What Are the Benefits of Viasat Internet vs HughesNet Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet makes the impossible, possible. Satellite internet brings high speed internet to those living in even the most remote areas. New technology and more sophisticated satellites have recently made satellite internet competitive to DSL and cable internet in both speed and price. HughesNet and Exede (recently rebranded as Viasat) are currently the two biggest satellite internet providers. By comparing HughesNet internet packages with Exede internet packages, we will help you decide which provider fits your needs best. HughesNet satellite internet customer service was rated equal to Exede's-some customers were dissatisfied with each. Let's compare HughesNet and Exede satellite internet service on speed, data and price.

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One of the biggest differences between HughesNet satellite internet plans and Exede internet plans is speed vs. data. All eligible new HughesNet plans come with up to 25 Mbps download speeds. Recently HughesNet upgraded its satellite, now the Gen5 instead of the Gen4. HughesNet plans are priced based on data usage per month. Exede's newest internet packages offer the opposite deal, unlimited data for all customers. Viasat internet plan prices are based on internet speeds.

How does HughesNet satellite internet work?

HughesNet Gen4 satellite internet service works the same as the Gen5 and Exede. It uses a small satellite that is installed outside of the home. This small satellite sends signals to one of the satellites orbiting in space. The signal is sent from the orbiting satellite to the satellite hub located at the HughesNet provider, where the connection is made, and then sent back the same way that it came.

How fast is HughesNet satellite internet?

HughesNet speeds increased dramatically with the launch of the Gen5 satellite, which gives 25 Mbps internet to all new customers, and those who upgraded. HughfaesNet Gen4 satellite internet offered speeds from 5 to 15 Mbps. HughesNet Gen4 satellite internet plans were less desirable than the Gen5. Customers complained about slow speeds. The launch of the Gen5 gave customers the speeds they desired at reasonable prices that are competitive with Exede's latest plans.

How much is HughesNet satellite internet?

HughesNet plans start at $49.99/month for 10 GB of data. All new plans are for a 24-month contract, and include up to 25 Mbps download speeds, around 3 Mbps upload speeds. If data limits are exceeded during the month, speeds are reduced (typically to around 1-3 Mbps) until the next billing period. Customers are given an extra 50 GB/month of data to use during "off peak" hours from 2 a.m.- 8 a.m.

Plans:

10 GB data for $49.99/month

20 GB data for $69.99/month (current offer reduces price to $59.99 for 24 months)

30 GB data for $99.99/month (current offer reduces price to $79.99 for 24 months)

50 GB data for $129.99/month (current offer reduces price to $99.99 for 24 months)

How does Exede compare?

Exede satellite internet packages appeal to those who use large amounts of data. All Exede internet data plans are unlimited for new customers, which is very appealing for customers who plan to use more than 30 GB of data per month during peak hours. HughesNet does not offer an unlimited plan. If you go over data, your speed will be reduced.

Exede internet plans and pricing:

12 Mbps Download speeds for $70/month (50$/month for the first three months)

25 Mbps Download speeds for $100/month (70$/month for the first three months)

35 Mbps Download speeds for $150/month (100$/month for the first three months)

Exede internet and bundle packages make the plans even more attractive for customers who also want TV. Customers save $10/month when building with Direct TV, which is $29.99/month for 12 months or $39.99 for the Sunday ticket.

Exede is being rebranded as Viasat, the parent company. It will not change customer's service. In early 2018, Viasat will be launching a new satellite which will increase speeds and coverage. Viasat Exede internet reviews were positive, but the FCC found speeds to be on average lower than advertised, while HughesNet was found to be faster than advertised.

Viasat internet reviews were positive about the data plans. The unlimited data is ideal for heavy internet users, especially those streaming. The 12 Mbps plan is slower than the starting plan for HughesNet, and only supports streaming for small screens, like smartphones. Viasat satellite internet reviews were positive for the larger data plans and their speeds for unlimited internet. Customers can use large amounts of data without worrying about speed throttling.

Viasat internet service reviews can vary based on location, as with HughesNet. Viasat satellite internet reviews should be more positive once the new satellite is launched. This will give higher speeds to more customers, and increase reliability. New unlimited data plans are not available to all customers. Where the unlimited plans aren't offered, customers can choose the Liberty. Viasat Liberty internet reviews are positive for customers who use the data during the day, not during peak hours from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Customers are given set amounts of "priority data" to use, and then once the data limit is reached, speeds are reduced. It is very similar to HughesNet plans, but the speeds vary from 12 Mbps to 25 Mbps.

HughesNet Vs. Exede

HughesNet is the best provider for those eligible for the Gen5 plan who do not use large amounts of data. Exede is the best provider for customers who use large amounts of data (more than 30 GB of data per month), if they can choose the faster download plans.