Have you ever wondered how airplane are able to keep you connected to the internet. We explore how airline passengers can stay connected even when they are soaring through the skies.
19 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Internet, Technology | No Comments
We outdid ourselves when we conquered the skies, and now, with in-flight internet connectivity, we’ve once again proven that the sky is indeed the limit!
As more and more millennials board flights around the US, 88% of the population rate their flight experience based on in-flight connectivity quality and speed. It has become a staple for airlines to offer premium in-flight internet connectivity even miles above the ground as evidenced by a recent article in aviation week.
Internet up in the sky is not much different from internet on the ground; airlines use the same satellites and towers your wireless broadband connection does to provide you with seamless world wide web access.
However, the reason your Wi-Fi connection is faster and stronger on the ground is that the towers that catch the signals from satellites are grounded on the surface of the Earth. They’re much closer to you when you’re at home, rather than when you’re soaring miles above them.
But as the demand for faster in-flight internet connectivity grows, airlines and ISPs are partnering up to provide the best IFC to passengers at the lowest rates possible.
As airlines and ISPs work in collaboration to provide the best IFC to their customers, they’re making use of advanced technology to do so. As we know, the two most common sources of internet connectivity on ground or otherwise are:
This involves data signals being transmitted from on-ground towers. These signals are caught by airplane antennas and vice versa. This is similar to how your wireless broadband connection works at home.
However, since the antennas and these towers are not in proximity, the connection is slow and doesn’t offer the ability to stream video, for instance. Not to forget that the connection breaks once you reach a certain altitude, which is a given since you’re on a plane!
The more advanced IFC solution is satellite connectivity. ISP's use airplane antennas to catch satellite signals that provide high-speed internet connectivity at heights.
Although the gear used in providing quality internet connectivity is the same as that on-ground, airlines have to use sophisticated equipment to grip on to network signals because they’re soaring through the skies on an average speed of 550 miles/hour! Therefore, they need ISPs that have several towers and a strong satellite base so the connection isn’t lost in travel.
There are many internet service providers on the market that can provide high-speed, quality internet connectivity on planes or on the ground. You can find more about them on KonnectEaze, a website that helps you compare the best internet service providers across the states to find the best in your area!
Looking to upgrade or switch your internet service? You have options! Explore the best internet providers that 2020 has to offer.
05 December, 2023 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Reviews, Internet | No Comments
About 90% of all adults in the United States use the internet.
The internet has undergone rapid growth in recent years. Between 2018 and 2019, there was an increase in new internet users by 9%. There are numerous ways how the internet has transformed people's lives, from e-commerce to social media to emails.
As internet usage has increased, so too have the options available to people. There are five common types of broadband internet connections: digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber, cable, wireless, and satellite.
This guide will examine the best internet provider in speed, price, reliability, and customer satisfaction. If you're curious about what your internet options are, then keep reading to see an in-depth breakdown of the various kinds.
DSL uses wireline transmission technology. It is able to transmit data through the traditional copper telephone lines installed at homes and businesses.
The most popular DSL internet providers around are:
Winner: CenturyLink
CenturyLink is the second largest DSL provider, covering over 48 million people in 39 states.
It offers a vast array of plans. Some of the more expensive plans top out at the highest possible speeds when for DSL. The speeds are so high that it outdoes all other top DSL providers, topping out at 100 Mbps.
CenturyLink also has what's called Price for Life. This means that the plan you sign up for won't change throughout the duration of your service at the same address.
Winner: CenturyLink
The internet deals that CenturyLink offers are straightforward. Basically, you'll pay $49 per month, and your download speeds can reach up to 100 Mbps. It also has a Price for Life set-up, which means your monthly bill will never increase on you.
Winner: Verizon
If you hate contracts, then Verizon will be a great choice for you. There are no fees for canceling your service early. The lack of a contract gives you the flexibility to do a test run of Verizon's DSL internet. If you don't like the speeds and rates it offers, you're free to walk away with no obligations.
Verizon's data limit is high, topping out around 1.5 terabytes. If you aren't sure what that translates to, it's more than enough data for an entire family to stream and do online gaming without encountering any issues.
Customer service for Verizon is also top-notch. If you encounter any issues, the customer service representatives will do everything in their power to help you and remain pleasant throughout the process.
Winner: AT&T
AT&T is one of the largest DSL providers around and with good reason. It brings coverage to 21 states and around 120 million people.
