Imagine a world where the internet is as boundless as the sky above us. A world where the constraints of terrestrial cables and towers do not limit us. This is the world that HughesNet, a leading satellite internet provider, promises to its users. But does it truly deliver on this promise?
HughesNet orbits as a beacon for those in rural areas, where traditional internet services are as scarce as water in a desert in the vast expanse of the digital universe. It offers a lifeline of connectivity to the digital world, but like any celestial body, it has its own set of quirks and features that can either make it a shining star or a black hole for its users.
In the upcoming sections, we launch into an in-depth review of HughesNet Internet.
Hughesnet Internet Review – At a Glance
HughesNet is a satellite internet service provider that offers consistent broadband speeds across all service areas. The company was the first to offer broadband speeds of 25 megabits per second in 2017. Despite the emergence of other providers, HughesNet remains relevant due to its wide availability across all 50 states, making it an excellent connection option for rural residents.
HughesNet offers the same broadband speeds to all customers in all regions, which sets it apart from providers whose speeds might vary from location to location. However, it’s worth noting that while HughesNet’s speeds are faster than phone-line-based DSL, they can’t compete with the speeds you get with cable or fiber connections. But in areas where ground-laid cable and fiber aren’t readily available, HughesNet is a viable option.
The company offers various plans, all of which provide download speeds of 25Mbps and upload speeds of 3Mbps. The difference between the plans lies in the monthly data allowance – the more you pay each month, the more data you get. HughesNet also offers a Bonus Zone, providing an extra 50GB of data a month during off hours.
Despite these benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider. HughesNet requires a two-year contract, with early termination fees if you cancel. Also, while the company touts “unlimited” data, this can be misleading as HughesNet imposes severe speed reductions once you hit your data plan’s threshold. Nevertheless, for those in areas where cable or fiber is not an option, HughesNet’s reliable connection and consistent speeds make it a strong contender in the satellite internet market.
Pros
- Wide Availability
- Consistent Speeds
- Bonus Data Zone
Cons
- Two-Year Contract
- Speed Reductions
- Misleading “Unlimited” Data
Plans & Pricing
HughesNet offers four main internet plans, each with different data allowances. The plans range from $49.99 a month for 15 GB of data to $179.99 a month for 200 GB of data. The two intermediate plans offer 50 GB for $74.99 a month and 100 GB for $99.99 a month. All HughesNet plans come with 25 Mbps download speeds, except for the cheapest plan (15 GB) which offers 15 Mbps speeds, and the most expensive plan (200 GB) which offers 50 Mbps speeds.
| Plan | Price | Download Speed | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 GB | $49.99/mo.* | 15 Mbps | 15 GB |
| 30 GB | $74.99/mo.* | 25 Mbps | 30 GB |
| 100 GB | $89.99/mo.* | 25 Mbps | 100 GB |
| 200 GB | $149.99/mo.* | 25 Mbps | 200 GB |
*Pricing for the first 6 months. Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Pricing not available in all areas.
HughesNet’s plans are best suited for users who don’t require high-speed internet for heavy data activities like streaming or gaming. The lower-tier plans offer good value for light to moderate internet users, while the higher-tier plans are more suitable for heavier internet usage.
Speed
HughesNet provides consistent download speeds of 25 Mbps across all plans, except for the cheapest and the most expensive ones. The 15 GB plan offers 15 Mbps speeds, while the 200 GB plan offers 50 Mbps speeds. These speeds are sufficient for basic internet activities like browsing, emailing, and social media. However, they might not be ideal for data-intensive activities like HD streaming or online gaming.
Data Cap
Each HughesNet plan comes with a specific data cap, ranging from 15 GB to 200 GB. If you exceed your plan’s data limit, HughesNet won’t cut off your internet, but your speeds will be significantly reduced to about 1 to 3 Mbps. You can purchase additional data tokens if you need more high-speed data. The prices for additional data are as follows:
| Additional Data | Price |
|---|---|
| 3 GB | $9 |
| 5 GB | $15 |
| 10 GB | $30 |
| 25 GB | $75 |
HughesNet also offers a Bonus Zone, providing an extra 50 GB of high-speed data each month from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. local time.
Additional Charges
Installation Fee
HughesNet charges a $99 activation fee if you lease your equipment. However, if you decide to purchase your equipment, the installation is included and the activation fee is waived.
Equipment Fee
HughesNet’s service requires a satellite antenna and a modem. You can either lease this equipment from HughesNet for $14.99 per month or purchase it outright for $499.98. If you choose to lease, there’s also a $99 setup fee. Over two years, the total cost of leasing (including the setup fee) comes to $458.76. If you decide to purchase the equipment, there’s no setup fee, so the total cost remains $499.98.
