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Posted 11 months ago
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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In no way, shape, or form is satellite internet intended for cord cutting.
You will burn through that 100GB in no time and then wonder why you won't be able to stream anything.
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VeteranSatUser, Champion
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DirecTV I have been with on and off since Oct of 94 when they started. Things sure have changed through the years. The WORST in my opinion have been since AT&T bought them. I tell them EVERY MONTH, when I pay my $100 + bill for "basic" and fees, and taxes, and DVR service, and HD programming, and 2nd TV, my "package" is only $50, its every other "added cost" that bring it over $100! Anyway, start talking money and lose my train of thought! I tell them every month what I am paying is RIDICULOUS for the same stinking shows ALL DAY LONG on a given channel. I can go to WalMart and buy entire seasons of Law and Order SVU and American Pickers, and Big Bang Theory and others, on DVD and drop DTV completely.
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I would LOVE to "cut the cord" but video burns data, and satellite is NOT the way to go ... or I would have by now!
I see ads and articles for ISPs that work off other companys connections. Something about THEY secure the connection, through Centurylink in your case, then all your data goes through them? They claim increased speeds? I am not sure I usually stop reading at "internet connection required" but maybe someone else here knows? Its worth a shot.
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VeteranSatUser, Champion
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Honestly, I dont think Viasat will perform any better than the internet you got now. So if you want to cut the cord, keep wired internet.
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Stephen Rice, Champion
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https://community.viasat.com/viasat/topics/how-i-use-playon-plex-to-view-netflix-content-during-prim...
It's one of many useful conversations I've bookmarked over time.
Stephen Rice, Champion
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Brad, Viasat Employee
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Brad, Viasat Employee
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VeteranSatUser, Champion
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The problem comes in when trying to watch live events (such as sports). There are times (like yestrrday), my internet is so slow I couldn't stream anything live. And that is with plenty of priority data left.
Again, I don't see the upside of going away from what you got now. You will pay more money, have higher latency, and be locked into something for two years.
As Brad says below, it depends on your viewing and usage habits, but it can get VERY frustrating if you are trying to watch something live and it just won't work.
Brad, Viasat Employee
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That's always a difficult question to give an appropriate answer to because everyone has their own definition of what "a little bit", " a lot" or "average" when it comes to answering how much TV one watches and whether it'll work with Viasat.
Here's what you'll need to know: The Unlimited plans have a resolution limit. The Silver is the MINIMUM of what I'd suggest because it does 480p (Standard Definition) on streaming. Gold will do 720p (HD) and all of those plans have a point before you're subject to being deprioritized on the network during peak hours (5pm-12am).
The Liberty plans if available do not have the resolution restrictions but have a data limit but you can still have speed for browsing after hitting it but streaming may not work out.
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VeteranSatUser, Champion
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VeteranSatUser, Champion
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GabeU, Champion
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Besides all that has already been said about why it's not really a good idea, there is also the congestion problem. Congestion is highest in the evenings, when the largest number of people are online and when most people try to stream. Even if you're able to get the 50Mbps plan, the congestion and latency isn't something streaming services tend to get along with very well.
I'm another one that would't recommend it.
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Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
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As mentioned other places here, Verizon has a new unlimited prepaid jetpack plan, since November. No cap or threshold, just "HD only" streaming, and full time de-prioritization (if your tower is congested, it will be slower). I have had it since Nov., and see 15 to 20 down all the time, no matter how much I use. And it currently streams at least 1080p (youtube detects 1440).
ATT also has some options, depending on your area, some people use the tablet plan in other devices (for instance, but there are other options).
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Satellite internet is not designed, nor can it be, to compete with DSL
So you are saying the VIASAT ads on TV here are lying? Exact words on the ad "VIASAT is better than SLOW DSL" I wonder if a VIASAT employee would like to comment on that?
GabeU, Champion
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"Better" is a subjective term. Better how? Better for what activity?
I would consider my HughesNet service far better than DSL, but not necessarily for streaming, nor online real-time gaming (though I don't game).
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Not a lie if based on the FCC's data and what they consider typical DSL in non-metro areas. Standard advertising practice for anything - caveat emptor. Only challenging the claim that it's a lie, Al.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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And
It's a trap!!!!
There are my movie quotes for the day.