While many other internet service providers use unclear language and include hidden fees in the contract, AT&T is transparent. This includes the actual amount you'll pay for the coverage you choose, including activation fees, installation fees, and more. This makes customers happy. No one likes feeling tricked and AT&T does its best to help people feel in control.
Download speeds for AT&T range between 1-10 Mbps. These speeds are enough for two people to surf the web at the same time.
Fiber internet service changes electrical signals with data into light and sends it through transparent glass fibers. Fiber is a high-speed internet service that exceeds DSL and cable modem.
The top fiber internet providers around are:
Winner: CenturyLink
CenturyLink brings some of the top speeds around. It's starting price is $65 per month, and you'll get 100 Mbps of internet. While CenturyLink may be pricier than other options, that price is locked in and will never rise.
If you are a family who enjoys streaming different shows at once or gaming together, you'll need these high Mbps speeds to ensure no lag time or buffering.
Winner: Frontier
Frontier is aimed at the West Coast, so if you don't live in California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, or Washington, then this internet provider likely won't be available to you.
The internet provider has a plan that starts at $30 per month with 50 Mbps speeds. The other plan it provides is $40 per month with speeds up to 500 Mbps.
Winner: AT&T
No matter where you live, AT&T brings widespread coverage. At the moment, AT&T is the largest fiber network in the United States.
Verizon is flexible with its plans and also offers bundling options. You're able to customize your TV and internet and phone services.Â
Internet speeds with AT&T are top-notch and its customer service continually wins high marks for satisfaction. Overall, AT&T is a reliable internet service provider where you can get great speed and service, though at a somewhat higher price than other providers.
Winner: Verizon
Verizon brings great fiber speeds and unlimited data. However, it's the customer service that makes Verizon shine.
The internet provider is consistent in providing excellent customer service and has top marks with Consumer Reports and the American Consumer Satisfaction Index.
If you choose Verizon, you'll know you're getting reliable internet speeds, decent costs, and clear billing with no hidden fees.
A cable modem service is able to allow cable providers to provide broadband service using the coaxial cables of your television. A cable modem is a separate device you must purchase. It has two connections that must plug in: one to the cable wall outlet, the other to the computer.
The most common cable internet providers are:
Winner: Mediacom
Mediacom brings a massive range in speeds. It's lowest plan starts at 60 Mbps and then skyrockets up to 1,000 Mbps
If you have a large family where you'll have one person using the wifi, another streaming their favorite show on Netflix, and someone else playing online games, then Mediacom has you covered. Mediacom caters to heavy internet users who feel the need for speed.
Winner: Xfinity
Xfinity offers the widest range of plans, which means it also has some of the cheaper internet options. Its plans start at 10 Mbps and go all the way up to 2,000 Mbps in certain locations.
The cheapest plan it offers is known as the Performance Starter. It prices out at $29.99 per month and gives 25 Mbps.
If you're looking for something a bit more midrange, then there's the Performance plan. You'll pay $34.99 per month for it, and get up to 100 Mbps.
If you need super high speeds to handle your gaming and streaming needs, then go with the Extreme Pro. It costs $74.99 per month and offers 600 Mbps.
Winner: Spectrum
Spectrum is the only service provider in this category that doesn't do data caps. That alone was enough to help it win the reliability category. No matter how much internet surfing you do, at the end of the month, you won't be penalized.
Winner: Cox
As far as cable internet providers go, Cox Communications steals the show for customer satisfaction. It gets high scores in customer service on a consistent basis. Cox gives reliable service, high internet speeds, and has customer service representatives and technicians who go out of their way to ensure you are happy with your service.
Wireless makes use of a radio link between your home and the service provider to provide broadband internet. People who live in remote areas where DSL or cable aren't available often opt to use wireless.
Winner: Rise Broadband
In 2019, Rise Broadband won multiple awards for its high internet speeds as a fixed wireless provider. Rise Broadband won the Top Internet Speeds Nationwide award and the Top 3 Fastest Fixed Wireless Providers Nationwide award.
Winner: One Ring Networks
One Ring Networks is one of the top fixed wireless internet providers in the United States. It offers several different plans to choose from, which means more options to choose from that start at lower prices.
Winner: Rise Broadband
Rise Broadband has wide availability as one of the largest fixed wireless providers in America. It's also easier than other options when it comes to setting up service as a new subscriber.
Winner: One Ring Networks
One Ring Networks has won multiple awards as a top fixed wireless internet provider. It provides several different plans to choose from with great speed, and gets consistent high marks for its customer service.
