Satellite Internet Comparison

When it comes to satellite internet service providers, there are two quality companies that offer high-speed satellite service, HughesNet and WildBlue. A question of concern for many consumers looking into satellite internet for either home or business is cost. Choosing the best satellite internet plan in terms of budget and use takes careful consideration especially for those who have no other online option other than satellite internet. To answer the question of who has the best prices for my online needs, consumers will have to compare satellite internet plans between HughesNet and WildBlue and determine the features and benefits that best meet their home and/or business necessities. While HughesNet has been around the longest, the newer WildBlue has managed to keep up with HughesNet every step of the way. A satellite internet comparison between the two major companies should help make choosing the best service the right one.First, let’s take a look at each company’s pricing plan and what each internet plan entails. WildBlue’s most basic and least expensive value plan is $49.99 providing download speeds up to 512 kbps and upload speeds up to 128 kbps. HughesNet’s basic Home internet plan is $59.99 with a 1.0 mbps download speed and 128 kbps upload speed, which means an extra $10 gets you double the download speed (40% faster). The WildBlue value plan may be just a little cheaper, but the extra speed that HughesNet provides with the Home plan will allow you to be able to stream video content at a good rate. Both company’s internet plans above basic and Home are priced the same, but this is where HughesNet has the advantage with their download speeds being faster than WildBlue. HughesNet also has better variations with 6 different internet plans to choose from (with download speeds ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 mbps) to suit anyone’s budget while WildBlue only has 3 with the highest download speed at 1.5 mbps.Another major discrepancy between the two companies is their setup times. Both HughesNet and WildBlue have varying setup times depending on whether the local contractor has the equipment in stock. HughesNet contractors keep equipment readily available so once an order is placed, certified installers are dispatched between 3 to 6 days and will have customers set up quickly. WildBlue often requires a longer setup period because their contractors must order the necessary equipment after an order and wait for its arrival before installers are dispatched, which may take upwards to 3 weeks.There’s also the matter of installation, activation, and equipment costs on top of the internet plan, which adds up to over $300 of additional service charges for WildBlue satellite internet. HughesNet offers purchase to own ($299 after $100 rebate for equipment plus standard installation) and lease ($99 upfront and $9.99 per month with free installation) options. For the best purchase to own option, HughesNet features the best solution for a great price.Overall, customers will get more for what they spend with HughesNet than WildBlue. HughesNet’s selection of satellite internet plans won’t break the bank for home use. For businesses, small or large, it is imperative to have high-speed internet and HughesNet happens to offer the best variation at affordable prices for just about anyone.