Frequently Asked Questions
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General
How can I monitor my plan data usage?
You can monitor your data through the HughesNet Mobile App or on myHughesNet.com. Sign in to your account to enroll in usage text alerts. Text alerts will be sent right to your mobile device if you approach your service plan data threshold.
What is HughesNet?
HughesNet® is America’s #1 choice for satellite Internet with over 1 million subscribers. HughesNet uses satellite technology to give you a super-fast, always-on Internet connection and is available everywhere, even in areas with slow or no high-speed options.
Why choose HughesNet?
- Fast Speeds: HughesNet is faster than ever, with download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps on every plan.
- All plans have No Hard Data Limits. If you exceed the amount of data in your plan, we won’t cut you off or charge you more. Stay connected at reduced speeds, typically 1-3 Mbps.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Featuring the latest Wi-Fi standards and technology to easily connect your wireless devices throughout your home.
- Available in More Places: HughesNet is available where you live. Get connected now. Your days of slow Internet are over!
- Trusted by More People: You can rely on America’s #1 choice for satellite Internet.
Can I get high-speed Internet in my area?
Yes! HughesNet is available from coast to coast in the U.S. All you need is a clear view of the southern sky. Visit our Coverage Areas page to learn more!
What is HughesNet?
HughesNet is the fifth generation of high-speed satellite Internet service. HughesNet brings you more of everything you love: fast speeds, No Hard Data Limits, and built-in Wi-Fi. With HughesNet, you can stay connected at high-speed wherever you live! Share photos, watch videos, listen to music, and more! HughesNet is now better than ever and makes your online experience faster, easier, and more efficient.
What makes HughesNet different?
HughesNet® is America’s #1 choice for satellite Internet service with over 1 million subscribers. HughesNet is the breakthrough satellite Internet service that gives you more of everything you want: fast speeds, no hard data limits, and built-in Wi-Fi. And it’s available even in areas with slow or no high-speed Internet options! HughesNet lets you do more of everything you love, wherever you live!
Does HughesNet have data limits?
HughesNet® has No Hard Data Limits. If you exceed the data included with your plan in a given month, you will experience slower speeds, but you will still have Internet access. If you’d like to restore your speeds, you can add more data with Data Tokens, or upgrade to the next plan level immediately.
How fast is HughesNet?
HughesNet is fast with 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds, and is available to anyone, anywhere, coast-to-coast. It’s also available in Alaska and Puerto Rico.
What are my options for high-speed satellite Internet?
HughesNet® is the breakthrough service that gives you more of everything you want: fast speeds, more data, and built-in Wi-Fi. HughesNet delivers speeds faster than ever, with 25 Mbps on every plan. HughesNet offers four service plans to best suit your specific needs, ranging from 15 GB to 75 GB of data per month. All plans include exciting features: Built-in Wi-Fi, Video Data Saver, the Bonus Zone and No Hard Data Limits**. We offer affordable service plans to suit any budget. It’s easy to choose a HughesNet service plan based on the amount of data you need. The 15 GB plan is designed for basic internet access for email, chatting, and web browsing. The 30 GB plan is great for shopping online, listening to music and staying connected with social media. The 45 GB plan is Perfect for sharing large files, watching videos, and connecting multiple devices. The 75 GB plan is excellent for the connected household to enjoy the best of the Internet. For more details on satellite Internet pricing and plan descriptions, visit the Plans & Pricing page
What plan fits my lifestyle?
HughesNet offers four service plans to best suit your specific needs, ranging from 15 GB to 75 GB of data per month. All HughesNet plans come with the same fast speeds so you can do all the things you want online—even faster. It’s easy to choose a HughesNet service plan based on the amount of data you need. The 15 GB plan is designed for basic internet access for email, chatting and web browsing. The 30 GB plan is great for shopping online, listening to music and staying connected with social media. The 45 GB plan is perfect for sharing large files, watching videos and connecting multiple devices. The 75 GB plan is excellent for the connected household to enjoy the best of the Internet. For more details on satellite Internet pricing and plan descriptions, visit the Plans & Pricing page.
