HughesNet satellite internet services are being upgraded with higher speeds, which might be a significant improvement for the large number of Americans who depend on satellite internet due to their geographic location.
For many Americans, especially those who live in isolated rural areas, satellite internet represents their only access to the internet. The main benefit of satellite internet is its availability, but in comparison to other connection types, users frequently have to make do with higher prices, slower speeds, smaller data allotments, and higher latency. Latency is the term used to describe the communication lag that occurs between two points—in this case, your home and the satellite—when sending and receiving data. This state of affairs is referred to as the “digital divide.”
how hughesNet service addressing the issue for rural americans
HughesNet wants to address some of the disadvantages of the satellite by announcing on Tuesday that it will be introducing faster-speed packages with more data. Although the monthly prices will still be somewhat expensive, ranging from $75 to $110, the faster speeds and more data will make this HughesNet Satellite Internet plan far more affordable than its predecessor. Thanks to HughesNet’s Fusion technology, which combines low-latency fixed wireless connections with satellite internet, there’s also a chance for reduced latency—low enough to enable online gaming.
The launch of the new service, which is scheduled for December 26, is made possible by the earlier this year launch of the bus-sized geostationary satellite Jupiter 3. It provides up to four times the download speed—a boost from 25 megabits per second to 100Mbps—compared to earlier regular HughesNet subscriptions. There will be a less dramatic jump in upload speeds, going from 3Mbps to 5Mbps. In the meantime, monthly data allotments will rise from 15GB to 100GB to 100GB to 200 GB.
Nobody will switch from their cable internet service or fiber-optic connection to the new options. However, for those who live in rural areas where cable and fiber connections are not available, they may have a significant impact on the capabilities and quality of the internet. The greater data means rural folks can do more online before reaching a data cap, and the quicker speeds allow them to do more with their internet, like connecting more devices or streaming TV in higher picture quality with less buffering.
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Plans And Pricing Of HughesNet Satellite Internet Service
| Plan | Starting monthly | Max download speeds | Max upload speeds | Priority data | Equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select | $75 | 50Mbps | 5Mbps | 100GB | $15 monthly or $300 purchase fee |
| Elite | $90 | 100Mbps | 5Mbps | 200GB | $15 monthly or $300 purchase fee |
| Fusion | $110 | 100Mbps | 5Mbps | 200GB | $20 monthly or $450 purchase fee |
Given that Elite and Fusion both claim the same data and speed, why are they charging different amounts?
The connection used by Select and Elite plans is satellite-only. Online gaming is nearly difficult due to latency, which is the length of time it takes your modem to interact with the satellite. It can also affect browsing, streaming, and video conferencing.
In contrast, HughesNet’s Fusion plan establishes a hybrid satellite/fixed wireless service by establishing communication with nearby fixed wireless towers. The maximum data and speed are the same, but there is less latency—so low that it should be possible to play online games.
Fusion’s primary benefit, which accounts for its somewhat higher price, is that the technology reduces the distance your data must travel, improving performance across a wide range of applications and enabling online gaming.
At The End Speed Is It That Matters
Although the increase in upload speed from 3Mbps to 5Mbps isn’t all that noteworthy, it should be noted that the average household uses download speeds significantly more frequently than upload speeds.
How quickly you can download data—for example, to view an iPhone review, browse social media, or stream TV and music—depends on your download speed. Upload speeds are important when delivering data to the internet, such as when making a video call or posting to social media (albeit these tasks frequently demand for upload speeds of less than 3Mbps).
It follows that an increase in download speeds would be expected but upload speeds would probably stay the same. Since it is the primary use of the internet for us, the upgrade from 25Mbps to 50Mbps or 100Mbps is really appreciated.
Once more, 100Mbps isn’t particularly quick when compared to the most recent generation of multi-gigabit plans, which may reach speeds of 10,000 Mbps and beyond. However, as someone astute once said, speed is relative. A 100Mbps connection would open up new possibilities for rural residents who have been stuck with excruciatingly sluggish DSL or satellite rates that hardly make the cut for “broadband,” which is defined as at least 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up.
A 100Mbps connection instead of a 25Mbps one could make the difference between standard definition and high definition (or even 4K) streaming. More smart devices, like streaming sticks, security cameras, or a new Alexa speaker, can be added to your network at faster speeds without affecting the quality of other devices’ connections.
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Faster Speed = More Data Required
Let’s assume you test the increased speeds by going from normal to high-definition Netflix streaming quality. Just now, your stream used 3 GB of bandwidth per hour instead of just one. HughesNet will also raise its monthly priority data allocations to help accommodate new and increased internet usage that the faster speeds will allow for, in recognition of the additional data need that comes with faster speed.
As opposed to the current plans’ 15GB to 100GB data cap, HughesNet Satellite Internet plans will include 100GB or 200GB of data each month. That’s a large amount of data, but with an average monthly utilization of almost 587GB, many homes are probably going to reach and exceed that limit.
HughesNet plans have always been unlimited, so going over your priority data allotment won’t incur additional costs. However, utilizing ordinary, unlimited data may result in slower speeds for the duration of your billing cycle. If the slower speeds are too much for you, HughesNet Satellite Internetoffers 50GB of Bonus Zone data that may be used between the hours of 2 and 8 a.m. every month, in addition to additional data “tokens” that can be purchased in blocks of 2 to 50GB for $3 to $50.
Way Forward
The new plans will be unveiled by HughesNet on December 26. Access to HughesNet’s Fusion service and available speeds will differ depending on the location where you live. Current HughesNet Satellite Internet customers may be able to upgrade their plan; however, this will require the completion of the current term agreement or the signing of a new 12-month contract, whichever is longer.