Questions about Hughesnet?

Learn more with our FAQs.

Hughesnet Frequently Asked Questions

How satellite Internet works

First, when you type in a URL for a website, a request is sent from your computer to a Hughesnet® satellite in space.

Next, the satellite contacts the Hughes Network Operations Center (NOC) to find the website you requested.

Finally, the website sends all the information back through the NOC, to the satellite, back to your computer through your Hughesnet satellite dish and modem.

Even though signals are traveling from Earth to space and back again, this whole process only takes a fraction of a second.

Call now to speak with a Hughesnet expert:

Installation

Do you have a clear view of the southern sky?

Your location will need an unobstructed path from the satellite antenna to the southern sky in order to send a strong signal. Your local certified Hughesnet installation professional will be able to check to make sure the path is clear before beginning the installation process.

Have you checked to make sure you know the time and date of your installation?

Double-check your schedule to make sure you don’t have any conflicting appointments, since you need to be in your home during the installation. It’s also important that whoever is home is at least 18 years old.

By being at home during the installation process, you will be able to get direct answers to any questions you have about your Hughesnet service.

Where do you plan to use your Internet?

In order to access high-speed Internet as soon as possible, your home computer setup will need to be in place prior to installation.

What can I expect the installation process to look like?

First, your local certified Hughesnet installation professional will mount your satellite dish on an approved structure that is at least 4 feet off the ground. Your installation professional will do this with either a roof or wall-mounted bracket.

Then, your installation professional will install a coaxial cable jack in the room where your Hughesnet system will be housed. Two exterior RG-6 coaxial cables will be routed from the satellite dish to your coaxial cable jack.

Before your installation professional leaves, he or she will verify that your satellite signal is in working order and that you will be able to get online without any trouble.

How quickly will I be able to get Hughesnet service?

Often, next-day installation is available. Have your sales representative check the availability of next-day installation when you place your order.

What is not included in standard installation?

Speed

What kind of download and upload speeds can I expect with Hughesnet service?

There are multiple factors that determine upload and download speeds, including how your computer is configured, the website speeds, and the number of people accessing the network at the same time. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed. If you use the Internet during peak hours of the day, you will likely find slower upload and download speeds.

Can I run a VPN over my Hughesnet system?

A VPN will work with Hughesnet. However, using a VPN connection that encrypts data interferes with your modem’s ability to compensate for delay. You may see overall speed reduced by 50-70%, depending on the type of VPN you are using. After your session, disabling your VPN client will restore your connection to full speed

Time-sensitive applications aren’t recommended. These include twitch gameplay and real-time equities trading.

What does “transmission latency” mean?

Latency refers to the amount of time that it takes for data to travel across a network. The transmission latency for a satellite connection is about a half-second delay, because the data is traveling to space and back.

Can I connect multiple computers to a single Hughesnet connection?

Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single Hughesnet Internet connection. The installer will connect 2 devices to the Wi-Fi network.

Simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and is subject to the Hughesnet Fair Access Policy.

Compatibility

Is my computer compatible with Hughesnet?

Here’s what your computer will need for you to use Hughesnet:

A compatible operating system:

Most computers manufactured in the past several years have these prerequisites standard, but be sure to check before installation day.

Can I use a PCMCIA card adaptor?

You can use a PCMCIA card adaptor with your laptop if you have either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adaptor with an Ethernet connector to connect to a Hughesnet modem. Your Hughesnet system comes with a free Ethernet cable that will be provided at the time of installation.

What should I do if my computer didn’t come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

The majority of computers today come plug-and-play ready, so it should be easy to self-install a network card if you have the appropriate slots available. Consult the manufacturer documents that came with your laptop to see if your computer hardware can be configured with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card. If so, make sure it is configured for “auto-negotiate.”

If you don’t feel comfortable self-installing a network card, you can purchase an external USB Ethernet adaptor, which should be easy to install and compatible with most systems. For maximum Hughesnet compatibility, make sure your computer is upgraded to meet all requirements stated above.

Gaming

Hughesnet Gen5 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.

General

There is a minimum commitment of 24 months when you order Hughesnet. If you wish to terminate service before that 24-month period expires, the Early Termination Fee and any Unreturned Equipment Fees will apply.

Early Termination:

Purchase Option (Equipment and standard installation purchased upfront)

If you cancel your order before installation, you will be refunded the amount that was collected at time of order.

If you cancel after activation but before the end of your 24-month term commitment, you will be charged a Service Termination Fee of up to $400. The exact amount of the Service Termination Fee will be $400 for the first ninety (90) days after activation of the Hughesnet Service. Thereafter, the amount will decrease by $15 per month for each month of active Service.

Early Termination:

Lease Option

If you cancel your order before installation, you will be refunded the amount that was collected at time of order.

If you cancel after activation but before the end of your 24-month term commitment, you will be charged a Service Termination Fee of up to $400. The exact amount of the Service Termination Fee will be $400 for the first ninety (90) days after activation of the Hughesnet Service. Thereafter, the amount will decrease by $15 per month for each month of active Service.

Further, you must return your Hughesnet modem, power supply, and radio in good condition within 45 days of cancellation date or be charged a $300 Unreturned Equipment Fee ($100 for the modem and power supply and $200 for the radio transmitter).

How do I get in contact with Hughesnet Customer Support?

For Hughesnet Technical Support or Customer Care, please go to www.myHughesnet.com where you can chat with our technical support staff, check your usage, test your satellite speed, or browse our online help files.

You can also view your account status, online invoices, and activity history. Telephone Customer Service and technical support are also available toll-free at 1-866-347-3292.

Whom can I contact to receive mobile high-speed Internet service?

To receive mobile high-speed Internet service, please contact one of the following providers:

Mobil Satellite Technologies, www.mobilsat.com – 1-757-312-8300

Ground Control, www.groundcontrol.com – 1-800-773-7168

Still have questions?

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