This is an advanced satellite internet service from HughesNet and it is referred to as HughesNet Gen5. Gen5: Up to 25 Mbps as per the providers, the new generation of broadband offers higher speeds and data than the previous ones. But what amount does it cost on average per month? Below is the specific detail on the various Gen5 packages and what they include.
Standard Packages
HughesNet Gen5 has three main packages for residential internet service:
- Basic - $59. 99/month
- Everyday - $69. 99/month
- Prime - $139. 99/month
This is an offer that allows you to get 10GB of high-speed data per month in the Basic package. This is a fair use policy and once you reach this limit, your speeds are reduced to between 1-3 Mbps. This package is most suitable for people who spend a limited time online; they only surf and do occasional emails.
The Everyday package adds 20GB to your data allowance for a given month. The additional 10GB is good for streaming and downloading to have some more space for these activities. However, you might still require monitoring your use to prevent productivity hindrances.
Last but not least, the Prime package offers 4500 MB of high-speed data per month and upon utilization, the speed is greatly reduced. This is HughesNet’s most popular plan because it provides enough data for most families to comfortably stream, browse, and even game online without worrying about how much data is remaining.
Therefore, HughesNet Gen5 offers can be between $59. 99 up to $139. 99 every month. The scale of data required determines the rate charged by the service provider thus the bigger the data requirement the higher the monthly charges.
Users want to know what is included in each of the plans to make an informed decision on which plan to sign up for.
Aside from differences in data amounts, here’s what’s included across all of HughesNet’s Gen5 packages:
- Minimum download speeds of 25 Mbps
- Upload speeds, on the other hand, varied between 2. 5 and 3 Mbps
- Integrated WIFI capability to allow for the use of wireless networks.
- Lease all necessary equipment necessary for the lease period.
- Standard installation
- 24/7 technical support
- It has flexible services that do not limit users in terms of data usage or tie them into long-term subscriptions.
However, the 25 Mbps that are advertised are quite literally the highest or ‘up to’ speeds consumers can look forward to. The speeds provided may not be achievable due to various factors such as the above stated, and network capacity. Although there are no data limits that can terminate your connection completely, the reduced speed indeed becomes your reality if you transgress your monthly usage allowance.
If customers exceed their allowance in a given month, the mobile phone has a provision where customers can purchase more high-speed data tokens. Every token provides you with an extra 10GB for $14. 99. However, there is a bit of freedom to add more monthly data allowance in the HughesNet Gen5 plans if necessary.
Installation, Equipment, and Contracts
HughesNet Gen5 service comes with an outdoor dish that needs to be installed outdoors and a modem/router indoors. Every piece of equipment is available for rental and is rented out with a basic configuration fee of $99. It is also noteworthy that usually, the nationwide installation is offered as a part of promotional offers. However, before accessing the services provided by HughesNet, customers are required to sign a contract that specifies that they have to use the services for two years. This is a penalty that is charged to the client if he or she decides to terminate the service before the contract is complete.
HughesNet Gen5 Speeds and Everything Else: How Does It Stand to Cable Internet?
Comparing satellite internet such as HughesNet Gen5 to cable or even fiber optic internet, certain differences that have significant implications on the value proposition are identified.
On the positive side, satellites can offer high-speed internet connections almost anywhere, whereas cable and fiber are still not available in some rural areas. They can also be competitive at the low end in terms of monthly consumer costs. However, satellite plans have some restrictive data limits that one cannot experience with cable/fiber with unlimited offers.
Even though Gen5 promotes that their services offer 25 Mbps, many times the actual speeds are closer to 15 Mbps or even less. Cable and fiber on the other hand provide a connection speed of more than 100 + Mbps and in some cases reach up to 1 Gbps.
So we can see that there are some pros and cons for satellite TV vs cable/fiber services. When available, cable or fiber should offer a faster speed with no restricted usage of data, given that you have both options. But satellite like HughesNet is a shot for rural users for a modern and faster internet connection where there is no wired connection.
Will HughesNet Gen5 Cost You an Arm and a Leg?
HughesNet Gen5 is the only source of internet for rural dwellers with no other means to access the internet for the workplace, lessons, entertainment, shopping, and other related activities. Mobile data-providing is limited to fixed broadband options in the home. However, the costs expressed are monthly, and given the vast coverage area, the prices are quite affordable.
For residents of suburban and urban areas, cable broadband like satellite internet is almost always available and preferable. However, some residents of the city also seize any opportunity to subscribe to HughesNet promotions in which they can get double the speed of Internet at a price that is cheaper than the cost of slow DSL.
In conclusion, we can observe that HughesNet Gen5 does exactly what it promises and does not overcharge as some satellite internet providers do. It can be useful for minor Internet use and for people who need to be online but cannot afford much, as well as for rural people who do not have a choice. However, for the average to high usage of the internet, cable or fiber broadband will offer a much better connection at the same price if the service is accessible in your area.