GabeU, Champion
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GabeU, Champion
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I know what you're thinking. 'Will it be 25 Mbps today or only point five'? Well to tell you the truth, in all this congestion, i dont know myself. But being that this is Viasat, the most powerful internet in the world, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well do ya, punk?
GabeU, Champion
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Oops, sorry that's the response to Peace be with you - and during flu season we've been instructed not to shake hands.
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GabeU, Champion
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I blew 20 bucks or so and bought a "top of set" HD antenna with 75 mile range. In the right conditions I can get good reception on the networks from WV, and turning it a bit I get 7 channels of PBS CLEARLY. I live in a "hole" and it was cheap, BUT IT DOES WORK! And has opened me up to the possibility of investing more money in a much better omni directional outdoor antenna with a pole/tower set up.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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Of course Matt Lawler got his start there, so good up and coming talent on that channel possibly :).
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With PlayOn folders on my main computer and the PlayOn app on my Roku TVs, I can easily watch anything I've downloaded via the PlayOn Cloud app on my phone and downloaded to the computer during my freezone, anywhere in the house. It's worked out great for me. I avoid streaming anything including youtube videos now, and I am really able to manage well with just the 12 gig monthly limit.
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GabeU, Champion
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You are getting OU channels.What are OU channels?
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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They run PBS stations. As Ron Frank says they have multiple transmitters in southeast Ohio.
One of the few channels I could get way back in the day. Of course, that gave me Dr. Who., so who needed more than that!
GabeU, Champion
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I get three OTA PBS channels, but they're all from an independent, local PBS channel that has been around since long before I was born, and became an actual PBS affiliate a couple of years before I was born.
Unfortunately, though, their tower is located in a somewhat different direction, is a good deal further away, and is weaker than nearly all the rest, and sometimes their broadcasts are a little choppy. And this is with an old style roof antenna (no rotor, though).
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VeteranSatUser, Champion
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A number of us on here are not going to accept that.
I am sure you will like the new plan, and Viasat will appreciate more money from you.
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
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Was I happy to see the policy change? No, but I have limited choices for internet, and I needed speeds above 700 Kbps, so I made the switch to Liberty and am once again seeing speeds of 8 Mbps to 19 Mbps.
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Congestion was always to blame before ViaSat openly admitted they can and will throttle at will.When did they admit that for Unlimited Plans? Just curious as to the source of that.
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Like for years, people get on here and complain about slow speeds. You and others jump them and say it’s just congestion. Learn to deal with it. Well now we see throttling plays a part for certain. Most people noticed slower speeds on unlimited plans for a while. Doubt seriously these plans weren’t throttled on certain beams for a while. If one can change plans and instantly (or in two days) see faster speeds, then how relevant was congestion in the first place? Maybe bandwidth limitations don’t apply to certain plans now.
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The only throttling I've seen mentioned (indirectly) is for detected video streams. The network policy does suggest that there could be throttling if you are a heavy user who's gone over your limit substantially, but that would be applied on a monthly basis and only when going over your threshold (not as a result of your past history).
You still apparently don't understand the difference between throttling and prioritization (or network management if you prefer) and the impact that a preemptive queuing strategy would have during network congestion at the packet level. If all unlimited plans and Freedom plans were suddenly subject to (de)prioritization at any time regardless of how much data is being used, it follows that those on "limited" plans would suddenly experience better "speeds" - welcome to the front of the queue (rest assured the mathematics of queuing theory is hard).
Despite your initial rush to judgement, your now experiencing the benefits of the policy change as are others: Steve, Danielle, Christine and now Bradley. I didn;lt change, always being on Liberty but have seen the benefits since the policy change myself but really didn't need the boost.
Neither you nor anyone else bitching and moaning about this policy chnage has demonstrated that it is throttling and you're the one claiming Viasat has openly admitted it - I am not a Viasat representative so show me the source of that assertion not explanations about congestion.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
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I agree. We all have choices. The way Viasat has treated their customers over these changes I will no longer support or recommend them. I might keep my service as is or drop them, but I won't change plans.
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Finally, the last tech Ive ever had here sat in my kitchen with a coffee and explained the entire VS2 "sales drive" then the subsequent delays in its launch and the resulting "congestion" THAT WAS OVER A YEAR BEFORE VIASAT WOULD EVEN UTTER THE WORD "CONGESTION!" THAT would be admitting fault on THEIR end!
