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Walmart Internet Services

HughesNet Satellite & Other Internet Services . . At Walmart?
by Richard Thomason - March 6th, 2009

When you think about high speed Internet service, do you also think about Walmart? In some areas, you might want to. Over the past couple of years, Walmart has made deals with some ISP's to allow new customers to sign up for DSL, cable and even satellite while doing their day-to-day shopping at the local Walmart.

The most recent addition that will be of interest to rural Americans is that Walmart will now sell HughesNet Satellite Internet service directly from Walmart stores located in rural parts of the continental United States. So now, you might actually be able to get either a DSL plan, a cable Internet plan, or satellite Internet service right from Walmart.

 

About HughesNet Satellite Internet

According to the when they originally announced the service, back on October 9th, 2007, "The HughesNet service will be sold in 2,800 Wal-Mart stores across the U.S., including locations throughout most of rural America where terrestrial broadband services, such as cable and DSL, are often not available."

Depending upon which plan you choose, HughesNet satellite provides download speeds between 700 Kbps to 2 Mbps, and plans typically start at $59.99 per month. For more information on this service, read our full review of HughesNet Satellite.

There is actually an additional incentive for signing up from Walmart in the form of a $100 discount card for in-store purchases. "Every Wal-Mart customer who purchases the HughesNet service will receive an “ExpressPay” card for $100.00 to buy anything at Wal-Mart from groceries, toys, or automotive services."

Look for HughesNet in the Wal-Mart Connect Center section of the electronics department. You can check with Walmart directly to see which store near you has such a center, and if they offer the HughesNet service.

 

Cable & DSL Providers Available

Walmart isn't brand new to selling Internet service. They've been selling Comcast cable Internet service from their stores since 2006. And if you're interested in VoIP (voice over IP) telephone service, they sell that service from Comcast, as well. Other cable providers started selling at Walmart after that. Cox and Charter both are sold in some Walmart stores, selling their cable, Internet and phone service in select areas.

As of April, 2008, even Time Warner made such a deal with Walmart. It's important to note that not every Walmart sells Internet service, and that just because one of these 4 providers offers service in your area, it doesn't mean your local Walmart is selling it. Still, the option is there in many stores and has been expanding to more and more locations.

Yes, even DSL providers are not immune to the lure of the largest retailer in America. At the very end of 2006, AT&T Internet services became available from almost 600 stores. Verizon and Qwest have not made big distribution deals with Walmart, but you can get either NetZero DSL or accelerated dialup if you sign up from the Walmart website.

Since the type of cable or DSL Internet service available depends on your area, you won't find much information about these services from the Walmart website. It's best to check with your local stores to see what's available in your area.

So if you like to ask questions about Internet services in person, and you're a Walmart shopper, then head on over to the closest Walmart with a Connect Center and see if there is a better high speed Internet service plan waiting for you. You might find that you'll have a choice between which provider you get.

 
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To compare HughesNet's Satellite Internet service with DSL, cable or accelerated dialup, please return to the home page.