How does a satellite Internet connection work?
Step 1: A request for a Web page is sent from your computer to a satellite about 22,000 miles out in space. At this altitude, the satellite's period of rotation (24 hours) matches the Earth's, and the satellite always remains in the same spot over the Earth (geosynchronous orbit). Because Internet via satellite is so technologically advanced, this distance hardly makes a difference, even with rural Internet connections.
Step 2: The satellite contacts the Hughes Network Operations Center (NOC) which locates the specific Website you have requested.
Step 3: The Website beams the information back along the same path to the HughesNet Network Operations Center, then to the satellite, and then to your computer through your HughesNet dish and modem. Although the signal travels a great distance, there is only a fraction of a second delay during this transmission. This is similar to delay you may have experienced when using a cell phone. In most cases, this delay (latency) isn't apparent while surfing online.
Once HughesNet has been professionally installed in your home, connecting to the Internet via satellite is simple!
View our How it Works page!
What is your upload/download allowance policy (Fair Access Policy)?
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 Data to each service plan that may be downloaded or uploaded within a one-month period. Subscribers who exceed this amount will experience a temporary reduction of speed until their next billing cycle. Learn more about the HughesNet Fair Access Policy.
What is satellite Internet service?
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 Wi-Fi so that your phone, computer and other Wi-Fi devices can connect to the Internet. Satellite Internet is available wherever you live, even if you live in a rural area where cable or fiber lines are unavailable.
What can I do with satellite Internet service?
Satellite Internet service brings high-speed Internet to areas where fiber and cable options are unavailable. You can chat, email, stream video clips, visit your favorite social media sites, work from home, and connect your children to their distance learning programs.
Which plan should I choose?
HughesNet offers a suite of satellite Internet plans to meet your needs and your budget. The 15 GB plan is designed for basic internet access for email, chatting and web browsing. The 30 GB plan is great for shopping online, listening to music and staying connected with social media. The 45 GB plan is Perfect for sharing large files, watching videos and connecting multiple devices. The 75 GB plan is excellent for the connected household to enjoy the best of the Internet.
If you’re still not sure which plan is right for you, one of our helpful customer service representatives will review your needs and recommend a satellite Internet plan that works for you. If your needs change and you want to increase your plan, you can do so over the phone without change fees or waiting for a technician to visit your home.
What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program? Is Hughes participating?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program to help qualified households pay for Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re eligible, this new benefit will provide a temporary credit up to $50 per month, or up to $75 per month in Tribal lands, toward broadband service. Hughes is glad to join the program and is actively participating. Please click here to learn more.
Bonus Zone
What is the Bonus Zone?
The Bonus Zone is a period of time from 2am-8am, when all customers have access to 50 GB/month of additional plan data! Use this additional plan data to download large files like movies, system updates for your computer, tablet, or smartphone—and more.
How do I access the additional plan data during the Bonus Zone?
It’s easy- you don’t have to do anything to take advantage of this! During the Bonus Zone hours (2am-8am), your service will automatically use the 50 GB/month of additional plan data instead of using Data from your service plan. All four service plans come with 50 GB/month of additional plan data that is available during these off-peak hours.
Built-in Wi-Fi
Does HughesNet come with built-in Wi-Fi?
Yes! HughesNet now comes with built-in Wi-Fi so you can connect your wireless devices at home. The HughesNet Wi-Fi Modem features the latest Wi-Fi standards and technology (dual-band 802.11ac) to deliver fast, secure wireless connectivity, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for incredible speeds and excellent coverage. It also has separate guest Wi-Fi for visitors to keep your home network more secure. The Wi-Fi Modem is Installed and supported by Hughes.
The HughesNet Wi-Fi Modem provides dual-band network (2.4G Hz and 5G Hz). Which one should I use?
