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.