Hughes to offer broadband service at Wal-Mart

GERMANTOWN, Md. Wal-Mart is partnering with Hughes Network Systems, a provider of satellite broadband Internet access, to help bring high-speed Internet access to customers in rural areas.

According to Hughes, its HughesNet Internet 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. HughesNet plans offer download speeds ranging from 700Kbps to 2.0Mbps with pricing starting as low as $59.99.

"Wal-Mart is perhaps the only retail store in the country that reaches as many people as HughesNet," said Mike Cook, senior vp of Hughes North America division. "This relationship is a powerful way to make broadband a reality for the millions of Americans and small business owners who cannot get high-speed Internet access from cable or DSL providers. Through Wal-Mart, we are able to offer more Americans the opportunity to experience the convenience and benefits of high-speed Internet in business and every day life."

Wal-Mart customers are being offered an extra incentive to purchase the HughesNet service at Wal-Mart. According to the company each customer who buys the service will receive an "ExpressPay" card for $100.00 to use toward any merchandise in the store.