When you are looking at what satellite internet providers have to offer you want to make sure that you are looking at service features that matter. All satellite internet providers will offer you both broadband internet and high-speed internet service. However, the connection speeds and optional features that are offered by each service plan will impact how much the service costs and how good the service is. At first glance some services may seem unusually high for internet service. For example the professional service package offered by Hughesnet can cost as much as $59.95 per month. However, if you don’t need all of the bells and whistles offered by this professional package then you have two cheaper service packages that you can choose from.

Hughesnet is one of the satellite internet providers that offers a two-way satellite system. They offer four service packages that each offers their own unique set of features and connection speed parameters. The price of each package will depend on how fast the connection speed is, how many email accounts are included, and if you want a dial up connection added to your service package. You can save money by selecting the service package that meets your basic requirements for internet access. Hughesnet charges about $600 for installation of their top service package. This includes the installation service fee and the equipment. Other information that you might want to know about Hughesnet is that it operates on the Ku band frequency. This frequency is known for having problems transmitting effectively through rain.

If you are looking for satellite internet providers that offer cheap satellite internet then you will want to start by comparing the different prices in this market. To do this you will need to read through the promotional materials offered by several different satellite internet providers like Hughesnet and SKYFX. Use this price comparison to determine what the average price for satellite internet service is. Next you will want to compare the prices between one-way multicast service, one-way service with a terrestrial return, and two-way services. This will help you to develop your knowledge of pricing and it will help you to select the type of service that will provide you with the features that you need for the price that you can afford.

Most people don’t give it much thought but in this day and age internet can be your lifeline to the world. We pay bills, get phone service, talk to people and send emails. So if you choose a lousy internet service provider you can hurt yourself a lot. Here are 3 ways you can choose a good ISP:

1. Don’t go by the cheapest. Internet Service Providers (ISP) have popped up like mushrooms everywhere. Most of them have only one way to attract customers ‘offer cheap internet service’. People get suckered by the offer and next thing you know it is very hard to change. You have to change your email address, you have to get used to new ways of accessing the internet. Most don’t have good customer service. The smaller the ISP the worse their customer service because they just can’t afford to have a battery of service representative answering questions. So don’t go for the cheapest.

2. Look for speed: Speed is a very important factor. When you are doing your work if it takes forever for the screen to display, you are going to be very frustrated. Internet works best if you are going at the speed of your thought process. It is true that your computer hardware is a factor in the overall speed. But if the ISP is running at a low speed, there is no way for you to get information fast enough. Bandwidth is like a pipe. The smaller the pipe the less information you are going to get. The bigger the pipe the better your chances of going from websites to website quickly. Most smaller ISP’s have very limited bandwidth. Watch out for mom & pop ISPs because they will generally be unattended websites that just want you to sign up and collect monthly fee. They are selling some one else’s service under their name. This practice is called ‘private branding’. Let me give an example. Amazon sells their books through not only their own website but a lot of private websites that sell Amazon’s products. So it’s like Amazon has several private stores selling their wares. Why does Amazon do this? Because Amazon wants only a sale to make a buck. Why would a private website want to sell Amazon’s products because? Because the website owner gets a commission.

3. What happens when you leave? Ask this question up front. If for some reason you have to part ways with your ISP, what happens then? Most ISPs will lock you into some form of commitment. At sign-up is the time to find out if you are locked in or free to go. Do your research. Compare ISPs at a site like ‘Get an ISP dot com’. Get answers to your questions before you sign up with an ISP.

Are you in the market for a satellite Internet service provider? Want to know which one has the best services and the best prices? Here’s a comparison of the top two providers – HughesNet and WildBlue.

General Information

Of all the satellite Internet service providers, HughesNet is the largest, with more than 400,000 customers in the U.S. alone. They’ve been in business for 31 years and have installed more than 1.5 million satellite systems.

WildBlue is the second-largest provider, with a 100,000 customers. They’ve been in business for 7 years, and have installed more than 100,000 systems.

Coverage

HughesNet service is available to anyone in the U.S. who has a clear view of the southern sky.

WildBlue uses what’s called a spot beam signal so that many areas of the country cannot receive their service.

Equipment

HughesNet uses their own satellites and equipment.

WildBlue uses satellites and equipment from other companies.

Installation

HughesNet installs their satellite systems for free using a professional installer.

WildBlue’s standard installation is free after a $99.95 activation fee and a $24.95 shipping and handling fee.

Internet Speed

HughesNet offers 6 high speed service plans with download speeds from 1Mbps to 5 Mbps (50 times faster than dialup service). Upload speeds vary from 128 Kbps to 300 Kbps.

WildBlue offers 3 high speed service plans with download speeds from 512 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps (15 times faster than dialup service). Upload speeds vary from 128 Kbps to 256 Kbps.

Email Accounts

Both HughesNet and WildBlue will give you 5 to 10 email accounts depending on which plan you choose.

Virus and Spam Protection

HughesNet and WildBlue offer virus and spam filters with their service.

Prices

HughesNet Internet service starts at $59.99 a month for their 1 Mbps service.

WildBlue charges $69.95 for their 1 Mbps service.

Technical Support

Both HughesNet and WildBlue offer access to 24/7 live technical support.

Guarantees

HughesNet offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

WildBlue does not offer a guarantee.

The Bottom Line

With higher speeds, cheaper service, free installation, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, HughesNet is the clear choice when it comes to satellite Internet providers.