Comparison of HughesNet & AT&T Satellite Services

AT&T;'s satellite Internet service is provided in partnership with WildBlue. WildBlue provides Internet service using two satellites, which communicate with a dedicated dish installed at a subscriber's home or business. WildBlue plans include multiple e-mail accounts, as well as a security suite with anti-virus and anti-spyware during the first 12 months of service. Plans also include free professional installation and 24-hour technical support.

HughesNet offers high-speed satellite Internet throughout the contiguous United States. Internet is provided via a satellite that communicates through Hughes Network Operating Centers to a dedicated satellite dish and modem installed at a home or business. Customers with a clear view of the southern sky can access HughesNet's Internet service. Each plan includes professional standard installation, access to 24-hour live technical support, multiple e-mail accounts, spam and virus protection software, blog creation tools, and a customizable Web portal.

AT&T;'s Value Pak featured downstream speeds of up to 512 Kbps and the Select Pak provided downstream speeds of up to 1 Mbps, at the time of publication. The Pro Pak offered the fastest downstream speeds at up to 1.5 Mbps. In comparison, HughesNet's Basic plan provided download speeds of up to 1 Mbps and the Power 150 plan featured download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps. The Power 200 plan, HughesNet's fastest product, offered customers download speeds of up to 2 Mbps.

AT&T;'s service is subject to WildBlue's policies, including restrictions to the amount of data that is downloaded in a 30-day period. At the time of publication, Value Pak subscribers could download up to 7,500 MB and upload up to 2,300 MB per month, Select Pak users could download up to 12,000 MB and upload up to 3,000 MB, and subscribers with the Pro Pak could download 17,000 MB and upload 5,000 MB. HughesNet customers are also subject to data caps, with the Basic plan restricted to a download allowance of up to 6,000 MB in a 30-day period compared to 9,000 MB for the Power 150 plan and 12,000 for the Power 200 plan.

At the time of publication, the Pro Pak offered by AT&T; and WildBlue was available for a monthly rate of $79.95. The Value Pak was available for $54.95 per month and the Select Pak was available for $69.96 per month. HughesNet's standard monthly rates were $59.99 for its Basic plan, $79.99 for the Power 150 plan, and $109.99 for the Power 200 plan. AT&T; and HughesNet's plans were all subject to a 24-month commitment. Customers with both services were also required to pay for the satellite dish and modem necessary to access the service.