A satellite internet service requires that a satellite dish be installed on your property. It then bounces a signal between the dish and a satellite orbiting the earth. Satellite is a type of wireless broadband.
Some of the top satellite internet providers around are:
Winner: Viasat
If you want the fastest internet speeds possible, then Viasat is the way to go. It boasts speeds up to 100 Mbps and a data cap of up to 150 GB.
It has a wide range of plans to choose from, as well. Its lowest plan starts at $30 per month and gives you 12 MBps. Its highest plan goes up to $150 per month with 100 Mbps.
Winner: HughesNet
Viasat hikes its prices up on you after the first three months, which means HughesNet is the winner for affordability. HughesNet offers transparent pricing that won't go up after a few months.
HughesNet doesn't price its plans according to download speeds. Instead, it prices out its plans by how high the data cap goes.
The cheapest plan starts at $59.99 per month. Like with all the plans, you'll get 25 Mbps. Where it differs is the data cap. With this plan, you'll have a data cap of 10 GB.
The next plan up is $69.99 per month and has a data cap of 20 GB.
After that, there's a bigger step up in price. The next plan up is $99.99 per month. You still get 25 Mbps, but your data cap is 30 GB.
The most expensive plan is another sizeable jump at $150 per month. However, it also has the highest data cap at 50 GB. This plan is more than enough to cover a family of four that is streaming and gaming at the same time.
Winner: Viasat
Viasat brings top-notch internet speeds with data caps that go as high as 150 GB. Its internet service runs smooth with few interruptions, making it the best choice for any family with heavy internet users.
Winner: HughesNet
When it comes to HughesNet vs Viasat, HughesNet wins in the area of customer satisfaction.
There are no mid-contract price hikes with HughesNet, unlike with Viasat. Also, all of HughesNet's plans are clear and transparent. You know what you're getting for what you pay.
If you're shopping around for internet, you've likely tried Googling internet service providers in my area. However, that'll pull up every single internet provider under the sun, from cable to satellite.
When you're doing a search of internet providers near me or internet service in my area, be sure to whittle down the results by also including the type of provider you want.
From there, be sure to compare the various providers in the key areas that are most important to you. If youre sick of dealing with customer service reps with bad attitudes, look for a service provider that has stellar ratings in customer satisfaction.
On a budget? Look for internet providers that offer numerous plans at different prices. Have a family of gamers that gobble up data? You'll want to find an internet provider that brings high internet speeds and no data cap.
Choosing the best internet provider can be a complicated process, but it's well worth the effort.
Make a list of the top providers in your area, and then write down the pros and cons of each. Look at the different packages they offer, the prices of each, and how their customer service is rated. Also, be sure to look out for hidden fees. Some internet providers like to sneak in a price hike after you've been with them for a couple of months.
Use Konecteaze today to search for providers and compare plans.
When you become a new homeowner finding an internet provider may seem tricky. Read on to learn about Viasat vs Hughesnet and which is best for you.
19 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Reviews, Internet, Service Providers | No Comments
According to the 2018 American Community Survey, over 8.4 million households use satellite internet.
That's around 6% of the total population in America. Most households who choose satellite internet live in rural areas where cable isn't offered.
Two of the largest satellite providers in the U.S. are Viasat and HughesNet. Are you wondering which internet provider is the best for you? In this guide, we'll do an in-depth comparison of Viasat vs HughesNet.
In terms of coverage density, the far south in Key West, Florida and then much of Michigan, and other extreme rural areas, seem to use Viasat the most. HughesNet is scattered throughout the rest of the U.S.
HughesNet offers a variety of internet package plans. Each plan varies in price based on how much GB data you want.
10 GB Data Plan - This plan starts at $59.99/month. The download speed is up to 25 Mbps, and upload speed is up to 3 Mbps. If you exceed 10 GB for the month, you'll stay connected, but at reduced speeds. This plan is best for light internet users who stream around 15 hours of video in a given month.
20 GB Data Plan - Starting at $69.99/month, the 20 GB data plan gives a download speed up to 25 Mbps and an upload speed up to 3 Mbps. The average internet user will find this plan the most appealing. This plan is able to accommodate streaming up to 30 hours of video per month with ease.
30 GB Data Plan - This plan starts at $99.99/month. It offers the same download and upload speeds as the other plans. If you have a family who all enjoy gaming and streaming their own shows in their rooms, you'll want this plan. The 30 GB data plan is able to handle streaming up to 45 hours of video in a given month.
