HughesNet offers prices similar to Viasat, but often for slower speeds
HughesNet offers its plans at rates that at first seem comparable to cable or fiber prices. The HughesNet first-tier satellite internet plan starts at $49.99/month.
But there are two catches. The first is that $49.99/month is a promotional rate, and after the first six months, your prices will increase significantly for all plans.
The second issue is that with HughesNet, you are paying for a consistent internet speed of 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload. This is high-speed internet by the FCC’s definition [2]. But it is clearly not as fast as the 100-300 Mbps you get for $50/month from a cable or fiber internet plan. And that speed also can’t keep up with the 100 Mbps or more that Viasat can offer many customers.
HughesNet uses soft data caps that may affect your internet speed
Another factor for HughesNet (and all satellite internet providers) is the use of soft data caps. When you order HughesNet service, you don’t choose a speed level as you do with other internet types. Instead, you choose your data limit for the month, ranging from 15 GB to 200 GB.
If you only surf the internet lightly and use email, you can stay within a 100 GB data limit pretty easily. But if you plan large file uploads, video streaming, or online gaming, the data usage can add up fast. That’s why it’s significant that HughesNet’s maximum high-speed data allowance is 200 GB, while Viasat’s maximum is 500 GB.
HughesNet does offer some solutions to help you work with their soft data caps. Their data tokens allow you to purchase extra data at the end of each month if you need more.
Nonetheless, having soft data caps will affect how you use the internet. If you consistently need more data tokens, those extra charges may affect your monthly budget. Consider carefully whether you are likely to need more or less data than HughesNet will allow you under each of their plans.
HughesNet requires two-year contracts
HughesNet requires a two-year contract. If you cancel your subscription early, you will pay an early termination fee prorated by the time still left in your contract.