Spectrum is among the largest service providers in the US that offer services in over 41 states. It offers high-speed internet, cable TV, and phone services at affordable prices. Due to its wide availability in both cities and rural areas, many people often assume Spectrum as a satellite internet providers.
Well, Spectrum is a cable internet provider that relies on a hybrid fiber and coaxial cable network to deliver high-speed internet services to its customers. So it’s not a satellite internet connection. To understand this better, let’s have a quick look over the difference between satellite and cable internet.
Difference between Satellite & Cable Internet
A satellite internet connection uses a wireless network that consists of satellite dish antennas and the satellite in space. That means, it doesn’t rely on any terrestrial networks and users can get the services as long as the connection between the satellite and the dish antenna can be established.
That is why satellite internet is available almost everywhere. Even those who live at remote locations and farmhouses can get internet services without any problem.
Satellite internet offers a maximum download speed of up to 100 Mbps. However, the most commonly available download speed is up to 25 Mbps via HughesNet internet. Moreover, if we compare the prices to cable internet, it is expensive and even the equipment will cost you a few hundred dollars if you opt for it.
On the other hand, a cable internet connection is a wired network that uses coaxial cables to deliver high-speed internet services to its customers. That also makes it very reliable and capable of offering download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps.
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In comparison to satellite, cable internet is less expensive as it costs about $50 for a download speed of up to 200 Mbps. That makes it a better option than other connection types such as satellite and DSL.
The downside of cable internet is that it is only available at places that are connected to the wired cable network. So, if you are living in a rural area, it would be difficult for you to get cable internet services.
Top Satellite Internet Providers in the US
If you are living in a rural area and don’t have many internet options, then satellite internet would probably be the only best option. In such a scenario, it’s always great to know which service providers can offer you better services that can take care of your needs.
Therefore, let’s have a look at top satellite internet service providers in the US and see which one might work for you.
HughesNet
HughesNet is the top choice for satellite internet services in rural areas because of its good speed, affordable prices, and simple plans. It only offers a download speed of up to 25 Mbps. However, there are several data plans customers can choose from as per their needs.
These plans offer a monthly high-speed data allowance of 10 GB, 20 GB, 30 GB, and 50 GB. In addition to that, customers also get 50 GB of additional data with all these plans. This data can be used during the bonus time zone of 2-8 am, allowing users to schedule upgrades and download content without affecting their regular data allowance.
If customers run out of data assigned to them via their plan, they can still use services at a slower speed without paying any additional cost. They can also add more data whenever they want by purchasing data coupons. Moreover, they have the freedom to change their plan at any time by contacting customer service.
Another advantage of HughesNet is that the price is good for 2 years from the time of signing up. You can also get additional discounts based on the promotions if they are available in the area.
Viasat
Viasat is the second option for satellite internet users that offers a download speed of up to 100 Mbps. Other speed options are available for customers as well and they can choose any plan of their choice with speed and data that works for them.
Mainly there are five plans with Viasat that offer download speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps while the monthly data limit starts from 12 GB and goes up to 300 GB per month. Though this sounds amazing, the price of these plans is not affordable for everyone.
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For instance, the plan with the 12 Mbps speed and 12 GB of data per month costs about $30. The same plan with 50 GB data costs $75 per month. If you need a better speed, there is a plan with up to 25 Mbps speed and 120 GB costs $69.99 per month. That’s not all as these prices are only good for 3 months. After 3 months, you will start paying the regular rates with a 2 years contract.
That’s why most people avoid Viasat as they don’t like to see price hikes. Another drawback of Viasat is that not all speeds are available in all the areas. So if you need a download speed over 25 Mbps, chances are you might not be able to get it.
Would you like to read more about satellite internet providers-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