50 GB Data Plan - Starting at $149.99/month, the 50 GB data plan affords the same download and upload speed as all the other plans. If you have a larger family who are all heavy internet users, this is the plan for you. This plan is able to stream up to 72 hours of video per month without any issues.
Viasat internet service plans start out cheaper at $30/month, making it a cheaper option than HughesNet. Its download speeds also have a wider range, starting at 12 Mbps and going up to 100 Mbps.
There are multiple Viasat unlimited internet plans to choose from. However, be aware that “unlimited” doesn’t mean they give unlimited high-speed data. Each plan gives a certain amount of priority data, then you’ll hit a “soft cap” where the internet speed slows down.
Liberty 12 - This is the cheapest Viasat plan at $30/month. The download speed is at 12 Mbps, and it has a data cap at 12 GB.
Liberty 25 - The Liberty 25 plan starts at $50/month. You get 12 Mbps with the plan and a data cap of 25 GB.
Liberty 50 - The final Liberty plan, this one starts at $75/month. You get 12 Mbps with the plan, and up to 75 GB.
Unlimited Bronze 12 - The first step in the Bronze plan, this one starts at $50/month. It gives a download speed of 12 MBps, and has a data cap of 35 GB.
Unlimited Bronze 25 - This plan starts at $50/month. Bronze has a download speed of 25 Mbps, and a data cap of 35 GB.
Unlimited Silver 12 - The bottom Silver tier, this plan is $100/month. You can get 12 Mbps for your download speed, and have a data ap of 45 GB.
Unlimited Silver 25 - Silver starts at $70/month. The plan gives 25 Mbps, and has a data cap of 60 GB.
Unlimited Gold 12 - The bottom tier Gold plan, this starts at $150/month. You get a download speed of 12 Mbps, and a data cap of 65 GB.
Unlimited Gold 30 - The next step up in the Gold tier, this plan is $100/month. You get a download speed of 30 Mbps, and a data cap of 100 GB.
Unlimited Gold 50 - This plan begins at $100/month, and gives a download speed of 50 Mbps and gives up to 100 GB.
Unlimited Platinum 100 - Platinum begins at $150/month. The plan affords 100 Mbps for downloads, and has a data cap of 150 GB.
With Viasat, you're going to pay more than you will with HughesNet. However, Viasat also offers higher speeds than HughesNet.
Much of what you'll pay will depend upon where you live in the United States. You might be able to find a fast, cheap plan in one state, but then a slower plan at the same cost in another state. It all depends on the region you live in.
With Viasat, after the first three months, the price you pay will go up a fair amount. For example, the Liberty 12 plan may start at $30/month, but after the three-month mark, you'll be looking at $50/month.
Here's how the other Viasat plans price out after three months:
HughesNet is more straightforward and consistent with its pricing. The price that you sign up for remains the same for your whole two-year contract.
You have to turn to the satellite internet reviews of the two providers to determine the quality of their customer service. When looking at HughesNet vs Viasat internet reviews, you'll notice that both are competitive in the customer service field.
Both internet providers offer phone, email, and online chat customer service. If that isn't enough, both also have an online forum where the community on there can give additional help.
Unlike many cable internet providers who charge to install their equipment, both Viasat and HughesNet do free installation. Customers do not have the option to install their own equipment. Though considering installation is free, why would you want to?
Customer service is helpful with both providers and will work with you to choose a time that works best for a technician to come out and install the equipment. All satellite internet requires hardware (like a dish) to be set up outside of the house. The placement of the hardware has a direct impact on how fast the internet runs uninterrupted.
Viasat internet plans all come with free standard installation. If you choose to lease the satellite equipment, you'll pay $9.99/month. This also includes the cost of built-in WiFi.
Viasat also has an option where you can do an upfront lifetime prepaid flat-rate amount of $299.99. If you plan to stay with Viasat for more than two years, this will be the most cost-efficient option for you.
HughesNet also does free installation. It's advised that you choose to lease the equipment, rather than opt to purchase. When you purchase equipment from HughesNet, you'll be stuck with the same equipment and unable to upgrade without paying for it. If you lease, then you're able to do free equipment upgrades.
Satellite is notorious for advertising fast download speeds, but then failing to deliver on the promise. This often comes down to a latency issue, however.
According to a report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), HughesNet delivers on its promised download speeds. In fact, it was shown they even sometimes exceed what is advertised.