HughesNet Wi-Fi Modem (HT2000W) provides two networks, a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. You can tell them apart based on the name – the 2.4 GHz network name starts with “hug2g” and the 5 GHz network name starts with “hug5g”. Deciding which network to use should be based on your unique home set-up. The 2.4 GHz can be used for all your wireless devices. It can transmit data over longer distances and through walls and other solid objects. The 2.4 GHz band is more susceptible to interference, so speeds may not be as high. The 5 GHz band is ideal for newer devices such as your laptop, phone, or tablet because it can transmit higher amounts of data. However, it is less able to penetrate solid walls and objects, so if you are far away from your HT2000W device, your signal strength may be lower. Devices streaming a lot of video, such as Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, should connect to the 5 GHz network, provided you can receive a strong wireless signal. If you cannot, use the 2.4 GHz. Find out where your home Wi-Fi signal is strongest by using the Wi-Fi Gauge on the HughesNet Mobile App.
Video Data Saver
How does the Video Data Saver work?
HughesNet automatically adjusts data rates for streaming video to deliver great picture quality while using less of your data. Speeds will adjust to deliver a DVD quality experience while using less data - allowing you to watch 3 times more video. If you want to watch an HD video, you can opt-in/opt-out of this data saver feature temporarily or permanently. You may also simply snooze the video data saver for 4 hours.
Can I watch movies in HD with HughesNet?
Yes! Your service is automatically set to stream videos at DVD Quality (480p). At any time, you can opt-in/opt-out of video feature temporarily or permanently to watch in HD quality. Or you can simply snooze the Video Data Saver for 4 hours. It’s easy to switch to HD - simply use the Mobile App, visit HughesNet Support Center, or use the Usage Meter.
HughesNet Voice
What is HughesNet voice?
HughesNet Voice delivers home phone service over your satellite Internet connection. No matter where you live, you can enjoy affordable home phone service with FREE features such as Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, and more.
How does HughesNet Voice work?
HughesNet Voice uses advanced Voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology to deliver a feature-rich home 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!
What plan options are available and how much does the service cost?
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. To see our current HughesNet Voice plans click here.
What features are standard with HughesNet Voice?
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.
How affordable is HughesNet Voice compared to a traditional landline phone?
With HughesNet Voice you don’t need a traditional landline phone anymore! And because HughesNet Voice plans are so affordable, you can save up to 45% over standard home phone service.
Can I choose my own phone number or keep a number I already have?
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.
What is included with Voice installation?
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 I exceed my plan Data, can I still make calls?
Yes. The Data you receive through your HughesNet Internet plan does not impact calls using the HughesNet Voice service.
What is Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and does Hughes provide service that supports it?
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.
What non-standard installation items are not covered?
Customers sometimes want to enhance or customize their installation to specific requirements. Some of the more common enhancements are mentioned below. While they are not included in a HughesNet standard installation, these enhancements may be purchased directly from our independent certified HughesNet installer. All costs for non-standard work or equipment will be itemized by the independent HughesNet installer on the HughesNet Installation Reference Sheet and require your authorization signature before proceeding. These non-standard installation items include major customization on your HughesNet system that would require the installer to:
a. Spend excessive time onsite to meet customer-directed requirements.
b. Purchase special materials, molding, or cosmetic hardware to hide exposed cables.
c. Remove, repair, or build structures to hide or support the HughesNet System.
Installation
What is included with a professional installation?
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.
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 5 inches 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 $25 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.
How quickly will my satellite Internet service be installed?
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.
Can the certified HughesNet installer hook up my home network?
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.
Gaming
Can I download games, stream video and music through my gaming system?
HughesNet service plans will work with many features offered through gaming services such as Xbox LIVE® and the PlayStation Network. You will be able to download games and game updates, and use the streaming video and music services offered through your gaming system, such as Netflix® and Hulu™. However, the majority of real-time, multi-player games that people play on Xbox LIVE and PlayStation will not work over any satellite Internet service. Strategy and “turn-based” games will work, but games requiring a rapid response such as “first-person shooters” will be unplayable.
