Back in August we pointed out that satellite broadband provider ViaSat was trying something a little new with their Exede pricing plans: a $65 per month trial plan that allows unlimited browsing and e-mail, but imposes a 5 GB month limit and $10 per gigabyte overages on any other network activity (video streaming, file transfers, etc.). Otherwise, users need to pay for 10 GB ($50), 15 GB ($75) and 25 GB ($130) allotments. All Exede tiers now offer 12 Mbps downstream, with latency somewhat countered by content caching technology.
In an announcement today, Exede stated that their $65 unlimited e-mail and browsing plan was technically only in trial this past fall, and is now available in 30 States:
quote:
ViaSat is expanding its Exede Evolution satellite Internet plan across much of its national footprint, following a successful market launch in limited markets earlier this year. The plan is the first in the satellite Internet industry to feature unlimited, full-speed access for email and web pages...."The results of our initial roll-out have been very positive," said Lisa Scalpone, vice president, Satellite Services. "A significant segment of our customer base values unlimited, high-speed access to web pages and email."
Exede's plans also come with what ViaSat calls the "Early Bird Free Zone," which allows unlimited access to all services from 3 AM to 8 AM daily. Traditionally satellite broadband has been the black sheep of the industry, a captive audience with no other options allowing some very high price points for slow and heavily capped service. Our Exede user reviews do seem better than the industry's historical average, though it doesn't appear to be by much -- even with the faster speeds and higher allotments Exede is pushing to market.
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