Satellite Internet Service Providers Index

The first satellite Internet Service was one way from the satellite to the customer's CPE. Outbound traffic from the customer CPE went though a standard analog phone line. Customers had to both "dial-up" and connect via the satellite to use the Internet. Download speeds were blazing fast, upload speeds were dial-up modem slow. Satellite ISP's are now primarily two way using only Satellite communication to and from the CPE. Advances in dish and satellite technology have made this possible. Download and upload speeds are now broadband fast and there is no need to have a phone line.

When looking for a Satellite ISP keep in mind that although many companies advertise as offering Satellite Internet Service, many are just resellers of HughesNet. It is best to go directly to HughesNet rather than purchase though a reseller. Resellers will often claim they can offer a better rate than going directly to HughesNet because of a special arrangement they have with HughesNet. We have never found this to be true. It is always better to go directly to the real ISP, HughesNet. Example: Skycasters is a company advertising as offering Satellite Internet Service. In actuality they are just another HughesNet reseller. There are also Sky Blue resellers, just not as many.

A recent TRC story offers excellent and informative insight into the two major Satellite Internet Service Providers (ISP).

Direc PC (Direcway) was formerly a service offered by DirecTV, and although branded with their logo, was actually provided by Hughes. DirecPC is no longer offered though DirecTV, and HughesNet is supporting their customers. See HughesNet for more details. The URL http://www.direcpc.com/ now redirectes to http://go.gethughesnet.com/ .

Satellite Internet Service Provider for North America. They have 100% coverage of the continental United States. HughesNet’s Consumer service is available in the 48 contiguous US states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Hughes Net is a large, well-established company that has not only been involved in the early days of Satellite technology, is also the leader in Internet satellite service. They are not inexpensive when compared to urban-based broadband providers, but at only $10 more a month than Wild Blue, they are definitely competitive for the Satellite Internet market. That extra $10 buys you real technical support from qualified staff and the assurance that the company you are dealing with will still exist tomorrow.

HughesNet Satellite Internet Access: Two-way, always on Internet connection, Surf and open web pages instantly, Download large files in minutes, not hours, Enjoy Internet music and video, Network to multiple computers, Plans for Home or Business use from $59.99/mo, Get started today for as little as $0 Upfront.

We would give HughesNet a higher rating if their pricing was more competitive with other broadband service providers. Their customer support is excellent and would receive five stars if rated independently.

Update: rating lowered due to factors including: CPE not accessable by customer with no login console or web interface. CPE only does NAT. No way to put CPE in bridge mode. Internet filtered. Optional proxy to achieve full speed. Download speed nowhere near what advertised. Highly restrictive download cap makes service useful for downloading media like video or YouTube.

• 1 (866) 347-3292
• 1 (866) 430-8170
• 1 (888) 892-2434

Hughes Network Systems, LLC

11717 Exploration Lane

Germantown, MD 20876 USA

Phone: 301-428-5500

Fax: 301-428-1868

Twx: 710-828-0541

Technical Data

HughesNet Traceroute [OUT SIDE]

 1     *        *        *     Request timed out.
 2  2191 ms   699 ms  1179 ms  dpc6682082002.direcpc.com [66.82.82.2]
 3  1458 ms   660 ms  1990 ms  dpc6682018010.direcpc.com [66.82.18.10]
 4  1210 ms   678 ms   919 ms  dpc6682016221.direcpc.com [66.82.16.221]
 5  1018 ms   859 ms   899 ms  dpc6682016065.direcpc.com [66.82.16.65]
 6  1609 ms   799 ms   889 ms  dca-edge-18.inet.qwest.net [63.237.64.85]
 7  1098 ms   869 ms   989 ms  dcp-brdr-03.inet.qwest.net [205.171.251.110]
 8  1539 ms   899 ms   970 ms  xe-9-1-0.edge1.washington4.level3.net [4.68.63.81]

Satellite Internet Service Provider for North America (most areas). They do not have 100% coverage of the United States.

This satellite ISP offers what are likely the lowest rates available among satellite providers today. However, they provide poor customer service and do not employee enough qualified technicians to support their infrastructure and customers. For a full review on Wild Blue Satellite Service please read the TRC Story.

• 1 (866) 945-3258

WildBlue Communications, Inc.

Greenwood Corporate Plaza, Bldg. 1

5970 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Suite 300

Greenwood Village, CO 80111