Can I play multi-player games that do not require real-time connections?
Yes, “turn-based” games, such as casino games, and strategy games, such as chess, will work fine via HughesNet. Role-playing games and popular Facebook games generally work with HughesNet. You can use the Xbox and PlayStation consoles to download games to play offline, and use the streaming video and music services offered through your gaming system.
Why don't real-time games work?
With satellite service, the data must travel up to the satellite and back (about 45,000 miles). This round trip adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Website or host server. That will prevent real-time, multi-player games from establishing or maintaining a reliable connection with the gaming server.
How do I use video and music services through a gaming system?
Many gaming systems are capable of connecting to video and music services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora®. You will need to refer to your gaming system owner’s manual to determine which services are supported with your particular console. In addition, these are often subscription-based services that require you to have an account or monthly subscription package directly with that video or music service provider. It is also important to note that streaming services often use high amounts of data, so be sure to set up your free HughesNet Usage Meter to monitor your usage so you don’t unexpectedly exceed your monthly Service Plan Data.
What is transmission latency?
Latency refers to the amount of time it takes a packet of data to travel across a network. With satellite service, that data must travel up to the satellite and back (about 45,000 miles). This round trip adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Website or host server. Therefore, time-sensitive applications that require fractions-of-a-second user inputs (such as multi-player “twitch” games or real-time equities trading) are not recommended with HughesNet.
Compatibility
What are the computer system requirements for HughesNet?
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.
Can I use a HughesNet service for VoIP, Skype, or Netflix? And if not, when will it be available?
Yes, you can use Skype and Netflix with our HughesNet service, but be sure to continue to monitor your monthly Service Plan Data with the Usage Meter. It’s important to remember that your home is approximately 22,000 miles away from the HughesNet satellite in space. In order to minimize the delay that comes from having data travel back and forth over such a vast distance, your modem uses advanced acceleration techniques.
Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?
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
Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?
We do not recommend using a VPN with your HughesNet service. Your home is approximately 22,000 miles away from the HughesNet satellite in space. In order to minimize the delay that comes from having data travel back and forth over such a vast distance, your modem uses advanced acceleration techniques. When you use a VPN connection that encrypts data, it interferes with your modem’s ability to compensate for the delay. Depending on the type of VPN used, you may see overall speed reduced by 50–70%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over. Note: HughesNet Technical Support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients.
Express Repair
What are HughesNet Express Repair plans?
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: 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.
My HughesNet service is still under warranty - why would I want HughesNet Express Repair?
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. Service may be delivered as soon as that day or on the next business day.
What is the pricing for Express Repair Basic and Express Repair Premium?
Select Express Repair Basic with a 1-year term for only $8.99 per month, or choose Express Repair Premium for next-business-day service for only $12.99 per month. Both plans require a $24.99 co-pay if a service visit is required. A higher co-pay will be charged during the 30-day vesting period.
What is the vesting period?
Both Express Repair plans include a 30-day vesting period for existing HughesNet subscribers. Onsite service within the first 30 days of enrolling in a plan results in a higher co-pay than after the vesting period.
During the vesting period: $99 co-pay
If an onsite visit is required within the 30-day vesting period and you choose to start a new 24-month service commitment, the co-pay fee will be $99.
During the vesting period: $199 co-pay
If an onsite visit is required within the 30-day vesting period and you choose not to start a new 24-month service commitment, the co-pay fee will be $199.
After the vesting period: $24.99 co-pay
If you require onsite service after the 30-day vesting period, the onsite service co-pay will be $24.99.
The Express Repair Terms and Conditions can be found on our legal site.
Why should I purchase Express Repair when I order my HughesNet service?
Both Express Repair plans include a 30-day vesting period for existing HughesNet subscribers. Onsite service within the first 30 days of enrolling in a plan results in a higher co-pay than after the vesting period.
