Frequently Asked Questions

As of April 10th, 2024, the FCC requires all internet service providers to provide broadband labels for home internet service plans. The broadband labels are intended to help consumers find the best plan for their needs. We value transparency and are happy to provide details regarding our service plans' data, speeds and fees. To find labels for plans available where you live or work, search your address here. To view all labels, visit labels.hughesnet.com for more information.

Our exclusive Fusion plan is great for working from home to provide you with a low-latency, reliable connection for time-sensitive applications, like video-conferencing. Check service plan availability where you live!

Hughesnet is powered by the JUPITER network, including JUPITER 3, the world’s largest, most advanced commercial communications satellite.

JUPITER 3 is our newest satellite, the largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite ever built.

1. Faster Speeds: Plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps.*
2. Unlimited Data: All plans include unlimited data**, so you can do more of what you love online.
3. Whole Home Wi-Fi: All plans include advanced, built-in Wi-Fi. Add Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes to eliminate dead zones.
4. Reduced Latency: Exclusive Fusion plans combine satellite and wireless technologies to reduce latency for a more responsive internet experience.
5. Available Where You Live: Even in places that are beyond the reach of cable and fiber.

Some people may be hesitant to subscribe to satellite internet because of myths they've heard – or because they are unaware of the convenience and quality offered by high-speed satellite internet providers. 

Myth #1 – Satellite internet service providers don't reach rural areas. 

Hughes® offers satellite internet everywhere in the contiguous United States, including rural areas. Hughes is a reliable satellite internet provider that supplies high-speed internet service in areas where there is slow or no high-speed options. 

Myth #2 – Satellite internet does not work for online gaming.

 Online games where you take turns, such as casino or chess, turned-based role-playing games and Facebook games work well with all plans. Only Hughesnet® offers Fusion plans that combine satellite and wireless technologies for a low-latency, more responsive internet experience so you can enjoy online gaming. Check for availability! 

Myth #3 – The satellite dish must be attached to a roof.

 Although 97% of the time satellite antennas are attached to the roof of a home, satellite internet service providers don't always require it. A certified Hughesnet installer is able to determine the best location on (or near) your residence where the satellite dish should be mounted. 

Myth #4 – When it is cloudy, satellite internet doesn't work. 

Your satellite internet connection is not affected by most clouds. Satellite internet from Hughesnet is only affected by weather in extreme circumstances such as heavy storms or unusually dense clouds. If you have difficulties with your service, contact Hughesnet Customer Care and Technical Support staff.

Yes! All plans include a Wi-Fi Modem featuring Wi-Fi 6 technology. The advanced, built-in Wi-Fi delivers improved speed with enhanced security and better performance for multiple devices.

A suite of plans are available to meet your needs and your budget. All plans offer fast speeds so now you can do it all with varying amounts of data based on your home or small business needs. To find plan options for your home, click here . To find plan options for your business, click here. If you’re not sure which plan is right for you, you can visit our Buyer’s Guide or a sales representative can recommend a plan that works for you. We recommend that you choose the higher plan since people often underestimate their data.

With the all-new Hughesnet, now you can do it all—connect, stream and play. Stay connected with family and friends through social media, video chat, stream TV series and movies from your favorite apps, work from home through video-conferencing and with Fusion plans you can play popular online games. Check for availability!

Satellite internet service is available everywhere, even in areas with slow DSL and where fiber and cable options will not reach. With satellite internet, the signal is sent from a satellite to a satellite dish mounted on your property, which connects to a modem inside. The modem includes advanced, built-in Wi-Fi so that your phone, computer and other Wi-Fi devices can connect to the internet.

To learn more about how satellite internet works, click here.

Hughesnet offers Fusion plans that combine satellite and wireless technologies for a low-latency, more responsive internet experience to engage in time-sensitive applications. Satellite plans are not recommended for time-sensitive applications due to a small degree of latency. Check to see if Fusion plans are available where you live.

With satellite Internet, requests travel a long distance from your device to a satellite and back. This distance causes a slight delay known as latency. This delay is so minimal that there’s little impact to most online activities, but is more noticeable with activities like watching videos, browsing content-rich websites, working from home and joining video conferences.
 

Hughesnet is fast, with download speeds up to 100 Mbps* for your home or business.

Yes! Hughesnet is available in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Alaska, as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky. To find plans and offers, search your address here.

Many small businesses can benefit from using Hughesnet for Business. Business internet service plans come with fast speeds and unlimited data to help support your growing business.

There are some instances where Hughesnet for Business is not recommended: Companies with multiple sites, national brands (i.e., most franchise locations), oil rigs, companies that need a private network solution, state/Federal businesses.

