When physical obstacles and mountainous regions prevent the installation of traditional internet infrastructure in the center of rural America, satellite internet takes on the task and connects localities to the outside world. What’s more, Viasat and HughesNet stand out as two titans in the wireless internet space. These two satellite internet providers have dominated the US rural market for years.
However, as the need for fast, reliable internet continues to increase, the question of which provider actually delivers arises. In this blog, we’ll go out on a journey to discover the battle between Viasat vs. HughesNet. Let’s dive in!
Viasat
Viasat is widely used in remote areas where there are few options for internet connectivity. It is recognized as a pioneer and a provider of services and products for satellite communications. The company provides secure networking systems, fixed and mobile internet services, and a tactical data link management system.
Viasat features unlimited standard data along with free expert installation for qualifying customers. Besides that, the Affordable Connectivity Program offers additional savings on subscriptions of up to $30 per month. For more specifics on Viasat internet service, let’s dig into its benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of Viasat
- No Data Caps
There are no data limits on any of Viasat’s plans, which is one of its great attributes. This entails utilizing as much data as you possibly can without being concerned about overage fees or being throttled. You can browse the internet without any problems, stream videos, and download music.
- Affordability
Viasat offers 12 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds as part of their entry-level service, which costs $39.99 per month. Going with their Unlimited Bronze 12 plan, which offers 25 Mbps speed for $70 per month, is an option if you require a faster download speed. The Unlimited Gold 25 package from Viasat offers 50 Mbps for $99.99 per month for customers who demand the fastest speeds.
Drawbacks of Viasat
- Equipment Cost
You’ll need to pay for the equipment needed to access satellite internet service in addition to the monthly charge. This includes the dish, modem, and router, all of which add to the drawbacks of Viasat’s satellite internet service. It may not be practical for everyone to afford the equipment’s initial cost of a few hundred dollars.
- Two-year Contract Required
For new clients, Viasat requires a two-year commitment. This implies that if you decide to cancel before the two years are up, you will be subject to early termination fees.
HughesNet
HughesNet is one of the biggest satellite internet providers in the US. It specializes in providing internet service to 1.5 million subscribers throughout North and South America, particularly in places where there are no alternative options available to locals.
The HughesNet Wi-Fi Modem features 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for exceptional speeds and superior coverage, as well as quick, secure wireless connectivity. Plus, it offers a separate guest Wi-Fi for visitors to maintain your home network more safely. Yet, there are a few things to consider if HughesNet satellite internet is something you’re considering. Here are its benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of HughesNet
- State Availability
The company offers service in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Customers can purchase all other plans in any state, with the exception of the company’s 100-gigabyte plan, which is only offered in certain regions.
- Bonus Zone
The Bonus Zone is open from 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. You receive 50GB of data per billing cycle as part of your HughesNet satellite Internet service, but you may only use it during certain hours. The Bonus Zone is the ideal time to carry out heavy downloads or updates that would use up a significant portion of your regular data plan, as these are non-peak hours.
Drawbacks of HughesNet
- Data Limits
The business provides four distinct service plans, each with a different data allotment. The monthly data allowance for the least plan is 10 GB, while the monthly data allowance for the highest plan is 50 GB. Additional fees will apply if you use more data than your monthly allotment.
- Service Fees
HughesNet charges a $99 activation fee if you choose to rent your equipment. It may also force you to buy your equipment instead of renting it. Also, you could pay up to $400 depending on when you cancel your account, with a minimum cancellation fee of $85 per month.
Final Thoughts
The choice between HughesNet and Viasat comes down to needs and preferences. It is essential to weigh the things that are most important to you, considering the fact that each provider has benefits and drawbacks of their own. Viasat is for users that demand faster speeds and more data, which is good for teleconferencing or just for streaming movies and TV series.
But still, HughesNet Internet has a lot to offer. Viasat and Starlink may outperform HughesNet in terms of download speeds and data limitations. But even so, HughesNet stands out from the competition in the satellite internet market due to its additional data features and constant pricing.
