HughesNet vs. Rise Broadband

As the largest satellite provider in the United States, HughesNet serves satellite service across all 50 states. Its wide coverage availability provides rural areas access to reliable internet services. Currently, Hughesnet offers internet plans with speeds up to 25 Mbps and continues to make efforts to upgrade their network to increase speed ranges for their customers. Along with internet, HughesNet also offers phone service but not TV.

With service availability to approximately 25.7 million people, Rise Broadband is the largest U.S. provider of fixed wireless. Rise Broadband provides fixed wireless internet plans with speeds up to 50 Mbps by using radio signals from broadcast towers that are typically less than 10 miles from a user’s location to ensure quality service. Like HughesNet, Rise Broadband only offers internet and phone service. While they do not offer their own TV service, customers can add TV service to their Rise Broadband plan through DirecTV or DISH Network.

HughesNet vs Rise Broadband: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

HughesNet offers a standard installation that may cost up to $199.99 with a possible additional set-up fee of $99.

These fees can be reduced or may be waived with select internet plans or for new HughesNet customers. HughesNet offers the option to either buy or lease a satellite dish and modem. Customers can choose to purchase the equipment for a fee of $349.98, with an additional installation fee of $199.99. Leasing the equipment will incur a fee of $9.99/month for the first year and can raise thereafter. There is no installation fee for leased equipment, although the provider charges a $99 set-up fee.

Rise Broadband’s installation process for fixed wireless service requires a receiver dish, which costs $75 for set-up and professional installation.

This fee can sometimes be reduced by choosing a two-year contract plan. Rise Broadband customers can expect to pay additional fees to lease a modem ($10.99/month) and receiver dish ($11/month). Select plans offer equipment rentals free of charge. Customers can also use their own router as long as its compatible with the service. All equipment must be returned upon termination of service to avoid a $300 fee.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

All HughesNet plans require a 24-month contract.

If the contract is canceled within the first 90 days, HughesNet customers will be responsible for an early termination fee (ETF) of $400. However, the ETF reduces $15 for every month of service thereafter. HughesNet customers have the option of purchasing a satellite dish and modem combo for a one-time fee of $349.98 or rent the equipment for a fee ranging from $9.99-14.99/month. No monthly fees are charged to customers who purchase the equipment, but will be subject to an additional installation fee of $199.99.

Rise Broadband offers month-to-month internet plans as well as two-year contracts.

Contract plans usually have higher data allowances and lower rates and fees than non-contract plans. If Rise Broadband customers opt out of their contracts early, they may be charged early termination fees up to $250, depending on contract length and terms. The provider charges $11/month for receiver dish rental and $10.99/month for modem rental. You must return all leased equipment upon cancellation of service or you will face a penalty of $300. Customers also have the option of providing their own router as long as it is compatible with Rise Broadband’s services.

Data Caps

HughesNet offers internet-only plans with monthly data caps ranging from 10-50 GB. Users who exceed their caps remain connected to the internet, but with reduced connection speed. HughesNet customers are given an additional 50 GB of data to use during the hours of 2-8am.

Rise Broadband offers internet-only plans with data cap restrictions up to 250 GB. Select plans supply unlimited data.