In 2017, Hughes Network Systems became the first satellite internet service to deliver 25 megabits per second broadband speeds. Satellite internet is faster than DSL over a phone line, but it can’t match the speeds available through fiber or cable connections.
However, ground-laid cable and fiber are not commonly available outside of densely populated places. Established satellite companies like HughesNet, who can genuinely claim to deliver service everywhere, are more relevant than ever, even at speeds far short of cable or fiber. This article aims to review Hughesnet satellite internet in detail.
Overall, we recommend HughesNet if you’re looking for a low-cost satellite internet subscription. HughesNet is one of the most excellent satellite internet providers, and Hughes Network Systems has been around for over 50 years, so you’ll be in good hands.
HughesNet satellite internet options include up to 75 GB of data per month and 25 Mbps download speeds. HughesNet’s pricing and promotional offers also keep it competitive. HughesNet also has satellite internet plans for businesses.
HughesNet is a good connection option for rural folks because it is available in all 50 states. It isn’t as fast as Viasat, which offers satellite internet plans with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps in some locations. On Downdetector website, HughesNet has a better track record with outages.
And, unlike Viasat, it provides all consumers in all regions with the same broadband speeds. If speed is a priority, you may want to seek elsewhere. Still, if a stable connection is essential and you live in an area where cable or fiber is unavailable, HughesNet may be a viable option. Let’s get in and examine the details.
HughesNet Satellite internet Review
HughesNet is the best satellite internet service provider and rural area internet service provider. The company, available in all 50 states, is a good option if you don’t have access to cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), or fiber. While satellite internet is often slower than other varieties, it is the most excellent option for many users, particularly those who live in remote areas.
HughesNet is a viable alternative for those seeking simple plans willing to accept slower speeds. However, if you need fast internet speeds and unlimited data to do things like stream movies, play games, or work from home, a satellite internet provider like HughesNet may not be able to satisfy your needs.
For all plans, HughesNet provides download speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload rates of 3 Mbps. Customers can choose from monthly plans with 15 GB to 100 GB of data. The best plan for you is determined by how much data you consume.
The 15 GB plan is recommended for users who want to check their email and surf the web, while the 100 GB plan is recommended for households with several devices, streaming, and games.
One of the advantages of satellite internet is that no wires or connections are required. HughesNet also includes built-in Wi-Fi, making connecting your home’s gadgets simple. There are no strict data limits, but your speeds will be throttled if you reach your plan’s monthly limit. You may purchase a data token or contact customer care to modify your plan if you require additional data.
Pros
- No price hikes for two years
- Clear and transparent packages and pricing
- Option to add more data and free Bonus Zone data
- No hard data caps
- Free installation
Cons
- High prices for 45 GB and 75 GB plans
- The two-year contract, early termination fees if you cancel
- High equipment costs
- “Unlimited” data is misleading — HughesNet will enforce severe speed reductions once you hit your data plan’s threshold
Hughesnet is best for:
- Customers that live in rural areas and don’t have access to other suppliers
- Customers that don’t mind going at a slower pace
- Customers in search of basic internet plans
Hughesnet is not recommended for:
- Those who require a high-speed internet connection.
- People who operate from home and require an endless supply of high-speed data
HughesNet Internet Plans and Prices
HughesNet keeps things straightforward. You’ll get download speeds of 25Mbps and upload rates of 3Mbps regardless of the package you choose. Depending on where you live, special prices may be available.
Your monthly data allocation varies by the plan; the more you pay each month, the more data you receive each month. The present situation is as follows:
| Internet plan | Monthly cost | Connection | Download speed | Data cap | Contract terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet Gen5 15GB | Starting at $64.99 | Satellite | 25 Mbps | 10GB | Two years |
| HughesNet Gen5 30GB | Starting at $74.99 | Satellite | 25 Mbps | 20GB | Two years |
| HughesNet Gen5 45GB | Starting at $109.99 | Satellite | 25 Mbps | 30GB | Two years |
| HughesNet Gen5 75GB | Starting at $159.99 | Satellite | 25 Mbps | 40GB | Two years |
HughesNet is marginally less costly than its primary competitor, Viasat, in terms of value. To equal HughesNet’s 25Mbps download speed, you’ll have to pay $100 per month with that competition, and that monthly price will jump to $150 after just three months.