The Express Repair Terms and Conditions can be found on our legal site.
What is covered by Express Repair?
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.
What is not covered by Express Repair?
- 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.
Ordering
How can I/where can I purchase HughesNet?
You can order online from this site or call to speak with a HughesNet sales representative. To order online, click here. To speak with a sales representative, call the telephone number listed on the top of your screen.
Whom do I contact to check the status of my order?
Visit orderstatus.HughesNet.com or call Pre-Installation Support at 1-866-774-6580.
Miscellaneous
What are the most common myths about satellite Internet providers?
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 – 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 #3 – Using Satellite Internet ties up your phone line.
HughesNet delivers two-way, high-speed Internet access over satellite – not over your telephone line – so you can talk on the phone and surf the Web at the same time. That can save you money by eliminating the need for a second phone line.
Myth #4 – Satellite Internet equipment is big and complicated.
The bulky eight-foot wide satellite dishes from the 1980s are a thing of the past, at least when it comes to the needs of most businesses. HughesNet customers only need a computer, a modem, two coaxial cables, and the satellite antenna. The antenna is about the same size as most ordinary satellite TV dishes.
Myth #5 – 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.
I’m a home user of the HughesNet service. How can I contact Customer Care when I have a question or problem?
For HughesNet Technical Support or Customer Care, please log on to http://www.myHughesNet.com This site will also enable you to view your account status, online invoices, and activity history.
What are the key terms for high speed & satellite Internet?
As a satellite ISP, Hughes strives to offer a reliable high-speed Internet option with a customer-friendly and easy-to-use service. This list of glossary terms is meant to familiarize you with satellite Internet and answer questions you may have.
56K line – Most dial-up Internet connections use a telephone line that allows transfer of data at 56,000 bits per second. 56K line refers to this type of Internet connection.
Bandwidth – This term describes the amount of data that can be sent through a particular Internet connection or network. High-bandwidth Internet connections (faster than 768 kilobits per second) are often called “high-speed Internet.
Bit – A single binary value; a bit is the smallest piece of computer data. Many bits are needed to transmit even the simplest file.
Broadband – Broadband refers to an Internet connection with download speed in excess of 25Mbps.
Dial-up – This term refers to an Internet connection through a home telephone line.
DSL (digital subscriber line) – Allows user to access the Internet by way of existing telephone lines.
Ethernet – A commonly used local area network (LAN) that connects computers to one another and/or connects a computer to the Internet.
Firewall – Software that protects your computer network from outside users.
High-speed Internet option – An ISP (that is, satellite, cable, or DSL) offers an Internet service option that provides enough bandwidth for high-speed Internet use.
IP (Internet protocol) – Programming language that serves as the backbone of the Internet. “IP” is short for “IP address."
IP Address – Every computer has its own IP number, which acts as the computer’s identification. IP addresses are unique for each computer connected to the Internet. They are much like a physical address.
ISP (Internet Service Provider) – Each ISP offers service options to customers that range in bandwidth, type of connection, and other options such as email, storage space, and virus protection.
Kilobit – 1024 bits of data. Internet speeds are often measured in kilobits per second (kbps).
Megabit – One million bits.
Modem – A modem connects your computer to a phone line, cable, or satellite. The modem acts as an interpreter between the two devices so that digital messages can be sent from your computer to another computer or to a satellite dish.
Satellite dish – An antenna that sends and receives data.
Satellite Internet – Using a modem, coaxial cables, and a satellite dish, computer users are able to access high-speed Internet.
Satellite ISP – An Internet Service Provider that offers a satellite Internet connection to homes or businesses. A satellite ISP is particularly beneficial for rural residents.
Do I need a dial-up modem and telephone line to get Internet service?
No. There is no phone line or dial-up data modem required to use your HughesNet service.
If I already have DIRECTV or DISH network service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?
Yes, the HughesNet system requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite. You cannot use your DIRECTV or DISH network dish for HughesNet high-speed Internet service.
