from Viasat.
The installer brings the leased equipment and the other equipment required to install and use the satellite internet service.
This is different from some cable internet providers, where customers may be able to purchase a compatible DOCSIS modem from a retailer.
With Viasat, the required satellite equipment is part of the service ecosystem and is supplied through Viasat.
What Does Viasat Equipment Cost?
Equipment charges and service offers can change, so consumers should confirm the current costs associated with the specific Viasat plan available at their address.
Viasat currently states that customers must lease the necessary satellite user-terminal equipment.
Depending on the current offer, your total cost can include service charges, applicable equipment charges, installation-related charges, taxes, and other fees disclosed during the ordering process.
Installation charges can also vary based on factors such as the location, credit status, and whether non-standard installation work is required.
For example, certain specialized mounting methods can involve an additional installation charge.
The best approach is to review the complete current offer before ordering rather than relying on older equipment pricing that may no longer apply.
What Equipment Must Be Returned if You Cancel Viasat?
Because Viasat supplies leased satellite equipment, customers need to understand the return requirements when service ends.
Viasat’s current Residential Customer Agreement states that the modem and transceiver must be returned after internet service is terminated.
The transceiver is the outdoor electronic component attached to the satellite dish.
Viasat provides instructions for returning the required equipment. Customers should follow the current return instructions carefully and complete the return within the required timeframe to avoid applicable unreturned-equipment charges.
The entire mounted satellite dish assembly is not necessarily what Viasat means when it requires equipment to be returned. Current return instructions specifically identify items such as the modem, transceiver, power supply, and related power cord.
Always follow the return instructions Viasat provides for your particular equipment rather than removing components unnecessarily.
What About Viasat Voice Equipment?
Customers who use Viasat Voice may have additional equipment requirements depending on the modem or gateway installed at the property.
Viasat has used VoIP phone adapters with compatible equipment when needed to connect telephone service through the Viasat internet connection.
If you’re ordering Voice along with internet service, confirm what equipment is included with the current offer and whether the gateway being installed requires any additional phone hardware.
How Viasat Equipment Differs From Cable Internet
Satellite internet requires a different equipment setup from cable internet because the connection reaches the property through a satellite rather than through a cable network running down the street.
With many cable providers, customers can sometimes purchase a compatible modem and router from a retailer.
Viasat’s required satellite equipment is supplied through Viasat because the modem, transceiver, and outdoor satellite system need to work together on the Viasat network.
That doesn’t prevent you from customizing your indoor Wi-Fi network.
You can still use a compatible third-party router or mesh Wi-Fi system if you want greater Wi-Fi coverage or additional home-network features.
For many rural households, the more important advantage of the satellite equipment is that it allows internet service to reach properties beyond traditional cable and fiber infrastructure.
Equipment for Rural and Hard-to-Connect Properties
Viasat’s equipment requirements make more sense when viewed in the context of what satellite internet is designed to accomplish.
A rural home, farm, cabin, manufactured home, or remote property may be miles from the nearest cable or fiber network.
Instead of requiring a physical broadband line to be extended all the way to the property, Viasat uses the outdoor satellite equipment to establish the internet connection.
The Viasat-certified technician evaluates the property, identifies an appropriate dish location, installs and aligns the equipment, connects the modem or gateway, and tests the internet service.
That professional setup can be useful for consumers who would rather not install and align outdoor satellite equipment themselves.
If cable or fiber isn’t available where you live, you can also review our guide to internet options for rural homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Equipment Does Viasat Provide?
Viasat provides the equipment required for its satellite internet connection.
The primary components include the satellite dish, transceiver and bracket assembly, Viasat modem or gateway, and the related cables and installation hardware.
Current Viasat Wi-Fi modems and gateways also include a built-in wireless router.
Does Viasat Provide a Router?
Yes. Current Viasat Wi-Fi modem and gateway equipment includes built-in Wi-Fi capability.
That means customers do not need to purchase a separate router simply to establish a wireless network.
You can still add a compatible standalone router or mesh Wi-Fi system if you want additional coverage.
Can I Use My Own Modem With Viasat?
No. A standard third-party cable or DSL modem cannot replace the Viasat satellite modem or gateway.
Viasat’s satellite connection requires provider-specific equipment designed to communicate with its network.
Can I Use My Own Wi-Fi Router With Viasat?
Yes.
Viasat supports connecting a compatible third-party router or mesh Wi-Fi system to its modem or gateway.
Viasat provides bridge-mode instructions for customers who want their own router to manage the Wi-Fi network.
Do I Have to Lease Viasat Equipment?
Viasat’s current installation guidance states that customers must lease the necessary satellite user-terminal equipment.
Because plan structures and charges can change, confirm the current equipment terms included with the service offer available at your address.
Can I Install the Viasat Equipment Myself?
You cannot self-install the outdoor Viasat satellite dish.
Viasat requires a trained technician to properly position the dish and verify the satellite connections.
Customers may encounter self-installation instructions for certain replacement indoor modems, but that is different from installing a new Viasat satellite system.
What Viasat Equipment Do I Return When Service Ends?
Viasat’s current Residential Customer Agreement requires the modem and transceiver to be returned when internet service ends.
Viasat’s return instructions may also identify related items such as the power supply and power cord.
Follow the return instructions provided for your specific equipment and account.
Does the Entire Satellite Dish Have to Be Returned?
Current Viasat return instructions focus on returning the transceiver attached to the dish along with the modem and required indoor components.
Customers should follow Viasat’s specific instructions rather than assuming that the entire mounted dish needs to be removed and shipped.
Can I Add Mesh Wi-Fi to Viasat?
Yes.
Viasat specifically supports third-party routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems for customers who need better indoor wireless coverage.
This can be useful in larger homes, multi-level buildings, or properties with areas where the gateway’s Wi-Fi signal is weak.
Is Viasat Equipment a Good Fit for Rural Homes?
Viasat’s satellite equipment is specifically useful in locations where wired broadband infrastructure may not reach the property.
The system does require professional installation and an appropriate satellite line of sight, but it can provide an internet option for many rural and hard-to-connect locations.
If you’re considering Viasat or comparing other residential internet options, call (844) WiFi-Man — (844) 943-4626 to speak with an Internet Specialist at High Speed Internet Now by Spacelink Installs.