What is HughesNet Internet Speed?
HughesNet’s plans all offer up to 25 Mbps download speeds. You receive 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds regardless of your chosen plan. The 175 GB package, which costs $159.99 per month and delivers enough bandwidth to view 150 hours of Netflix in standard definition or around 50 hours in high definition, is the company’s most expensive data plan.
Contracts, equipment, and fees
Although HughesNet’s satellite internet service is simple, you should familiarize yourself with everything that will appear on your account before signing up. Here’s a quick overview of what’s going on.
1) Service fee
If you lease your equipment from HughesNet, there is a $99 activation cost. Another reason to acquire your equipment outright depends on how long you expect to keep your service.
- Installation fee: There is a $99 activation fee if you lease your equipment. Installation is included, and the activation charge is waived if you purchase your equipment. If you cut your HughesNet contract short, anticipate paying a lot of money in early termination costs.
- Early termination fee: If you terminate your service early, you’ll be charged a minimum of $85 and up to $400, depending on when you cancel. The charge for canceling your service early diminishes the longer you retain it. However, the most you’ll have to spend to cancel is $85, which is still a significant sum of money.
2) Contract
HughesNet, like Viasat, binds you to a two-year service contract. Your price does not change over the 24 months, which is convenient. However, we continue to loathe contracts and wish HughesNet (and Viasat) would cease using them or limit them to a year.
On the other hand, Satellite internet is a headache to set up and return, so you won’t want to switch it out too often. And if you don’t intend to relocate anytime soon, two years isn’t an exceptionally long time to keep your internet subscription.
3) Equipment fee
HughesNet’s broadband internet service needs a satellite antenna and a modem. You can either purchase or lease this equipment from HughesNet. It’ll be costly in either case.
You’ll need to pay $15 per month to your account to lease the HughesNet Wi-Fi Modem, which also serves as a Wi-Fi router. HughesNet does provide a $5-off-per-month leasing offering, but it only lasts six months. While this is the most popular option among consumers, you can skip the monthly fee entirely by purchasing the equipment for $450, including standard installation.
Where is HughesNet available
HughesNet satellite internet is available throughout the US. Only a clear view of the Southern sky is required. This makes it one of the most extensively available internet service providers in the United States, with coverage in all 48 contiguous states plus parts of Hawaii and Alaska.
It’s worth noting that getting a signal in the highlands or areas surrounded by forests or big buildings is more challenging. Another reason having your HughesNet dish professionally installed is a smart idea is because of this. Your installer should be able to locate a location with the best sky view.
The HughesNet customer satisfaction side
In 2021, individual rankings for satellite providers such as HughesNet and Viasat were not included in the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Those ranks, however, were considered in the total aggregate score for internet providers, which remained unchanged from the previous year, up 5% from 2019. That’s good, but it isn’t easy to extrapolate too much from it.
HughesNet received a 578 on a 1,000-point scale in the South region of the JD Power US Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study in 2021, which was a lot more telling. This is below average for the area, 42 points lower than HughesNet’s score in 2020, and puts HughesNet in last place among the study’s 10 other ISPs. Is this the final dagger? It was the lowest possible score.
Meanwhile, Downdetector.com keeps track of user service outages, including those from HughesNet. Although satellite internet is prone to disruptions during lousy weather, HughesNet’s track record on Downdetector is surprisingly robust, with no significant outages reported in 2021.
Bottom line
If you live in a densely populated city or suburb, you’ll almost certainly have other, quicker internet connection options, and HughesNet isn’t one of them. HughesNet, on the other hand, may be the best and most stable connection accessible if you live in a remote or less heavily populated location with few options for getting online.
It may not be the fastest satellite internet provider, but its dedication to providing broadband speeds to all serviceability zones makes it an attractive choice under those circumstances.