Satellite Internet Service Providers – Who Is The Best?
Looking for a satellite internet service provider? Do you want to know which one will give you the best service at the best price? Keep reading…
Why Satellite Internet?
With high-speed satellite Internet service, you can download files in seconds instead of minutes or hours with dial-up service. And you get an always-on connection, so you don’t have to spend time logging in and waiting to connect.
Another advantage of satellite service is that access is independent of your phone line so you can surf the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time.
There are four main satellite Internet providers in the US: HughesNet, WildBlue, Skyway, and Starband.
Here is an overview of their services and features. To compare apples to apples, prices are based on plans with a speed of 1 Mbps.
HughesNet
HughesNet is the largest provider with over 400,000 subscribers, and is the oldest with over 30 years in business. They offer plans with speeds of up to 5Mbps. That’s 50 times faster than dial-up service. With HughesNet you can buy or lease your equipment. Their prices start at $59.99 per month for a 1.0 Mbps service. Installation is free and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
wild blue
WildBlue is the second largest provider and has been in business for over 6 years. They provide Internet access with speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps, 30 times faster than dial-up service. WildBlue uses a spot signal beam so that many areas in the US cannot receive their service. WildBlue prices start at $69.95 for their 1 Mbps service and require a 24-month service commitment. Installation is free and there is an activation fee of $99.95.
Skyway
Skyway uses a simple one-way satellite feed instead of a two-way feed like the other three providers. This makes your service less likely to fade in the rain. They provide internet speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps, but upload speeds are slow (256 Kbps) because they use a dial-up connection for uploads. Their prices start at $59.95 for a 1 Mbps plan, plus a $25 activation fee. Your kit is $49 (after mail-in rebate) and you can install the kit yourself or pay $100 for a professional installation.
star band
Founded in 2000, Starband provides service to the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and several countries in the Caribbean and Central America. Starband service starts at $69.99 for 24-month 1 Mbps service, or $79.99 for 12-month service, and there is no activation fee. Upload speeds are up to 128Kbps. Professional installation is required and costs extra.