Viasat was quite the opposite. The FCC found that Viasat often delivered far slower internet speeds than what they claimed to give.
Customer reviews reflect these findings.
To answer the question of whether HughesNet or Viasat can give you the best data plan, you need to know how much data you use and need.
How much data you need depends on your internet habits. It'll also come down to how many devices you use and how many users will be using the internet in the household.
Do you and your family stream videos often? Are you gaming? How many people use the internet at the same time in the household?
Every 1 GB of data enables the streaming of 30 minutes of videos. Take into consideration how much 1 GB allows when trying to decide how much data you need each month.
With Viasat, they price their internet plans based on where you live. They offer two different types of plans: Liberty and Unlimited.
Liberty is going to give you 12 Mbps download speed. The varying levels of the Liberty plans are priced off of priority data per month. However, if you want to get free extra data, they offer a short window to do so from the late-night hours of 3 AM to 6 AM each day.
HughesNet prices its internet plans based on data allowance. All of the plans come with 25 Mbps for download speed. Their cheapest plan gives 10 GB, and the most expensive one goes up to 50 GB of data. If you go over this allotment, you are penalized with reduced speeds for the remainder of that month.
HughesNet also has a window where you can pull a bonus amount of 50 GB that's separate from the regular allotment. You can only pull from this bonus amount between 1 AM and 8 AM.
Viasat offers bundle packages thanks to their partnership with DIRECTV. HughesNet doesn't offer any bundles whatsoever.
HughesNet's complete lack of bundling options means that Viasat wins in this category. If you live way out in a rural area that's far from the city, odds are satellite is your only option for TV, the same as your internet. Being able to bundle your TV provider with your internet provider is essential when it comes to saving money.
Both Viasat and HughesNet share several similarities, and this includes their contract commitment. Both providers require a 24-month long contract commitment when you first sign up.
With HughesNet, if you cancel within the first 90 days of service, you are hit with an early termination fee of $400. Each month after that first 90 days decreases the early termination fee by $15. So if you quit the month following after the first 90 days, you'd pay $385 instead of $400.
With Viasat, if you terminate your contract early, you must pay $15 for each remaining month within the 24-month agreement. In some areas, Viasat allows you to forgo agreeing to a contract if you pay an extra fee of $300.
If you didn't pay the extra fee to avoid a contract, you'll be stuck paying the early termination fee. This means that if you cancel your service a month into the 24-month contract, you're looking at paying a termination fee of $345 for the 23 months that were remaining.
In the Viasat vs HughesNet debate, both have their strengths and drawbacks.
Though Viasat is pricier, the sheer amount of options it offers makes it easier to choose as an internet provider. It gives faster speeds and more unlimited data. It's also worth noting that the base plan for Viasat is cheaper than HughesNet's base plan. In addition, Viasat's base plan gives a higher data cap than HughesNet.
In the end, it might be best to choose Viasat. You're able to browse through more plan options, have access to higher speeds, and are able to bundle your services if need be.
However, if you need a straightforward, simple plan and don't require much from your internet, HughesNet may be in your best interests. Overall, HughesNet is far cheaper than Viasat. HughesNet keeps its plans priced the same for the duration of your contract. The same can't be said for Viasat, who hikes their prices after your first three months with the provider have passed. The price hike isn't small, either. In most cases, prices increase by an average of $40.
KonectEaze can help you find and compare the best internet provider in your area. Compare providers today by your zip code!
Viasat WiFi Internet : A Comprehensive Review for 2020
25 March, 2022 | Posted by:
Category: Deals & Packages, Reviews, Internet, Service Providers | No Comments
So you’ve packed up your things and moved your family away from the hustle and bustle of the BIG City out to the crisp, clean, country air of Rural Town, USA.. but then it hits you...
“What do these country folks do out here for high speed internet?!??”
You start contacting every internet service provider (ISP) you’ve ever been with or heard of from the likes of Comcast Xfinity to Charter Spectrum to AT&T U-Verse to CenturyLink and so on but no ISP seems to service your address.
This realization that fiber optic cables (Fios) and high-speed cable broadband internet connections are all things that you left behind in the Big City along with the traffic lights and fire hydrants can be a HUGE culture shock.
But take a deep breath… There’s no need to stress, satellite internet has got you covered on all your internet WiFi needs. It might not be the highspeed internet option you were looking for but it’s the best option you have.
Today we’re going to take a look at Viasat satellite internet.
