In the digital age, rural residents demand internet connectivity just as much as urban residents and suburbanites do. In places where traditional network infrastructure like cable and fiber is unavailable, satellite internet leverages the planet’s communication satellites to distribute the internet. HughesNet and Viasat are the two satellite companies in America, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
If you reside in an area where satellite internet is your only choice or if you’re thinking about switching to satellite, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the battle between Viasat vs. HughesNet. Take a look now!
Contents
Viasat Pros and Cons
Viasat is one of the biggest satellite internet providers in the US. It offers unlimited data options so you may stream, game, and browse the web without stress. But if you’re considering Viasat satellite internet, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Here are its pros and cons.
Pros:
1. Wide Accessibility
One major benefit of Viasat is its accessibility—it provides internet connection virtually everywhere. For those who live in remote places without access to cable or fiber, this is ideal. People who live in remote places without access to cable or fiber will benefit greatly from this.
2. Competitive Download Speeds
For its connection type, Viasat does provide some really competitive download speeds. 100Mbps is still a reasonable download speed, even though it won’t match the 1,000Mbps you can receive via fiber or even certain cable choices. Plus, it is substantially faster than the 25Mbps top speed offered by the other satellite internet provider.
3. Highly Affordable
One of the best features of satellite Internet is its affordability. With 12 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds, Viasat’s entry-level service costs $39.99 per month. You can choose their Unlimited Bronze 12 plan, which costs $70 per month and offers 25 Mbps speed if you need a faster download speed. Viasat’s Unlimited Gold 25 plan, which costs $99.99 per month, delivers 50 Mbps for individuals who seek the fastest speeds.
Cons:
1. High Latency
The high latency of satellite internet is one of its main problems. This indicates a lag in data transmission or reception, which can be annoying while gaming or streaming video. Sending thousands of satellites into low-earth orbit is the only approach to dramatically reduce satellite internet latency.
2. Expensive Plans
It’s unfortunate for residents of rural locations that the only practical broadband solutions available to them are also highly pricey. The lowest-tier Viasat service, with 12Mbps speeds and a 40GB high-speed data cap, costs $49.99 per month.
3. Fair Usage Policy
The volume of data you can use every month is constrained by Viasat’s fair usage policy. If you exceed your limit, you might encounter reduced speeds or possibly an outage.
HughesNet Pros and Cons
HughesNet is widely used in rural areas with limited options for internet access. It also received the US News & World Report Best Rural Internet Provider and Best Internet Satellite Provider in 2022. One of its highlights is its reasonably priced internet plans, but is a HughesNet plan the best option for you? Let’s dig in!
Pros:
1. Unlimited Data Plans
HughesNet download rates are up to 25Mbps. This implies that you will be able to download files quickly and stream videos seamlessly. You won’t ever have to be concerned about going over your internet allotment because HughesNet offers unlimited data plans as well. Its internet plans have the speed and usage allotment required for downloading media such as music, movies, or TV series.
2. Widely Available
All 50 states have access to HughesNet satellite internet. However, you have to keep in mind that certain areas receive better signals and connections than others. Enter your zip code into the availability checker on their website to see if HughesNet is available in your geographical area.
3. Bonus Zone
The HughesNet Bonus Zone increases subscribers’ soft data caps by 50 gigabytes (GB). Between 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., you can take advantage of extra data for streams and downloads.
Cons:
1. Lower Speeds
The maximum download speed offered by HughesNet is 25Mbps. For context, Netflix suggests a minimum internet speed of 15 Mbps for a single 4K stream, so 25 Mbps is only sufficient for one UHD movie or program. For intensive streaming, gaming, or connecting several devices, 25Mbps might not be the best option.
1. 24-Month Minimum Contract
You are bound by your 24-month contract as soon as you sign up for a package, and your equipment has been professionally set. You’ll be required to pay an early termination fee if you need to cancel before the end of your contract.
3. High Equipment Cost
Higher equipment charges apply to HughesNet. You can purchase your equipment upfront and only pay the monthly plan expenses afterward. However, because satellite equipment is technologically advanced, it can be a bit expensive for the average household finances, like $450 for Gen5 and $550 for Fusion.
Final Thoughts
Your decision between Viasat and HughesNet may depend on how much data you require and at what speed. Viasat is the right alternative if you demand the best speed from satellite internet. However, HughesNet has a lot to offer, particularly if you live in a more isolated or rural region without access to other high-speed internet options. Some people can have issues with the 24-month contract. But the 50 GB bonus between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. has an excellent edge.
