ViaSat experience in the Smokies?

Question

One of our STR investments is in Sevierville where unfortunately no cable internet seems available (Comcast/Spectrum, etc.). Instead, ViaSat seems one (or perhaps the only) satellite internet provider and from what I can tell, they have serious data cap rates on their high-speed data (even with their platinum plan)

Does anyone have experience with ViaSat (or alternatives) and can provide insight on how viable this is for STR properties (we fortunately plan on cable TV with DIRECTV via AT&T)? We plan on housing up to ~10 guests at a time

Thanks in advance!

Dylan Robinson · Answer

We run a management company in the Smokies and have had a pretty rough time with ViaSat properties. Bjorn is right that Starlink is the best solution but it historically has taken several months to get up and running with them. http://www.hollernet.com/ Is another option that has been a lot better than ViaSat

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Ajay Nilaver the high orbit satellite tech-ViaSat, Hughesnet won't give your clientele the service they expect. If you can get a low orbit ISP like Starlink that will work. I have been a Beta Tester for Starlink for the past year and the service is very robust and fast. Prior to that I had Hughesnet for six years-they were the only game in town-and it was a very torturous time.  All the best!