HughesNet Internet Service - Unleashing the Power of High-Speed Connectivity

If you live in the countryside or a place with fewer people, using satellite internet might be the only way for you to get a good internet connection. Hughes Network Systems was the first to offer fast satellite internet in 2017. Since then, things have changed, including Elon Musk's work on satellite internet. Compare and choose the most suitable internet plans with one of the top internet providers i.e. Top Internet Plans.

The pandemic showed how much we need the internet, and it also showed that many people in rural America don't have good internet. The government is trying to help with this problem. In the meantime, satellite internet might be the only choice for people in places where regular internet doesn't work well.

Satellite internet is faster than DSL, which uses phone lines, but it's not as fast as cable or fiber connections. However, cable and fiber aren't available in rural areas. So, even though satellite internet isn't as fast as cable or fiber, providers like HughesNet, which work everywhere, are more important than ever.

HughesNet is a good choice for people in rural areas in all 50 states. It may not be as fast as Viasat, which offers internet speeds of up to 100Mbps in some places. Also, HughesNet business plan offers the same internet speeds to everyone, no matter where they live, unlike Viasat. If you need really fast internet, you should keep searching, but if having a reliable connection is more important and you can't get cable or fiber in your area, HughesNet could be a good option. Let's take a closer look at the details.

HughesNet Internet Plans and Prices

With HughesNet, it's quite straightforward. Regardless of the plan you pick, you'll have internet speeds of 25Mbps for downloading and 3Mbps for uploading. Depending on where you live, there might be special discounted rates. New customers can save up to $50 each month for the first six months of a two-year contract. You can either rent the equipment for $15 monthly with a $99 setup fee or buy it outright for $450, which includes installation.

What changes from one plan to another is the amount of data you're allowed to use each month. If you pay more per month, you'll get a larger monthly data allowance. Here's how it currently works.

HughesNet Satellite Internet Plans

No matter which data plan you choose with HughesNet Gen5, you'll always get the same maximum download speed. This consistency and reliability of speed set HughesNet apart from other providers, where speeds can vary depending on where you are. In fact, a report from the Federal Communications Commission in 2018 showed that HughesNet performed the best among all providers when it came to delivering speeds as advertised. Their actual speeds were often 150% or more of what they promised.

In terms of cost, HughesNet is a bit cheaper than its main competitor, Viasat. With Viasat, you'd have to pay $100 per month to match HughesNet's 25Mbps download speed, and that price goes up to $150 after just three months. However, Viasat does offer a plan with a 60GB data limit, which is twice as much data as the $50-per-month HughesNet plan allows. Additionally, in some areas, Viasat also has faster plans than HughesNet, with download speeds of up to 100Mbps, which can make it cheaper per unit of speed compared to HughesNet.

Extra Details to Know About HughesNet Internet

Before you decide to get HughesNet's satellite internet service, it's important to know what you'll see on your bill. Here's a quick overview.

• Installation Fee

HughesNet charges $99 for installing their service. However, if you buy your modem for $450 instead of renting it, they'll waive this fee. They don't offer a self-installation option like some other types of internet.

• Monthly Equipment Fee

You can't use your own modem with HughesNet Gen5 plans. To use their Wi-Fi Modem (which also works as a router), you'll need to add $15 to your monthly bill. This is the most common choice for customers. But if you prefer, you can avoid this monthly charge by paying $450 upfront for the equipment, which includes the installation fee.

While $450 is a significant upfront cost, it might be worth considering if you plan to stay with HughesNet for a long time. Compared to paying $15 per month indefinitely, you'll break even in less than two years by paying that one-time upfront expense of $450 (remember, the $450 includes the installation fee, which is usually an extra $99). If you intend to keep your HughesNet connection for longer, paying upfront is the cheaper option.

• Early Termination Fee

All HughesNet internet service plans come with a two-year contract. If you cancel before the contract is up, you'll face an early termination fee. This fee can be as high as $400 if you cancel within the first 90 days of service. After that, it decreases by $15 each month. So, if you cancel during the last month of your contract, you'll still need to pay a $100 fee.

• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

HughesNet participates in the ACP, which is a program by the Federal Communications Commission to help low-income families. Eligible households can get a discount of up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month for qualifying tribal lands) toward their internet service. This program is available to both new and existing customers facing financial difficulties.

Final Verdict

HughesNet offers a reliable satellite internet service for those living in rural or underserved areas, making it a valuable option. While it may not provide the fastest speeds compared to some competitors, its consistency in delivering advertised speeds across all locations is a significant advantage. Pricing is competitive, with various data plans to suit different needs, and discounts for new customers during the initial months.

However, potential customers should be aware of additional costs, such as installation fees, equipment rental charges, and early termination fees associated with the two-year contract.