I have DIRECTV / DISH network service already. Will this be on the same bill? Any special deals?
You will receive a separate bill for each service. Contact DIRECTV or DISH about special offers with HughesNet that may be available in your area.
No Hard Data Limits
What happens when I use up all of my Plan Data?
HughesNet has No Hard Data Limits. That means that even if you exceed your plan data, we won’t cut you off or charge you more. If you do use all of your plan data before the end of the month, you will be able to continue using the Internet for all applications but your speeds will reduce and will typically be in the range of 1 to 3 Mbps. Major streaming providers state on their websites that watching videos with DVD quality (aka Standard Definition) is possible at .5 to 1.5 Mbps (you can refer to the chart below). In periods of network congestion, speed may be slower and could be less than 1 Mbps which may mean that some applications will be slower to run and you may see buffering in video playback. You can purchase extra data, called Data Tokens, to bring your speed back up to 25 Mbps.
Streaming Service | Recommended SD Streaming Rate |
Netflix | 1.5 Mbps |
Amazon Prime Video | 1.5 Mbps |
Hulu | 1.5 Mbps |
YouTube | .5 Mbps |
Norton 360 Deluxe
How do I activate my Norton 360 Deluxe?
- Minutes after placing your order, open the “Thank you for ordering HughesNet Optional Services” email from CustomerCare@mailfromHughes.com.
- Click the URL.
- Create or log in to a Norton Account.
- Land in the My Norton Portal.
- Click the “Download” button.
- Click “Agree & Download”.
- Follow the browser instructions to open the installer.
- Follow the installer instructions to complete installation.
- Windows: If Norton Security Online is already installed, N360 installer will initiate an uninstall of NSO.
- Mac: If Norton Security Online is already installed, the N360 installer will prompt the user to uninstall NSO and then launch the N360 installer again.
Can I cancel my Norton service at any time? Is there a contract commitment?
Yes, you can cancel at any time. There is no contract commitment.
What Norton 360 Deluxe service am I receiving if purchased through Hughes?
The Norton 360 Deluxe plans offered with your HughesNet service are only available through Hughes. We have customized a plan specifically for our customers.
How many devices can I cover with my Norton service?
You can choose between plan options with 5 or 10 devices.
How do I order Norton 360 Deluxe?
a. Norton 360 Deluxe can be ordered online or by phone.
b. Existing HughesNet customers may add this service by calling Customer Care or online through myHughesNet.com.
What are the system requirements for Norton 360 Deluxe?
System requirements can be found at https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v133891548
If I am a current HughesNet customer with Norton Security Online, how can I upgrade to Norton 360 Deluxe?
You can upgrade to Norton 360 Deluxe/Norton Small Business by calling Customer Care at 866-347-3292 or through your online account at myhughesnet.com.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
What happened to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program?
The EBB program ended on 12/30/31 and was replaced by the new Affordable Connectivity Program. Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as of 12/31/21 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until 3/1/22. Visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp for more details about this program transition.
I am a current HughesNet customer. How do I get the benefit with my HughesNet service?
Current HughesNet customers can apply for the discount at https://getemergencybroadband.
How much does broadband service cost?
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount for broadband service up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands. The discount will be applied to your broadband service, but the ultimate cost to you will depend on the eligible service plan you select. Call to learn about plans and pricing in your area.
What service plans are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
All Residential service plans are eligible for the program. Learn more at https://legal.hughesnet.com/acp
What is the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC program that will provide a temporary discount toward broadband service for eligible households during the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp for more information about the program, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
What happens when the Affordable Connectivity Program ends?
You will be notified about the last date or billing cycle that the full benefit will apply to your bill (and the date or billing cycle that a partial benefit will apply to your bill.) The notification will also include information about the cost of your broadband service after the program ends, should you choose to continue with the service. Important note: Your broadband service will end when the program ends, unless you request or opt-in to continue broadband service once ACP ends.