For business owners working from their home, we recommend a Hughesnet for Business plan that will provide you everything you need to grow your business with a reliable high-speed service.

All Business plans offer fast speeds and unlimited data. Here are key differentiators of why you should choose a Business plan:

• Network Prioritization: Business data and applications receive network priority.
• Commercial Installation: Business plans come with professional commercial installation by a licensed technician.
• Express Repair Premium: All Business plans include expedited repair service.
• 24/7 Business-class Phone Support: Business customers receive top-tier support when contacting Customer Care.

Learn more about our Business satellite internet services.

Hughesnet is high-speed satellite internet built for rural America. Powered by the JUPITER network, including JUPITER 3, the world’s largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite.

Learn more about Hughesnet satellite internet.

Multiplayer games requiring rapid response are only supported with Hughesnet Fusion plans. We do not recommend console-based gaming activities because they quickly consume your Priority Data.

Hughesnet Fusion plans are currently available in select areas of the country. Enter your address or call to see if these plans are available where you live today!

Satellite plans use the latest satellite technologies to allow you to stay connected, stream movies and play online games. Hughesnet Fusion plans blend the best of satellite and wireless technologies into a single connection. With a Fusion plan, your service feels faster and more responsive, especially when using time-sensitive applications. You can enjoy real-time gaming with a low-latency connection that won’t spoil the fun. Check service plan availability where you live!

With satellite internet, requests travel a long distance from your device to a satellite and back. This distance causes a slight delay known as latency. This delay doesn’t impact most online activities but is noticeable when watching videos, browsing content-rich sites and video conferencing. Low-latency is when there is less lag or buffering when sending latency sensitive requests. Hughesnet Fusion plans combine satellite and wireless technologies for a low-latency internet experience, so you can stream video and enjoy smooth video-conferencing, with less buffering. Check service plan availability where you live!

Hughesnet Fusion plans blend the best of satellite and wireless technologies into a single connection that transforms the rural internet experience. Check to see if Fusion plans are available where you live.

Priority Data is the set amount of data that comes with each plan. 

The Video Optimizer automatically adjusts streaming video for great picture quality while using less data.

You can monitor your data through the myHughesnet (Mobile) app or on myhughesnet.com. Sign into your account to enroll in usage text alerts. Text alerts will be sent right to your mobile device if you approach your Priority Data threshold.

You have an unlimited amount of Standard Data. If you use all your Priority Data, your Standard Data kicks in automatically.**

To ensure fair internet access for all Hughesnet subscribers, Hughes maintains a special Fair Access Policy that establishes an equitable balance in internet access for all Hughesnet subscribers. Similarly, to how cell phone providers manage their data plans, Hughes assigns an amount of Priority Data to each service plan that may be downloaded or uploaded within a one-month period. Subscribers who exceed their Priority Data amount automatically receive unlimited Standard Data until their next billing cycle. During high-traffic periods, subscribers using Standard Data may experience a temporary reduction of speed. For the Fair Access Policy for residential customers, click here. For the Fair Access Policy for the Business service plans, click here.

The Mesh Wi-Fi Network is the business equivalent of the Whole Home Wi-Fi offered to residential customers. Business customers can receive wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage with optional Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes.

Your Hughesnet representatives and installer will help you determine if your home or office requires Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes to eliminate dead zones. Numerous factors can influence the reach of your Wi-Fi signal, including the home’s square footage, number of floors, wall construction, modem location within the home, and so on.

Whole Home Wi-Fi is an extended Wi-Fi network that is created by incorporating one or more Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes with your Wi-Fi Modem to extend the reach of the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home.

Hughesnet provides all necessary equipment, including the Wi-Fi Modem and satellite dish. Our professional technicians install all equipment to ensure optimal home internet performance. 

Yes, security cameras do work with Hughesnet service plans. However, security cameras can quickly consume your data due to high resolution, multiple cameras or other factors.

You will receive a separate bill for each service. Contact DISH about special offers with Hughesnet that may be available in your area.

Yes, the Hughesnet system requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite. You cannot use your DISH system for Hughesnet.

No. There is no phone line or dial-up data modem required to use your Hughesnet service. 

Yes, VPNs can be run over your Hughesnet service. However, if you sign into a VPN application to access your work network directly, it will significantly reduce service speeds. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over. 

No, Hughesnet is not available for mobile locations. To receive mobile high-speed internet service, please contact the following Value Added Service provider:
Mobil Satellite Technologies https://www.mobilsat.com/ 1-757-312-8300
 

Hughesnet lets you connect your computer to the internet whether you are running a Windows or Macintosh operating system. Hughesnet supports all version of Windows and Mac OS that are still supported by their respective manufacturers. Android and iOS mobile devices are also compatible with the Wi-Fi connection on your modem.

