Frontier Internet vs HughesNet

Frontier Internet and HughesNet are both well-known internet service providers. Let’s take a closer look at what they have to offer:

Connection Types
Speed
Plan Prices
Contracts
Installation and Equipment Costs
Coverage Area
Data Caps
Customer Reviews

Connection Types (Winner: Depends on Your Needs)

Frontier offers two internet connection options: DSL and fiber (Frontier FiberOptic). On the other hand, HughesNet is solely a satellite internet service provider.

A digital subscriber line (DSL) provides internet through phone lines, now an aged connection option since many companies are switching to fiber and/or satellite. Fiber and Satellite are both popular and reliable internet options, although fiber is typically faster and supports greater bandwidth. If you are using your internet for smaller tasks, such as email or online shopping, satellite internet is a good option. But if you have multiple internet users in your home or are streaming regularly, fiber could be a more reliable option. 

However, if you live in a rural area, or one that is not connected to a fiber network, satellite internet is a great option, one that is provided nationwide by HughesNet.

Deciding between internet connection types will depend solely on your needs. Thus, either Frontier or HughesNet could be a good internet provider for you.

Speed (Winner: Frontier)

In most cases 25 Mbps is a fast enough internet connection for a variety of purposes, including streaming. Both Frontier and HughesNet offer this internet speed.

Frontier, however, takes its internet service to the next level with fiber and high-speed options. Frontier’s fiber service (Frontier FiberOptic) supports much higher upload speeds, allowing you to work, stream, or game without interruption. Frontier FiberOptic isn’t available everywhere, but the company is working to expand its coverage area. Frontier also offers high-speed wired internet with speeds ranging from 500 to 940 Mbps.

For basic individual internet needs, either company would be a good choice. But if you are looking for fast internet service for your home where multiple devices are being used, Frontier would likely be the better choice.

Plan Prices (Winner: Frontier)

Frontier internet prices (DSL or fiber) vary by location. To view prices and offers, you will need to enter your address. But plans range from approximately $35 to $80 per month, depending on the type of internet you choose and the download speed (9 to 940 Mbps).

HughesNet offers combined data and speed plans with a price tag ranging from $75 to $160 per month.

Based on the fact that Frontier offers Fiber internet, which is typically more reliable than satellite internet connection, at a lower price, Frontier would be the most cost-effective choice.

Contracts (Winner: Frontier)

Frontier doesn’t have any annual contract commitment, allowing increased flexibility for customers. HughesNet, on the other hand, has a two-year contract commitment.

Installation and Equipment Costs (Winner: Frontier)

Frontier has an $85 installation/activation fee, as well as a $9.99 equipment delivery fee.

HughesNet has a $99 installation fee for leased equipment, but installation is free if you purchase equipment up front.

Coverage Area (Winner: HughesNet)

Frontier is only available in 25 states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin 

HughesNet is available nationwide, making it a better choice, particularly if you live in a state that isn’t covered by Frontier.

Data Caps (Winner: Frontier)

Neither Frontier nor HughesNet charge an overage fee if you go over your data cap. However, HughesNet does indicate that your connection will likely slow down if you exceed your data cap (specific data amounts are included in your internet package), but you won’t lose your connection entirely.

Frontier states that you can use as much data as you want each month without being charged.

Customer Reviews (Winner: Frontier and HughesNet)

The majority of Frontier reviews and HughesNet reviews on BestCompany.com are 1 star. While this may be off-putting for both companies, it is worth noting that low company ratings are common in the internet service industry. However, these reviews can offer helpful insight on things to look out for when deciding between Frontier and HughesNet.

Frontier 1-star reviews frequently mention the following:

• Surprise fees
• Installation miscommunications — wrong type of internet was installed or the installed internet was actually incompatible.

HughesNet 1-star reviews frequently mention the following:

• Poor customer service
• High fees and slow internet speeds

When reading reviews, keep in mind that there are a variety of factors involved in someone’s experience with the company. But reviews can also highlight specific and consistent issues with an internet service provider.

In addition to reading customer reviews, we also recommend speaking with a company representative before making a final decision.