Viasat is 1 of 2 major satellite internet providers in the United States. The other one being HughesNet. Headquartered out of Carlsbad, CA, Viasat became a real player in the high-speed internet game after launching their Boeing built Viasat-2 satellite dish into orbit in June of 2017.
This new state of the art technology allows the company to offer customers speeds up to 100Mbps internet speed in select areas which is the highest internet speed via a satellite dish you can find in the US.
Viasat plans to launch a trio of satellites codenamed “Viasat-3” in 2021 and it boasts that it will be a gamechanger for not only Americans in rural areas as far as high speed broadband goes but as well as people all around the globe. They expect to be the world’s first Global ISP. That is not to say that there isn't competition out there, just check out the article on arstechnica.com that speaks about who the competition is and the new space race to provide internet connectivity.
So the future looks bright for all of Viasat’s customers. Let’s now review the broadband plans that they offer.
If you want to quickly check to see which set of Viasat satellite internet plans are available in your area you can click here.
1st set| Plan | Speed | Equipment ! Leasing Charge | Comes with WiFi? | Data | Streaming Picture Quality | Price |
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | 12Mbps | $10 | Yes | 40GB | 360p | $70 |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | 25Mbps | $10 | Yes | 60GB | 480p | $100 |
| Unlimited Bronze 50 | 50Mbps | $10 | Yes | 100GB | 720p | $150 |
| Unlimited Bronze 100 | 100Mbps | $10 | Yes | 150GB | 1080p | $200 |
| Plan | Speed | Equipment ! Leasing Charge | Comes with WiFi? | Data | Streaming Picture Quality | Price |
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | 12Mbps | $10 | Yes | 40GB | 360p | $70 |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | 25Mbps | $10 | Yes | 60GB | 480p | $100 |
| Unlimited Bronze 50 | 50Mbps | $10 | Yes | 100GB | 720p | $150 |
| Plan | Speed | Equipment ! Leasing Charge | Comes with WiFi? | Data | Streaming Picture Quality | Price |
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | 12Mbps | $10 | Yes | 40GB | 360p | $70 |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | 25Mbps | $10 | Yes | 60GB | 480p | $100 |
| Unlimited Bronze 30 | 30Mbps | $10 | Yes | 100GB | 720p | $150 |
| Plan | Speed | Equipment ! Leasing Charge | Comes with WiFi? | Data | Streaming Picture Quality | Price |
| Liberty 12 | 12Mbps | Yes | No | 12GB | 360p | $50 |
| Liberty 25 | 12Mbps | Yes | Yes | 25GB | 360p | $75 |
| Liberty 50 | 12Mbps | Yes | Yes | 50GB | 360p | $100 |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | 25Mbps | Yes | Yes | 100GB | 480p | $150 |
| Plan | Speed | Equipment ! Leasing Charge | Comes with WiFi? | Data | Streaming Picture Quality | Price |
| Liberty 12 | 12Mbps | Yes | No | 12GB | 360p | $50 |
| Liberty 25 | 12Mbps | Yes | No | 25GB | 360p | $75 |
| Liberty 50 | 12Mbps | Yes | No | 50GB | 360p | $100 |
| Plan | Speed | Equipment ! Leasing Charge | Comes with WiFi? | Data | Streaming Picture Quality | Price |
| Liberty 12 | 12Mbps | Yes | Yes | 35GB | 360p | $100 |
| Liberty 12 | 12Mbps | Yes | Yes | 45GB | 480p | $150 |
| Liberty 12 | 12Mbps | Yes | Yes | 65GB | 720p | $200 |
~ All plans require credit approval and come with a 2-year contract. Breaking the contract is a $15 penalty for every month left remaining on the 2-year agreement. You can enter into a no contract plan if you pay for the equipment upfront costing $300.
~ A credit check will determine any type of startup fees. If you pass the credit check, Installation is typically free but in some areas there will be an install fee up to $150 but can vary.
Failed credit checks doesn’t mean you cannot get the service. It just means that you didn’t qualify for the lease option for the equipment and you will have to pay $300 for the equipment upfront along with any installation fee if there is any.
~ The upload speed of 3Mbps is universal on all plans.
~ Viasat offers a “Lifetime Lease Fee” option that will erase the equipment leasing charge of $10 off of every bill. If you do the math, it’s equivalent of paying $10 for 30 months or 2 ½ years which could add savings in the long run if you plan on being a long-term customer.
