Major Internet Service Providers In The U.S. Ranked Worst To Best

For many Americans living across the vast open spaces of this country, the only internet access is via satellite. This leaves few options and they tend to be pricey. One of the oldest and largest operators of satellite broadband is HughesNet, with its first consumer services via satellite commencing in the 1990s.

What you need to know about satellite broadband is that it is highly limited. Speeds of data transfer are limited to a maximum of 25 Mbps and total data packages are limited to plans offering from 15 GB to 100 GB per month, which compares very unfavorably to the 1,000+ GB of terrestrial internet providers.

However, if you live far outside of the city, your options may only be dial-up internet, with a maximum speed of 56 Bbps, over a phone line or this. Some locations, such as those deep into the mountains, may not even have phone service, making HughesNet the only connection to the world.

While data may be limited, costs are high. Prices start at $64.99 and range up to $149.99. All plans offer the same 25 Mbps speed, but data caps vary, although access is never cut. When your plan has used all its included data, speeds are limited to just 3 Mbps. Overall, HughesNet is a terrible value, but its existence is a godsend to many who eschew city life or whose work is what feeds the rest of us every day.