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Are you thinking about switching to satellite internet? If you live in a place with limited internet options, consider HughesNet. It is a top internet service provider that offers various satellite internet plans in the US. You can get speeds up to 100 Mbps and unlimited data. In this blog, we will explain the costs of HughesNet internet packages. This will help you decide if they are a good fit for your needs.
Understanding HughesNet Internet Packages
For people living in rural areas, getting high-speed internet can be difficult. Many times, cable and fiber internet are not available because there is not enough infrastructure. Luckily, satellite internet has provided a solution for many of these rural customers.
HughesNet is one of the satellite internet providers that has been trusted for years. The main reason why people choose HughesNet is its wide availability. HughesNet provides service all across the continental US, as well as in Alaska and Puerto Rico.
Overview of Available Packages and Pricing
HughesNet has several plans designed for different needs and budgets. All plans offer unlimited data and a $25 discount for the first year. Let's take a closer look at the HughesNet plans:
Plan |
Price |
Download Speeds |
Upload Speeds |
Data |
---|---|---|---|---|
Select |
$50/mo. ($75/mo. after 12 mos.) |
50 Mbps |
5 Mbps |
Unlimited (100 GB priority data) |
Elite |
$65/mo. ($90/mo. after 12 mos.) |
100 Mbps |
5 Mbps |
Unlimited (200 GB priority data) |
Fusion |
$95/mo. ($120/mo. after 12 mos.) |
100 Mbps |
5 Mbps |
Unlimited (200 GB priority data) |
The Select plan is great for people who use the internet lightly. The Elite plan is faster and costs a little more. The Fusion plan is HughesNet's top choice. It uses satellite internet along with wireless technologies for a more responsive internet experience and less delay.
Key Features Across Different Plans
All HughesNet satellite internet plans offer unlimited data. However, they have different priority data limits. These limits range from 100 GB to 200 GB, depending on the plan you select.
So, what is priority data? It is the amount of data you can use each month before you might notice slower speeds. If you go over this limit, you will still have unlimited access, but your internet may slow down. This is more likely to happen during peak hours when many people are online. All HughesNet internet plans also come with:
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Built-in Wi-Fi 6
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Access to the HughesNet Voice residential phone service
Analyzing Monthly Costs and Value
Before you choose a HughesNet internet plan, think about how you use the internet and what you can spend each month. A cheaper plan will help you save money, but it will also come with a lower priority data limit. If you use the internet a lot, you might often go over this limit.
Breakdown of Monthly Fees for Each Package
To make it simpler, let's break down the monthly fees for each plan. With the Select plan, you pay $50 each month for the first year. After that, the cost goes up to $75 a month. The Elite plan costs $65 for the first year and then $90 each month after that. For the Fusion plan, you pay $95 a month for the first year. The cost increases to $120 a month after that.
Remember, these monthly fees only cover the internet service. You also need to consider the cost of equipment. We will talk more about equipment costs below.
Added Costs: Equipment Rental and Installation
HughesNet needs a professional installer for its satellite internet service. This means a HughesNet installer will come to your home to set up your equipment. This includes connecting a satellite dish and a HughesNet Wi-Fi modem.
You should expect to pay a one-time installation fee of $200. There is a chance to have this fee waived if you choose to lease your equipment from HughesNet. You can either rent or buy your satellite equipment. If you decide to buy the equipment outright, it will cost you $300 or $450, depending on the plan. You can also choose to rent the equipment for $15 to $20 each month to avoid the upfront cost.
Comparing HughesNet to Other Satellite Internet Providers
HughesNet is not the only option for satellite internet. Viasat is another choice to think about. In comparison, HughesNet is the more budget-friendly option. Both internet providers offer unlimited data, but they set their priority data limits differently.
Speed and Data Allowances Compared
HughesNet can provide download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. In comparison, Viasat can reach 150 Mbps. For many customers of HughesNet and Viasat, the plan choices and speeds depend on where they live. Some areas might not have access to the fastest speed levels.
When it comes to pricing and data, there are clear differences. HughesNet has lower monthly costs and more options than Viasat. It is also easier to get started with HughesNet than with Starlink. Starlink offers faster speeds and better latency, but it starts at $120 per month. Plus, there is a $349 fee for equipment.
Customer Satisfaction and Service Reliability
What about how reliable the service is and how happy customers are? Recent studies by J.D. Power show that HughesNet has lower customer satisfaction scores compared to other satellite internet providers and internet providers overall.
Still, HughesNet gets good ratings from the FCC for providing internet speeds that match what they advertise. In the end, the best internet provider for you depends on a few factors. This includes your budget, your internet requirements, and the providers available where you live.
Maximizing Your HughesNet Internet Experience
If you choose HughesNet, there are a few steps you can take to make the most of their service. Remember, internet speed and latency are not the same for satellite internet service as they are for other internet connection types. How much you notice these differences can depend on the way you use the internet.
Tips for Managing Data Usage
One great way to improve your experience is by keeping an eye on your data usage. Look at how much data you usually use each month. This will help you pick the best data plan for you.
Be careful with activities that use a lot of data. This includes downloading big files, streaming movies in HD, or playing online games. You might want to change your settings to save data. For instance, you can watch videos in SD instead of HD. This will use less data.
Enhancing Speed and Connectivity at Home
If you often have slow internet speeds, there are a few things you can do. First, try to improve your home network. Make sure your devices are close to your Wi-Fi router. You can also use a Wi-Fi extender to remove dead spots.
Think about upgrading to the Fusion plan for a better option. HughesNet's Fusion plan offers faster speeds and less delay than their other plans. This makes it a great choice for online gamers and people who work from home. If you need more than what HughesNet offers in their suite of plans, you might want to explore other internet providers in your area.
Conclusion
HughesNet Internet packages have many options for you. There are basic plans and stronger packages. You can find something that fits your needs. Knowing the costs, like equipment rental and installation, is important when making a choice. Looking at HughesNet alongside other providers can help you understand the value it gives. To get the best from your HughesNet service, keep an eye on your data usage and improve your home connectivity. If you are thinking about HughesNet, check our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. Enjoy reliable internet service made for your needs!
Dial (888) 797-3141 to Get Hughesnet Internet Connection Today!