With the new Hughesnet, Static IP is not available.

Hughesnet is not recommended for console-based gaming activities because they quickly consume your Priority Data.

Online games where you take turns, such as casino or chess, turned-based role-playing games and Facebook games work well with all plans. 

Multiplayer games requiring rapid response are only supported with Hughesnet Fusion plans. However, console-based gaming is not recommended with any service plans because they quickly consume your Priority Data.

Yes, Hughesnet does work with streaming devices, but it is not recommended as a full-time video streaming replacement for TV service.

Yes, Hughesnet works with streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. Keep in mind that streaming applications do consume a large amount of your Priority Data. 

Yes! Your service is automatically set to stream movies at up to HD quality with the Video Optimizer. Higher resolution options are available when the Video Optimizer is turned off.

The ATA will support one phone line (Phone 1) and you must use the ATA provided by Hughes.

Because of the manner in which telephone calls are transmitted over the network, fax machines, alarm systems and credit card terminals will not work properly using Hughesnet Voice service.

Customers sometimes want to enhance or customize their installation to specific requirements, and sometimes the location may require extra work above and beyond standard procedures. All costs for non-standard work or equipment will be itemized by the installer using a Hughesnet Installation Reference Sheet; they will require your authorization signature before proceeding. Non-standard fees will be added to your account. Please be sure to mention anything that may make the installation “non-standard” when the installer calls to confirm your appointment. Some examples of non-standard items are:

1. Wireless or hard-wired networking (beyond what is offered by the built-in Wi-Fi Modem)
2. Configuration of your computer(s) to work with a wireless or hard-wired network (beyond what is offered by the built-in Wi-Fi Modem)
3. Special purchase of materials, molding or cosmetic hardware to hide exposed cables
4. Remove, repair or build structures to hide or support the Hughesnet system
5. Multiple site surveys requiring more than the installation visit to determine possible Hughesnet dish locations
6. Renting lifts for tall commercial locations not accessible by ladders 
    

TRS is a service that allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate via the telephone network to other parties. The customer uses special TTY (keyboard and terminal) equipment to communicate to a call center, and personnel at the call center relay the typed text to the other party on the line. Responses from the other party are taken by the call center and sent via text to the customer’s TTY equipment. Hughes does provide service for the deaf and hard of hearing with the use of IP-enabled TTY equipment.

Yes. The Priority Data you receive through your Hughesnet internet plan does not impact calls using the Hughesnet Voice service.

For new Hughesnet internet and Voice customers, on the day of installation your installer will arrive with the dish, the modem, and the Hughesnet Voice ATA (analog telephone adapter). The installer will install your internet service and set up and activate your Voice service. You will be required to accept the Voice Terms and Conditions prior to completing the Voice activation. You’ll also be shown a self-service website where you can update, change, and monitor your Voice service. 

If you qualify for a local number: Yes, when you register for Hughesnet Voice you may either select a new telephone number or transfer an existing, preferred telephone number to your Hughesnet Voice account through a process called “porting.” There is no additional charge to you for placing a porting request; however, once a porting request is placed, it cannot be canceled by Hughes. If you change providers and want to carry the same number with you, you will need to submit a new porting request through your new provider.

If you did NOT qualify for a local number: You can choose a new non-local telephone number across the continental United States, but you may not port your existing local number to Hughesnet.

With Hughesnet Voice you get a number of useful standard features including Call Waiting, Caller ID, Outbound Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Block, Simultaneous Ring, Enhanced Voicemail (accessible via dial-in and forwarded via email), a Web Self-Care Portal, and unlimited long-distance calling to the continental United States and Canada.

Hughesnet Voice is available with two plan options, either with or without a two-year term commitment. International calling plans are also available to add on. 

For Home Voice plan options and pricing, click here.

For Business Voice plan options and pricing, click here.
 

Hughesnet Voice uses advanced Voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology to deliver a feature-rich phone service over your satellite connection. New Hughesnet customers will have their Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) set up by their installer during the installation appointment which will route your calls through your satellite modem and dish without using your plan data. It’s as easy as that!

Hughesnet Voice delivers home or business phone service over your satellite internet connection. No matter where you live and work, you can enjoy affordable phone service with FREE features such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding and more!

Learn more about Hughesnet Voice home phone service.

If you rent and/or live in a multi-level apartment building, Landlord approval is required. Hughesnet usually can only be installed if you are on the 1st floor and the dish would be installed on a pole, facing the southern sky. It can’t be installed on railings or balconies. It can’t be installed on shared roofs.

