The popularity of satellite internet connections is growing in remote and rural parts of the United States, largely because of these two providers:
HughesNet and
SkyWay USA. Each company requires that the consumer purchase or lease the satellite equipment - dish, mounts, modem, wiring - but there are key difference in their internet services, plans, and speeds.
HughesNet
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Offers three plans and speeds to choose from starting at $59.99 a month regularly, the first three months are $39.99.
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Download speeds ranging from 1.0 Mbps to 2.0 Mbps.
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Upload speeds ranging from 200 Kbps to a maximum of 300 Kbps.
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Both uploading and downloading are transmitted through the satellite dish.
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Includes free email accounts – five or ten, depending on the plan the consumer selects.
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Offers service to all of the 48 contiguous states.
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Company policy requires a certified installer to connect and activate the equipment.
SkyWay USA
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Offers four connection plans ranging from $39.95 to $89.95 a month.
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Download speeds range from 384 Kbps to a maximum of 1.5 Mbps.
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Only downloading is transmitted through the satellite dish, uploading is transmitted through a dial-up modem.
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Includes free email accounts – five are offered with each plan.
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Consumers can install the equipment themselves or a professionally-trained installer can perform that service for an additional $100 fee.