~ Plans that do not include Wi-Fi will require you to provide your own router if you want wireless internet. Otherwise you will be provided with just a modem that can ethernet into the back of one device at a time. You can pick up a router at your local Best Buy for as little as $30.
~ “Unlimited” plans come unlimited data along with a set usage data threshold. When you reach your set usage threshold, you can still use the internet, but you may or may not experience slower speeds during network congestion (3-5Mbps); typically the early morning or early evening hours, when Viasat’s network sees the most traffic from people who are home using the internet.
Viasat is very good at regulating the distribution of data which keeps network congestion at a minimum which should also minimize any type of slow down periods for any customers who’ve exceeded their set usage data threshold.
~ “Liberty” plans still come with unlimited data but you’re more likely to see slowdowns with your speed if you are to exceed your plan’s data cap as opposed to the “Unlimited” plans.
“Liberty” plans also come with a “Free Zone” which happens every day between the hours of 3am-6am where you can use as much data as you’d like without pulling from your monthly data allowance.
~ Home Phone with unlimited local and long distance calling with all major calling features (3 way calling, call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, etc.) can be added for $19.99 more a month for the first 6 months and reverts to its regular price of $29.99. There is no contract for the phone, just the internet.
~ All internet packages require a valid form of payment (debit/credit card or banking account) on file that will be set for auto bill pay. You can choose to go without auto bill pay for an additional monthly fee of $5.
~ Customers are also allowed to suspend their account AKA “Vacation Mode” for up to 6 months out of the year and will only be charge the monthly equipment leasing charge ($10) during those months. This comes in handy for 2nd homes or vacation properties.
~ Viasat offers an ongoing $10 monthly bundle discount for all DirecTV satellite TV subscribers.
Viasat or satellite internet, in general, will always offer better internet speeds than a DSL (phone line) internet connection. This is particularly true because satellite internet is a dedicated connection to one’s home.
When you’re with a DSL provider (ATT, CenturyLink, Frontier, etc.) you’re on a shared network. Being on a shared network means your speeds/bandwidth are affected by other customers in your neighborhood running off the same internet/telephone line as you and vice versa. DSL speeds are low to begin with so having to share them with other customers can make it very slow to do the most basic of internet functions.
So if your next door neighbor, who is a fellow DSL subscriber, starts watching a cat video on YouTube, you’ll see that your internet speed has been lowered; conversely, you can return the favor by starting up a movie on Netflix, dropping their speeds and bandwidth as well. That’s neighborly love!
With satellite internet, you’re only competing with the rest of your household members for your internet speeds. With DSL you’re competing with not only your household but also all your neighbors which can make the next neighborhood block party pretty awkward.
But then something happened... The day to day needs of the common internet consumer changed. And it all came down to one main internet practice... STREAMING.
You can rarely find a person nowadays who doesn’t subscribe to a Netflix or Hulu or Amazon Prime or most recently, Disney Plus account or at least borrows one of their family members’ or friend’s login (Don’t worry your secret is safe with me). Heck, even our smartphones nowadays come with these apps preinstalled not to mention YouTube.
HughesNet’s dated satellite technology just can’t handle the amount of data that is required to comfortably stream video throughout a month’s period. They offer 4 plans which all come with the speed of 25Mbps.
The internet speed of 25Mbps is not the issue here because only 5Mbps is required to stream in 1080p on any of these platforms without buffering. The real issue is their extremely low “soft data caps” of 10GB, 20GB, 30GB, and 50GB (50GB will run you about $160 a month). HughesNet’s plans are very similar to Viasat’s “Liberty” plans.
A “soft data cap” means that your internet won’t stop working nor will you pay overages if you go over your plan’s data limit, you’ll just be put down to a lowered speed, typically 3 to 5Mbps, for the remainder of the billing period unless you call in to HughesNet customer service to purchase “Data Tokens” or upgrade to a higher plan. 3-5Mbps could cripple a family’s home when it comes to any internet action. We’re talking speeds similar to the “AOL Days” (America Online). “You’ve Got Mail! It’s just going to take a minute to load...
Viasat saw this need in the market and created a technology alongside Boeing (well-known company that creates aircraft and spacecraft) that could handle streaming and finally give the cordcutters what they’ve been wanting in rural America. This was all launched in June of 2017 and may also be the same month HughesNet was dethroned as King.
Mostly all areas of the country have access to Viasat’s “Unlimited” plans which yeah, they say has a “soft data cap” but you’re not guaranteed a slowdown once you hit the plan’s data allowance. It only would be throttled if the network is being slammed with congestion. Viasat claims that on all their “Unlimited” plans you’re allowed approximately 100hrs of video streaming without risking exceeding your monthly data cap.