Your installer will connect two devices during your installation appointment. However, you can ask your technician to connect additional devices for an additional cost. Any non-standard installation extras will be billed on your next Hughesnet invoice. The technicians do not accept cash or check at the time of install.  

Customers sometimes want to enhance or customize their installation to specific requirements, and sometimes the location may require extra work above and beyond standard procedures. All costs for non-standard work or equipment will be itemized by the installer using a HughesNet Installation Reference Sheet; they will require your authorization signature before proceeding. Nonstandard fees will be added to your account. Please be sure to mention anything that may make the installation “nonstandard” when the installer calls to confirm your appointment. Some examples of nonstandard items are:

1. Wireless or hard-wired networking (beyond what is offered by the built-in Wi-Fi modem)
2. Configuration of your computer(s) to work with a wireless or hard-wired network (beyond what is offered by the built-in Wi-Fi Modem)
3. Special purchase of materials, molding, or cosmetic hardware to hide exposed cables
4. Remove, repair, or build structures to hide or support the HughesNet system
5. Multiple site surveys requiring more than the installation visit to determine possible HughesNet dish locations
6. Renting lifts for tall commercial locations not accessible by ladders
    

Yes. There can be several spots where the satellite dish can be installed, and your installer will seek permission to install the equipment in the correct location. Also, depending on the type of location, you may need to provide access or security clearance for the installer.

If you have an existing internet connection, go to orderstatus.hughesnet.com to check on your appointment. Otherwise please call the Hughes Pre-installation department at 1-866-774-6580.

In most cases, the necessary equipment is installed within five days of purchasing your service. Most customers have the opportunity to schedule an installation date at time of order, or you will be contacted within three days to schedule an appointment.

Residential installation typically takes 1-4 hours while Business installation typically takes 4-6 hours.

Learn more about our satellite internet installation process.

1) The Hughesnet professional technician will install the Hughesnet Wi-Fi Modem (with power supply) and will connect 2 of your devices, such as:

• desktop computer (connected to modem with a Hughesnet supplied LAN cable)
• laptop
• tablet (Apple iPad, etc.)
• smartphone 

You can ask your technician to connect additional devices for an additional cost. Any non-standard installation extras will be billed on your next Hughesnet invoice. Technicians do not accept cash or check at the time of installation.
If you ordered a Mesh Wi-Fi Node, the technician will install the device to ensure you have wall-to-wall coverage. Additional Msh Wi-Fi Nodes are available through your installer. If you did not order one, your Hughesnet installer can help you determine whether your home or office requires Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes to eliminate any dead zones.

2) A Hughesnet outdoor antenna system (reflector, radio and mount) will be installed on your roof or a wall at a location with a clear line of sight to a satellite in the southern sky and at least 4 feet off the ground so that it is out of reach of small children. If not, the technician will look for a pole mount option.  For homes with vinyl siding, metal siding, or metal roofs, the technician may recommend a pole mount. Customers can request a pole mounted dish installation as opposed to a roof mounted installation when the technician arrives. Keep in mind a roof mounted installation may provide the best long-term line of sight for optimal performance. If being installed on an outer wall or roof, the equipment needs to accessible with a 25-foot ladder for quick and easy servicing should it ever be required. If you require or request a pole mount during your installation, you will be billed a $50 pole mount fee on your next Hughesnet invoice. Pole mount installation includes up to 25 feet of soft ground cable trenching.

3) Up to 125 feet of RG-6 cable will be run from the outdoor antenna to the modem inside through a drilled hole through the exterior wall to an adjacent interior wall. It will be terminated on the inside wall with a faceplate.

4)  A grounding block is provided and the entire system is grounded to an NEC-approved bonding point.

5) All outdoor penetrations and water-resistant compression fitting are weather-sealed.

6) Visit https://legal.hughesnet.com/InstallationGuidelines.cfm for details.
 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any satellite system that both sends and receives signals.

You will need a major credit or debit card (not pre-paid card) to place your initial order. After your service has been installed and activated, update your payment method to ACH (bank account) for continued savings.

After installation, visit myhughesnet.com to update your payment method to ACH (direct payment from your bank account). Enroll in ACH before your 2nd billing cycle (and maintain this as your recurring payment method) to get $5/month savings on your monthly service.

ACH payment is direct payment from your bank account (checking/savings) to automatically pay your internet bill each month. ACH direct payments are electronic money transfers processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network.

Visit orderstatus.hughesnet.com or call Pre-installation Support at 1-866-774-6580.

