Both companies offer satellite internet service but they’re otherwise unrelated and in fact are competitors.

In rural and remote regions, it’s tough to find fast cheap internet, unless you’re within yards of a public Wi-Fi location. Even then it’s ill-advised to use the public network for much beyond internet browsing. A public library may have computers with internet access but it’s not ideal to input passwords or credit card information on them. Therefore, in such areas, satellite internet service is most often your best option for secure internet at your home. ViaSat and HughesNet are both dominant providers of satellite internet services in rural and remote areas.

HughesNet is sometimes confused with Dish Network because they are sister companies owned by Charles Ergen. HughesNet has approximately 1.3 million subscribers and is based in Maryland. Viasat is a competitor to HughesNet. Viasat has approximately 687,000 subscribers, is based in California and provides satellite communication (satcom) services to the U.S. Military.

Comparing HughesNet and Viasat. Both companies require a 24-month minimum contract. Cancelling before the two-year period has costs associated with each provider. Installation will cost you $99-$300 for Viasat while for HughesNet the costs are closer to $400. Both companies provide a satellite dish, cable, modem and Wi-Fi router, or combined modem-router. Both companies use professional installers and both companies offer tech help when you have a question or issue. You can buy the equipment outright from Viasat for $400 up front or pay $13 per month to lease. HughesNet charges $450 to own the equipment outright or $15 per month to lease. If you buy it then you are responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Monthly Costs are Different Viasat plans range from $70 to is $300 per month (using post-promotional pricing) depending the plan and speeds range from 12 Mbps (not broadband) at the lowest speed up to 50 Mbps as the highest speed. HughesNet offers one speed of 25 Mbps and depending your data allowance the pricing ranges from $55 - $160 per month standard.

Data Allowance While most legacy satellite internet services promote “unlimited” data it’s not unlimited at high speed. Satellite systems (as well as other means of internet access) have capacity constraints. HughesNet caps the high-speed data at 15 – 75 GB per month depending on plan and Viasat caps it at 12 – 100 GB per month depending on the plan. Both companies offer a smart phone app to help monitor your data use and manage your account.

Overall, make the best decision by carefully comparing plans and asking friends and neighbors what is working for them. If your neighborhood has a Facebook page or is on the Next Door platform you can post a question and let neighbors weigh in. Social media unfortunately invites rants but you’ll also get worthwhile feedback from folks who are not venting. Viasat and HughesNet are not the same thing but are in the same business as competitors.

Contact us today to learn about Viasat satellite internet.