Head-to-Head Comparison
Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet)
Side-by-side comparison of speeds, latency, pricing, coverage, and hardware - updated 2026-03-28.
Data sourced from FCC filings, official specs, and independent speed tests. Upcoming provider specs are based on announced projections.
The Verdict
Viasat is available now with proven real-world performance (25-150 Mbps download, 500-700ms latency), while Guowang (China SatNet) has not yet launched consumer service. Viasat is the clear choice today if you need satellite internet now. Guowang (China SatNet) has not confirmed speeds yet but will need time to build out its constellation and prove reliability.
Winner for most users
Viasat
Satellite internet for home and business
Max Speed
150 Mbps
Latency
500-700ms
From
$69.99-$99.99/mo
Satellites
4
China's state-backed LEO network - 163 in orbit
Max Speed
TBD
Latency
TBD
From
TBD
Satellites
163
Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet) - Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | Viasat | Guowang (China SatNet) |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 25-150 Mbps Winner | TBD |
| Upload Speed | 3-10 Mbps Winner | TBD |
| Latency Lower is better | 500-700ms Winner | TBD |
| Starting Price Lower is better | $69.99-$99.99/mo Winner | TBD |
| Data Caps | Unlimited | TBD |
| Equipment Cost Lower is better | TBD | TBD |
| Installation | Professional required | Self-install Winner |
| Portable | No | No |
| Orbit Type | GEO | LEO |
| Constellation | 4 in orbit / 4 planned | 163 in orbit / 12,992 planned Winner |
| Countries Available | 1 country Winner | Not yet available |
| Status | Available now Winner | Upcoming |
Speed Comparison - Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet)
Viasat offers 25-150 Mbps. Guowang (China SatNet) has not confirmed speed specs.
Latency Comparison - Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet)
Viasat has 500-700ms latency (GEO orbit). Guowang (China SatNet) has not confirmed latency specs.
Pricing Comparison - Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet)
Viasat starts at $69.99/mo. Guowang (China SatNet) has not announced consumer pricing - it may be enterprise-only or is still in development.
Viasat Plans
Equipment lease $15/mo; 12-month contract on Essential plan
Guowang (China SatNet) Plans
No consumer plans announced
No consumer service announced
Coverage & Availability - Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet)
Viasat is available in 1 countries. Guowang (China SatNet) is not yet available for consumers. Primarily US residential. ViaSat-3 F1 launched April 2023 (reduced capacity); F2 launched Nov 2025, entering service May 2026; F3 launch scheduled April 30, 2026. Fleet includes ~23 satellites total via Inmarsat acquisition.
Viasat only (1)
Hardware & Installation - Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet)
Guowang (China SatNet) offers self-installation while Viasat requires a professional installer.
Viasat
- Equipment
- TBD
- Dish Type
- Parabolic dish antenna
- Installation
- Professional
- Portable
- No
Equipment lease $15/mo; 12-month contract on Essential plan
Guowang (China SatNet)
- Equipment
- TBD
- Installation
- Self-install
- Portable
- No
No consumer service announced
Pros & Cons
Viasat
Advantages
- + No hard data caps on Unleashed plan
- + No long-term contract on Unleashed plan
- + ViaSat-3 F2 entering service May 2026 - expected to more than double bandwidth
- + Large fleet including Inmarsat for aviation/maritime
Limitations
- - High latency (500ms+) - GEO orbit limitation
- - Speeds throttled during peak congestion
- - ViaSat-3 F1 operating at reduced capacity due to antenna issue
- - Equipment lease fee ($15/mo) on top of service price
- - Professional installation required
Guowang (China SatNet)
Advantages
- + Direct state backing - strategic priority for China
- + Large planned constellation (12,992 satellites)
- + Rapid launch cadence (20 launches in ~1 year)
Limitations
- - No public specifications or pricing
- - No consumer service timeline
- - Only ~163 of 12,992 satellites deployed
- - Virtually no English-language information
Which Should You Choose? Viasat vs Guowang (China SatNet)
Gaming
ViasatViasat has 500-700ms latency. Guowang (China SatNet) has not confirmed latency specs yet.
Streaming
ViasatViasat offers 25-150 Mbps - sufficient for 4K streaming. Guowang (China SatNet) has not confirmed speeds.
Budget
ViasatViasat starts at $69.99/mo. Guowang (China SatNet) has not announced pricing.
Rural / Remote
ViasatViasat is available now in 1 country. Guowang (China SatNet) has not launched yet.
Business
ViasatViasat's higher max speeds (150 Mbps vs 0 Mbps) and 500-700ms latency make it better for business use.
Mobile / RV
NeitherNeither Viasat nor Guowang (China SatNet) supports portable use. Both require fixed installations.