You can order Hughesnet online, by phone or through a local authorized retailer.  

• To order online for your home, click here. To order online for your business, click here. 
• To order residential plans or Business plans by phone, call 844-737-2700.
• To find a local dealer click here.

• Loss of service resulting from damaged or missing Hughes equipment, Hughes-provided cabling, antenna or mount
• Loss of service that can only be corrected by relocating the antenna
• Change of mounting hardware or type for antenna
• Damage to the antenna caused by conditions other than normal use that is beyond Hughes' normal control, such as: hail, earthquake, flood, ice, fire, falling or flying objects, tropical storms, hurricanes, natural disasters, vandalism, theft, terrorism/war, riot or acts of God
• Correction of faulty installation or repointing of the antenna, if the work was not originally performed by a Hughes-authorized technician
• Exterior or cosmetic items of the product, including, but not limited to, paint, finish, bezel and cords
• Materials used for cosmetic purposes such as hiding exposed cabling or conduit
• Preventive maintenance
• Software upgrades
• Repair of a customer's local area network (technician is responsible for ensuring operability on one computer only)
• Any location that is a recreational vehicle: mobile homes, watercraft, aircraft
• Systems where the satellite is not mounted to a stable, fixed-position permanent structure
• Components or wiring related to satellite television
• Service outside the lower 48 states or Puerto Rico
• Any other electronic products, hardware or software including, without limitation, your computer or equipment related to your computer
• Damage reported after expiration of the Express Repair coverage period 
   

The plan covers the required steps necessary to restore the Hughesnet service. These steps include, but are not limited to, phone support and onsite support including repointing of the antenna system or replacement of Hughesnet indoor equipment, power supply, or outdoor equipment that (1) were purchased by customer, (2) are commissioned on the Hughesnet account, and (3) were professionally installed at your site. The location must be a stationary location in the lower 48 states or Puerto Rico. The plan covers the following:

• Loss of service due to issues with Hughes equipment or Hughes-provided cabling
• Loss of service that can be corrected with antenna repointing or alteration using the existing mounting configuration
• Pre-existing service issues on covered Service Plan
• The cost of all parts required to restore service
• Loss of service due to power surge while properly connected to a properly wired AC power line with protective ground and telephone/coax lines properly connected. 

• All Hughesnet for Business plans in the contiguous U.S. include Express Repair Premium.  
• For residential Express Repair options and pricing, click here.

Under warranty, you have access to 24x7 technical phone support, as well as onsite support as needed. While most interruptions are resolved with a simple phone call, it may take up to 7–10 days for a certified technician to visit your home or business to restore service, under the warranty. With Express Repair, if a visit is deemed necessary to restore your service, then a technician will be onsite by 5:00pm the next business day with Express Repair Premium; with Express Repair Basic, you will be contacted by the technician by 12:00pm the next business day to schedule an appointment (available to residential customers only). Service may be delivered as soon as that day or on the next business day.

Express Repair is a service protection plan designed to ensure that your Hughesnet service will be restored in an expedited manner in the event that an interruption occurs. Under the plan, you continue to receive Technical Phone Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but if the problem cannot be fixed over the phone, a certified technician will come directly to your location to quickly restore your service. Express Repair customers pay a reduced service fee for onsite repair visits.

Two service options are available:

Express Repair Basic (Available to residential customers only): our commitment is to have a technician confirm a scheduled ETA and arrive by the second business day.

Express Repair Premium: our commitment is to have a technician confirm a scheduled ETA and arrive by the next business day.

Both services offer live technical phone support (toll-free), and if needed, a certified Hughesnet technician will come to your home or business to restore service. 

You can upgrade by calling Customer Care at 866-347-3292 or through your online account at myhughesnet.com.

Norton 360 Deluxe system requirements can be found at https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v133891548 

Norton Small Business system requirements can be found at https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v133891548

a. Norton can be ordered online or by phone.

b. Existing Hughesnet customers may add this service by calling Customer Care or online through myhughesnet.com.
 

You can choose between plan options with 5 or 10 devices.

The Norton 360 Deluxe plans offered with your Hughesnet residential service are only available through Hughes. We have customized a plan specifically for our customers. Learn more about Norton 360 Deluxe for Hughesnet here.

Yes, you can cancel at any time. There is no contract commitment. 

Minutes after placing your order, open the “Thank you for ordering Hughesnet Optional Services” email from [email protected].

1. Click the URL.
2. Create or log in to a Norton Account.
3. Land in the My Norton Portal.
4. Click the “Download” button.
5. Click “Agree & Download”.
6. Follow the browser instructions to open the installer.
7. Follow the installer instructions to complete installation.