My "regular" speeds were 2 - 5 Mbps, the only time I saw my "up to" and above was during my free zone. My restricted speeds were 1 - 4 Mbps. I literally could not tell when I was restricted! That is when I dropped to the 10G plan, why pay for more priority data at "restricted" speeds?
Then almost a year ago my restricted speeds got "restricted" to 1 Mbps. From 5AM when I come out of my free zone until 12AM when it starts again NOTHING over 1 Mbps. During "peak" usage it is utterly USELESS! The only thing that loads are the redirects to their page telling me I have exceeded my monthly data allowance. Like I couldnt tell? Several calls to "customer service" produced only one option, I needed to buy more data. They insisted I go to a "unlimited" plan to which I replied HELL NO! 3 times what I pay now, for the same speeds AND lose my free zone??
I am still here ONLY for my free zone, and the fact I am a night owl, but here lately even that is becoming slower and slower. My video extender is off, and now some nights I suffer from serious buffering that was never an issue before. Of course throw in that they perform maint and updates during that time so some nights I have no internet or phone at all from 12 to 5.
Ive said for years we were being throttled. When my speed jumps from 4.3 Mbps to 16 or more at the stroke of midnight when my free zone begins, to my restricted speeds going from 1 - 4 down to below 1 "overnight," that is not "congestion."
I am looking for alternatives. There is no cell service here, I have Hughesnets info right here beside me I just need to "do it." I hate "change," and the fact I can never get my free zone back is a major obstacle. It is not the service, or the congestion driving me away, it is their deceitful business practices. I am finding it increasingly difficult to remain loyal to a company that couldnt care less about their customers.
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The relief some are getting by moving to Liberty from the affected plans will only be temporary. If all of those on the affected plans were to move over to Liberty right this moment we'd be right back where we were prior to the change - but it'll take some time as folks hem and jaw over switching to Liberty or simply moving on. If it's me I switch to the lowest Liberty plan, save some $$$ while evaluating my options.
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If you're in one of two lines where the other line is serviced prior to yours, you and anyone else stuck in that line will only be serviced when it's empty up until someone else arrives in that line (now apply that to your packets).
The solution is simple... add more servicing capacity. Unfortunately the bottleneck is 22000 plus miles away.
While the math behind it all is complex the concept isn't. So I'm waiting on the source for your statement that Viasat admitted throttling... which was what started this debate befor you switched to the congestion topic.
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“
In addition, if needed to address congestion in a spot beam, Viasat may further reduce the speeds of the Network traffic of heavier users of Liberty Pass Users, Excess Freedom Users and other subscribers with a high-data threshold service plan (for example, Freedom subscribers and unlimited data plan subscribers who purchased their plan prior to February 13, 2018) through the end of their then-current billing period if de-prioritization is not sufficient to adequately manage congestion.”
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Until you exceed your threshold, you ain't heavy .
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Over the past few years I have watched my service deteriorate, BUT NOT MY BILL! I know the hardware can provide the quality service I enjoyed 4 - 5 years ago, I HAD IT! The only two factors that have changed is the number of subscribers ... THEIR FAULT! And changes they have made to the service ... THEIR FAULT!
TRUST ME! I have seen these changes severely affecting my quality of service mysteriously coincide with the launch of new plans essentially "bullying" me into paying them more money!
I anxiously awaited VS2 and the "unlimited" plans! I am on a fixed income. so that meant I could finally cut the cord on my satellite TV service and save $100+ a month. WRONG!
"Unlimited" would cost me $100+ more a month, so any savings would be a wash.
"Unlimited" was actually "limited" to 150, then 100, and last I saw 60 Gig a month.
"Unlimited" had locked in video limiting
"Unlimited" was offered here, dropped, then offered again, and now dropped again.
"Unlimited" here dropped all the way down to speeds "up to" 12. When still offered.
I am on one of, if not the most overcrowded beam on VS1, YEARS Ive been waiting for Viasat2 to be launched and go into service and "fix everything." Now I learn VS2 doesnt even have a beam serving my area.
No explanation from Viasat, no practical solution from Viasat, no compensation from Viasat, NOT EVEN AN APOLOGY FROM VIASAT! Yet they have no problem charging me every month for the same amount as someone with better service!
Im simply over it!
