In a bid to regain ground lost to the ever-expanding Starlink, HughesNet has unveiled upgraded satellite internet plans, featuring download speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
The Elite and Fusion tiers are at the forefront of this enhancement, propelled by the deployment of the Jupiter 3 satellite constellation.
Launched in July, Jupiter 3 stands out as one of the largest communications satellite constellations globally. Equipped with more than 300 spot beams, this “ultra-high-density satellite” aims to alleviate congestion and deliver faster internet connections.
Employing artificial intelligence, the satellite, in tandem with its ground system, autonomously reroutes traffic to optimize performance.
The key feature of Jupiter 3 is its ability to provide over 500 Gbps in broadband capacity, significantly elevating HughesNet’s total capacity to over 1 Tbps.
Notably, the Fusion plan combines satellite and terrestrial cellular networks to enhance speed and decrease latency, while the Elite tier relies solely on satellite constellations for connectivity.
This strategic move comes as HughesNet faces stiff competition from Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet system, which already boasts a user base exceeding 2.2 million globally. However, HughesNet’s 100 Mbps speeds fall short of Starlink’s download rates of over 220 Mbps.
Despite this speed differential, several factors make HughesNet a compelling option. Firstly, HughesNet’s pricing is more budget-friendly compared to Starlink’s $120 per month residential service.
The newly introduced 100 Mbps Fusion plan is priced at $109.99 per month, albeit with lower upload speeds capped at 5 Mbps across all plan tiers.
Moreover, the incorporation of Jupiter 3 has led to changes in HughesNet’s plans, now offering unlimited Standard Data across the board.
The Select tier provides 100 GB of priority data, while the Elite and Fusion plans, priced at $89.99 and $109.99 per month respectively, offer 200 GB of priority data.
Another advantage lies in HughesNet’s approach to equipment. Unlike Starlink, where customers must purchase equipment upfront, HughesNet offers the option to lease equipment.
Startup costs for HughesNet’s satellite plans include a $299.99 equipment fee or $14.99 per month for rental. The Fusion plan’s equipment can be purchased for $449.99 or rented for $19.99 per month, making HughesNet a more accessible choice.
To sweeten the deal, HughesNet is currently offering discounts on its plans. Customers can sign up for the Select plan at $49.99 per month for the first 12 months, the Elite plan at $64.99 per month, or lock in the Fusion plan at $79.99 per month for a year.
In conclusion, HughesNet’s strategic upgrade with the Jupiter 3 satellite constellation and enhanced internet plans underscores its commitment to compete with industry giant Starlink.
While not matching Starlink’s top speeds, HughesNet positions itself as a more economical and accessible choice for consumers seeking reliable satellite internet services.