Termination Fee
If you decide to terminate your HughesNet service before the end of your two-year contract, you’ll be subject to an early termination fee. The fee starts at $400 if you cancel within the first 90 days. After the first 90 days, the fee decreases by $15 for each month you’ve kept your service. The minimum termination fee is $85.
Contract
All HughesNet plans require a two-year contract. If you cancel before the contract is up, you’ll incur an early termination fee as high as $400 if you’re still within the first 90 days of service. The amount decreases by $15 a month after that, which means you’d still need to pay a fee of $100 if you cancel during the last month of your contract.
Perks
HughesNet offers a Bonus Zone, available as part of all plans. During the off-peak hours of 2 a.m. to 8 a.m., customers receive an additional 50GB of data per month. Depending on your chosen plan, this could more than double your data allotment, and it might help you bridge the gap between your typical usage and your plan’s ceiling.
HughesNet also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a Federal Communications Commissions program to assist low-income families. Eligible households will receive a discount of up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month for qualifying tribal lands) toward internet service. This program is available to both new and existing customers facing financial hardships.
Hughesnet Internet Availability
HughesNet’s satellite internet service is widely available across all 50 states, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This wide coverage makes HughesNet an excellent connection option for rural residents and those in less densely populated areas where ground-laid cable and fiber aren’t readily available.
HughesNet’s commitment to supporting broadband speeds to all serviceability areas sets it apart from other providers. While it may not be the fastest satellite provider out there, its consistent speeds and wide availability make it a compelling choice for those in areas with limited internet options.
It’s worth noting that HughesNet’s service might not be the best choice for those in highly populated urban or suburban areas, where faster internet connection choices are likely available. However, for those residing in rural or less densely populated areas without many options for getting online, HughesNet might be the best and most reliable connection available.
Hughesnet Internet Customer Service Review
HughesNet’s customer service receives mixed reviews from its users. Based on the reviews from BroadbandNow users, HughesNet has an average score of 2.78 out of 5. Some customers praise the company’s customer service representatives for their helpfulness and professionalism. There are also positive remarks about the technicians who install the service, with customers noting their efficiency and friendliness.
However, there are also numerous complaints about HughesNet’s service. Some customers report inconsistent internet speeds, even before they reach their data cap. Others express frustration with the company’s response to their complaints about slow internet, stating that the company’s solution is often to suggest upgrading to a more expensive plan.
Many customers also express dissatisfaction with the company’s two-year contract requirement, particularly those who found the service unsatisfactory and wanted to cancel. These customers were unhappy about having to pay an early termination fee.
In terms of reliability, some customers report that the service works well on sunny days but experiences issues during cloudy or rainy weather. Others mention that the service is reliable and rarely goes down, which they appreciate.
Overall, while HughesNet’s customer service receives some positive feedback, the company also faces significant criticism for its service quality and contract terms.
Hughesnet Internet vs. Competitors
HughesNet is a satellite internet provider that offers a range of plans with varying data limits and speeds. The company’s plans are generally budget-friendly, especially for lower data usage, but the cost can increase significantly for higher data plans. HughesNet’s main competitor in the satellite internet market is Viasat.
Here’s a comparison of HughesNet’s 100 GB plan with Viasat’s unlimited data plan:
- HughesNet 100 GB Plan: This plan offers 25 Mbps download speeds and 100 GB of data for $89.99 per month with a 24-month commitment.
- Viasat Unlimited Data Plan: The comparable Viasat plan, Discovery 25 Mbps, offers 35 Mbps download speeds and unlimited data (with 100 GB of high-speed data). The pricing structure starts at $59.99 per month for the first three months of service, but increases after that.
The trade-off between the two satellite internet providers is that HughesNet offers faster data speeds, while Viasat provides a higher data cap.
Is Hughesnet Internet Good?
The answer to the question “Is HughesNet Internet Good?” largely depends on your specific needs and location. HughesNet Internet provides a viable solution for those in rural or remote areas where traditional cable or fiber internet services are not available. It offers a range of plans with varying data limits and speeds, and its wide availability across all 50 states is a significant advantage.
However, it’s important to note that while HughesNet Internet is reliable and offers consistent speeds, it may not be the fastest option available, especially when compared to some competitors. The customer service experience can vary, and the mandatory two-year contract might not appeal to everyone.
In terms of cost, HughesNet Internet is generally budget-friendly for lower data usage, but the cost can increase significantly for higher data plans. The company also offers some perks like the Bonus Zone, which provides additional data during off-peak hours.
In this HughesNet Internet Review, we’ve highlighted the various aspects of the service, from its plans and pricing to its availability and customer service. It’s clear that HughesNet Internet has its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your specific internet needs, budget, and location before deciding if HughesNet is the right internet service provider for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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