Speed is another factor that HughesNet cannot compete with Viasat on. Again, HughesNet can only offer 25Mbps whereas Viasat can offer most customers speeds up to 100Mbps. Granted the 100Mbps plan comes with a hefty price tag of $200/month but to some it’s worth every penny when it comes to having the best possible internet they can have at their home.
Certain video games that require an instant response in online multiplayer arenas will suffer due to lag or latency. Essentially, you’ll hit a button and it will take 0.5-3 seconds for the desired action to happen on screen. It’s enough to make the most hardcore gamer rage and throw their controller through a television screen.
This all stems from the fact that the signal needs to travel from your home to outer space to hit the satellite dish in orbit and then back down to earth to the gaming servers and then back to your home, which in turn, causes this latency. It travels the speed of light but it’s still a long way up and down. Wired internet services do not have to travel to outer space and do not suffer from this latency.
First person shooters, battle royale, and sports games will suffer the most from this.
All other gaming needs will work just fine with Viasat like single player games, casino games, game apps on tablets and phones, as well as downloading new games and updates for your games.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) suffer from the same exact issue. Although many times when it comes to VPN’ing, you’ll just be kicked out of the virtual network altogether. Most VPN’s require information to be constantly fed to its server, otherwise it thinks it’s being attacked or hacked into. With satellite’s latency the VPN will consider your connection as a hacking attempt and will boot you from the server.
Many online gamers and people who need to connect to a VPN to work from home remedy these 2 issues by taking advantage of the “mobile hotspot” feature included on most smartphone cell phone plans. Because there's usually a monthly data cap with mobile hotspots, they use the hotspot to game and work and use the satellite internet service for all other online activities. Pro tips!
Their pricing is rather high when comparing to other providers but I guess it comes down to the old adage “You get what you pay for”.
Despite limitations on online gaming and VPN’s they look to be the #1 option for streamers and heavy internet users in rural areas.
An easy way to see what Viasat can offer at your address is to use a reliable site like KonectEaze. One of their professional agents can determine serviceability for your home and go over the speeds and plans available to you.
Keeping you up to date with High Speed Broadband Internet Providers updates news and information.
17 February, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Apps, Business Internet, Cable, Entertainment, Gaming, Deals & Packages, News, Reviews, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology, This & That, Tips, TV | No Comments
February 10, 2020
02/10/2020
Hey there Internet Explorers! Here are some quick hits about what is going on in the world of broadband internet, satellite internet and internet service providers.
· The Broadband Space Race is on:
o Last Thursday, February 6, 2020, a rocket was sent into space with the intent of changing up the landscape of what internet providers can offer from a speed and availability standpoint. No its not AT&T, Comcast (Xfinity), Spectrum or some other big cable company trying to dominate the airwaves. Instead, the rocket was equipped with several of hundreds of satellites to be deployed by OneWeb Satellite and SpaceX. The goal of this and future launches is to cast a web of hundreds of satellites circling the globe aimed at giving high speed 5G internet access to each and every person on the planet. Believe it or not, there are still rural parts of the United States that have very little access to high speed internet. These folks have had to resort to satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat to be able to provide them internet access. Not to be outdone, HughesNet and Viasat are planning to harness the power of their existing network as well as new innovations to ensure they stay on top of the satellite internet game. More on that to come in the near future…
· Not as many people have Access to High Speed Internet as previously thought:
o According to a PC Magazine article It looks like the FCC may have botched how it reported the number of Americans who have access to broadband high speed internet. Believe it or not the article states over 42 million people don’t have internet fast enough to stream their favorite shows on Netflix.
· Rural Digital Opportunity Fund:
o Yaaay! Faster internet for all. In January 2020, the FCC decided to allocate over 10 Billion in funding to help provide fast internet to the rest of the United States. The Rural Digital Opportunity fund will create jobs, opportunity and most important of all the ability of all Americans to be able to binge watch their shows on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.
· Down goes Spectrum:
o Spectrum High Speed Internet television and phone service came to an abrupt halt over the weekend leaving many of their customers upset, frustrated and disconnected from the online world. This affected areas of New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and various other cities and states on the North East Coast. It seems as though bad weather was to blame. I just hope those customers had their DVR’s filled or old DVD’s to help pass the time trapped in their homes.
