Satellite Internet Switching Cost Calculator
Thinking about switching from HughesNet or Viasat to Starlink? Calculate your early termination fees, switching costs, and how quickly you will break even on the better service. Enter your current provider and plan below to see the full picture.
Switching Costs
Monthly Comparison
New plan costs $65 more each month
Break-Even Analysis
The new plan costs more per month. There is no break-even point from monthly savings alone, but you may benefit from better speed or lower latency.
Recommendation
The new plan costs $65 more per month. Unless you need better speeds or lower latency, it may not be worth the $619 switching cost right now.
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Get NordVPN dealAffiliateHow We Calculate Switching Costs
Our switching cost calculator accounts for every expense involved in changing satellite internet providers:
- Early termination fees (ETF) - HughesNet charges a $400 ETF that decreases by approximately $15 for each month of service completed on a 24-month contract. Viasat charges $15 per remaining month. We calculate the exact ETF based on your months remaining.
- Equipment return shipping - Most providers require you to ship back leased equipment when you cancel. We estimate approximately $50 for return shipping costs.
- New equipment cost - Starlink requires a one-time dish purchase ($349 standard). Amazon Leo is expected to cost around $400 for the consumer terminal. HughesNet and Viasat include equipment via monthly lease fees instead.
- Monthly cost comparison - We compare your total current monthly bill (service + lease fees) against the new provider to calculate monthly savings or additional cost.
- Break-even analysis - If you save money each month on the new plan, we calculate how many months it takes for those savings to offset the one-time switching costs.
Note: ETF amounts are estimates based on standard contract terms as of March 2026. Your actual ETF may differ depending on when you signed up, promotional terms, or negotiated rates. Contact your current provider for the exact amount. Amazon Leo pricing is estimated since consumer service has not officially launched.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to cancel HughesNet early?
HughesNet charges an early termination fee that starts at $400 and decreases by approximately $15 for each month of service you have completed. On a typical 24-month contract:
- Cancel after 6 months: ~$310 ETF
- Cancel after 12 months: ~$220 ETF
- Cancel after 18 months: ~$130 ETF
- Cancel after 21 months: ~$85 ETF
If you have fewer than 3 months left, the ETF drops below $50 and it may be worth paying to switch early rather than waiting. You will also need to return the radio transmitter and modem within 45 days.
What is Viasat's early termination fee?
Viasat charges $15 for each month remaining on your contract. The Essential plan requires a 12-month contract, so the maximum ETF is $180 (12 x $15). The Unleashed plan has no long-term contract requirement, making it much easier to switch from.
Example ETF amounts for the Essential plan:
- 10 months remaining: $150
- 6 months remaining: $90
- 3 months remaining: $45
Viasat's ETF is generally lower than HughesNet's, especially if you are on the Unleashed plan with no contract.
How long does it take to break even after switching to Starlink?
The break-even time depends on your current plan and switching costs. If you are on a high-cost GEO plan (like HughesNet Fusion at $95/mo + $15/mo lease = $110/mo total), switching to Starlink Residential at $120/mo means you are only paying $10 more per month - but getting dramatically better speeds and lower latency.
If you are on Viasat Unleashed ($120/mo + $15/mo lease = $135/mo), switching to Starlink Residential ($120/mo with no lease) saves you $15/mo immediately. With a $349 equipment cost and ~$50 shipping, you break even in about 27 months on monthly savings alone.
For most users switching from a cheaper GEO plan, the value is in the better experience (lower latency, higher speeds, no data caps) rather than pure cost savings. Use the calculator above with your specific plan to see your exact numbers.
Can I keep my old dish when I switch providers?
It depends on the provider:
- HughesNet - You must return the radio transmitter and modem within 45 days. The dish itself can stay mounted on your roof, though it serves no purpose.
- Viasat - Leased equipment (modem and sometimes the transceiver) must be returned. Policies vary, so contact Viasat directly.
- Starlink - Equipment is purchased outright, so it is yours to keep, sell, or transfer.
You cannot reuse a HughesNet or Viasat dish with Starlink. GEO providers use parabolic dishes pointed at a fixed satellite, while Starlink uses a phased-array antenna that electronically tracks LEO satellites. The technologies are completely different.