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HughesNet vs. Rise Broadband Internet

Compare HughesNet and Rise Broadband internet service in 2024

3 Plans Available
HughesNet internet
price range
$49.99 - $79.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 50 Mbps - 100 Mbps
  • Satellite
  • $20 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data
5 Plans Available
Rise Broadband internet
price range
$30 - $75/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 25 Mbps - 500 Mbps
  • Fixed Wireless, Fiber
  • $10 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about HughesNet and Rise Broadband:

HughesNet has 3 plans:
Rise Broadband has 5 plans:

Learn more about HughesNet and Rise Broadband

HughesNet and Rise Broadband both specialize in providing internet service to customers in rural communities with limited access to hardwired communications networks — HughesNet via satellite transmission and Rise Broadband through fixed wireless connections. Neither broadband network is as fast as fiber or cable, but they’re comparable to DSL wired transmission. HughesNet and Rise Broadband serve similar customer bases, but several key differences exist in their internet plans and policies.

As the largest satellite provider in the United States, HughesNet offers satellite service across all 50 states and multiple U.S. territories. Its comprehensive coverage availability provides rural areas access to reliable internet service. HughesNet offers phone service as an add-on, but don’t expect TV.

With service availability in 18 states, Rise Broadband is the largest fixed wireless provider in the U.S. Rise Broadband provides fixed wireless internet plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps by using radio signals from broadcast towers that are typically fewer than 10 miles from a user’s location to ensure quality service. Like HughesNet, Rise Broadband offers only internet and phone service.

HughesNet vs Rise Broadband: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Rise Broadband Has Slightly Fewer Fees Than HughesNet

Installation With HughesNet Can Be Expensive

HughesNet offers a standard installation that costs up to $199.99 unless you lease your equipment. HughesNet provides the option to buy or lease a satellite dish and modem. Customers who purchase their equipment will face fewer fees overall. Rise Broadband offers free installation with most new internet plans, but customers can expect additional fees to lease a modem and receiver dish.

Rise Broadband Offers More Contract Flexibility

HughesNet requires customers to sign a contract for a minimum of two years, which means you can face an early termination fee (ETF) of up to $400. You can buy your equipment from HughesNet, but it costs $249.99 to buy outright. Rise Broadband, on the other hand, offers contract-free plans so you can avoid ETFs altogether.

Only Soft Data Caps With HughesNet

HughesNet offers internet-only plans with fixed data caps, but you can purchase HughesNet data tokens for a small fee to get additional data. The data caps are also soft, which means the company won’t cut you off if you exceed them. Rise Broadband offers unlimited data on its internet plans.

Rise Broadband Has Better Customer Service Ratings

HughesNet has a history of latency issues, which may leave some customers unsatisfied. The new hybrid plans HughesNet offers seek to circumvent that issue. Rise Broadband, meanwhile, is well known for its excellent customer service. Both have websites with customer service available 24/7.

HughesNet vs. Rise Broadband Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review HughesNet based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 6235 for HughesNet. HughesNet earned an average score of 2.78 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Rise Broadband based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 942 for Rise Broadband. Rise Broadband earned an average score of 2.97 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About HughesNet and Rise Broadband Internet Services

  • Is HughesNet or Rise Broadband cheaper?

    Rise Broadband is slightly less expensive than HughesNet, with plans starting at $55 per month. HughesNet plans start at $49.99 per month.

  • Who has faster speeds, HughesNet or Rise Broadband?

    The providers offer comparable speeds, but Rise Broadband is faster than HughesNet, with speeds up to 100 Mbps.

  • Do HughesNet and Rise Broadband have unlimited data?

    Rise Broadband offers unlimited data, while HughesNet features soft data caps.

  • Do HughesNet and Rise Broadband require a contract?

    All HughesNet plans require customers to sign a two-year contract. Rise Broadband customers, however, can enroll in a month-to-month service plan.