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Interpret it as you will, Bradley - you and I both always will and it's been that way since day 1 when you showed up here. Everyone is free to interpret that paragraph as they please and then place it in the context of the entire Network Management Policy. As the last sentence in that document says:
I have none and this ain't the web site but good luck with that phone call .If you have any questions about the Viasat broadband Network or Viasat’s network management practices, please visit our website at www.exede.com or contact customer service at 1-855-463-9333.
I'm not going to succumb to Viasat Derangement Syndrome - I'm evaluating my own options and will move on when I find a better one. When that happens, I'll gladly walk out the Viasat door, let it hit me in the arse and not look back - wouldn't want to turn into a pillar of salt. Until that time, I'll make the best of it - Viasat owes me no loyalty, nor I them. They provide a service I pay for it - if it's not acceptable I move on without saying goodbye other than to cancel.
Some of y'all need to calm down, the stress ain't worth it - trust me I've got the chest scar to prove it which was primarily caused by too much stress.
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I keep HOPING they build a cell tower nearby or FINALLY swap over the retired microwave tower near me Verizon bought like 5 years ago.
But then I am also waiting to win Powerball and buy that 58 acre farm near the city, with city water, cable TV and DSL LOL
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But look on the bright side, you've probably got better odds of winning Powerball than getting an apology from Viasat.
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Not only am I "rural," but I moved from Connecticut, to Ohio, the land that time forgot! It was a shock, like stepping back into the 50s LOL The technology IS catching up out here, but ever so SLOWLY!
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"Well Mr. Sea Lion"
Walrus...................................................................Sea Lion

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Didn’t fly well at a liberal university. Oh well. I won’t be serving them ice water later in life either.
Both are mammals is as far as I’d go.
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Stephen Rice, Champion
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GabeU, Champion
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Bird brains are highly dense with more cells per cubic cc...just remember, Tweety Bird was a Hollywood star.
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johnny c
Martin Seebach
mine was 690 which is in some mystic way travelling 44,000 miles faster than it can. dll side of 5.8, upload of 1.0. With on extremely ticked question, "How did the miserly 12gb disappear before the new month. Respond in some fashion soonest. Thank you in advance for clarifying this and other shabby treatment the has come to light.
So Bryan, learn how to attach bnc connectors, find a live wire, stay away from circuits issuing a hiss noise and save yourself a TON of grief. Satellite ISP are geared towards their primary and new locales which are, White House comms, military and for last 3 to 6 months massive pushes in EU and Africa. Beojoo'doo'B my khalahari bushman buddy isn't known for complaining much but the dish has blown him up to 300' while trying to sleep and no parachute included. Thank God the new travelling banko keeps the goats clean and fed. Final rant (yah sure) embrace and revel in customer service that treats itself as 2nd world citizens and residential customers as something inadvertently stepped in stuck to bottom of shoe. In that dark, damp hole you will then find angst. Good night and good luck.
Rough calc puts beam (like a channel with defined footprint) over sold up 28% in heavily populated areas during peak user hammering away, 5:30pm to past 12:00am. the so called unrestricted time rarely bumps execrable speed up more than 80kb. Personal worst was .o13kbps. In 1995 current state of art dialup was 26.6. Currently testing mobile solar hotspot on ridge I can see towers in San Jose and Gilroy then dumping repeat 1/2 mile to my home on Metro who uses Sprint(?) 4gLTE but apparently the phone ate my viasat quota in under 2hours. There is something smellier than Camembert in San Diego, Denver or the Oregon Coast. Time to 420 relax and giggle. And the suggested mascot is feeling so rejected he is asking for salt;
GabeU, Champion
Great advice! SMH.
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
If there was a cable line on the pole near my house, I would not be using satellite internet and TV services.
!, tapping into a line on the pole to steal a service is illegal, and 2, it takes more than tapping into a cable line to get TV or internet, one would need to supply the appropriate modem, and then get the modem "authenticated" before it will work, something that must be done by the ISP utilizing the line.
'Tis the weekend, glad I have lots of peanuts, popcorn and beverages here at the house.
Let the entertainment begin, weekends seem to bring out the best of some people.
VeteranSatUser, Champion
GabeU, Champion
We have an old, sizable, closed state institution about 1.5 miles up the road, and up until a few years ago the state police would occasionally catch people sneaking around in the grounds, trying to steal what they could, including copper piping from inside the buildings.