Bentonville, Ark. — Wal-Mart has further expanded its CE offering with the addition of satellite broadband Internet access through Hughes Network Systems.
The company’s HughesNet service will be sold in 2,800 Wal-Mart stores across the United States, although the offer should generate the most interest among customers in rural areas where terrestrial broadband services such as cable or DSL are unavailable.
Wal-Mart will sell the two-way service at its Connect Center service areas and Digital Connection kiosks located within the chain’s CE departments. Plans range from download speeds of 700Kpbs to 2.0Mbps, with prices starting at $60 a month, excluding installation.
“Wal-Mart is perhaps the only retail store in the country that reaches as many people as HughesNet,” said Mike Cook, senior VP at 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.”
