Residential Frequently Asked Questions

01) What is HughesNetTM?
02) How fast are HughesNet services for your home?
03) What connection speeds will I typically get with HughesNet?
04) How can I/where can I purchase the HughesNet product?
05) What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?
06) Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?
07) Can I use HughesNet to run a small network?
08) Can the HughesNet certified installer hook up my home network?
09) If I order HughesNet today, will you bill my credit/debit card today?
10) Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?
11) Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
12) If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?
13) I have DIRECTV already. Will this be on the same bill? Any special deals?
14) Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?
15) How quickly will I be up and running?
16) What is transmission latency?
17) Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?
18) Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
19) Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?
20) I’m a home user of the HughesNet service. How can I contact Customer Support when I have a question or problem?

Business Frequently Asked Questions

01) What is HughesNetTM?
02) How fast are HughesNet Business services?
03) What connection speeds will I typically get with HughesNet?
04) How fast are HughesNet Business services compared to other high-speed services?
05) Which HughesNet service is right for my business?
06) What is the difference between HughesNet business service plans and the consumer service plans?
07) How can I/where can I purchase HughesNet for my business?
08) What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?
09) Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?
10) Can I run a small local area network with HughesNet?
11) Is HughesNet compatible with PDA's to check emails?
12) If I order HughesNet today, will you bill my credit/debit card today?
13) Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
14) Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?
15) What is transmission latency?
16) Can I run a VPN using HughesNet for business?
17) Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
18) How much does it cost?
Residential Frequently Asked Questions

01) What is HughesNet?

HughesNetTM is the high-speed Internet solution that’s available to everyone in the contiguous US with a clear view of the southern sky. HughesNet uses satellite technology, not your phone line, to give you a super-fast, always-on Internet connection. HughesNet gets you online instantly, lets you surf and open pages faster and download files in a fraction of the time it takes on a dial-up modem.

02) How fast are HughesNet services for your home?

The HughesNet ProPlus service plan provides download speeds up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 kbps. The HughesNet Pro service plan provides download speeds up to 1 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 Kbps. The HughesNet Home service plan delivers download speeds up to 700 Kbps and upload speeds up to 128 Kbps. All Internet technologies (satellite or land-based) share available network bandwidth in one way or another; therefore, actual speeds may vary.

03) What connection speeds will I typically get with HughesNet?

With the HughesNetTM Home service plan, you may enjoy download speeds up to 700 Kbps, with typical speeds of about 500 Kbps to 600 Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 128 Kbps, are typically 70 Kbps to 80 Kbps during peak hours.

With the HughesNet Pro plan, connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 1.0 Mbps, with typical speeds about 650 Kbps to 750 Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 200 Kbps, are typically 100 Kbps to 125 Kbps during peak hours.

With the HughesNet ProPlus plan, connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps, with typical speeds about 750 Kbps to 800 Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 200 Kbps, are typically 100 Kbps to 125 Kbps during peak hours.

04) How can I/where can I purchase HughesNet?

You can order online from this site or you can speak with a HughesNetTM sales representative. Return to the FAQ page and select the ‘Order Now’ button on the top right of your screen (or bottom left column) for more information on ordering HughesNet service.

05) What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?

HughesNetTM lets connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® operating system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience, HughesNet has developed these minimum requirements:

Windows 98SE or higher or Mac OS 10.1 or higher, and
Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)

06) Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?

Yes, HughesNetTM is compatible with Mac OS 10.1 or higher. 10/100 Ethernet connectivity is also required.

07) Can I use HughesNet to run a small network?

Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single HughesNetTM Internet connection. Home networking equipment may be required and is not included with your HughesNet system. For network setup, support, and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer (HUGHES® is not responsible for home network configuration or management).

Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and is subject to the HughesNet Fair Access Policy.

08) Can the HughesNetTM-certified installer set up my home network?

If you’d like, you can inquire if this option is available through your installer when you set your installation appointment. However, home networks are not included or supported by HUGHES® technical support. Multiple simultaneous users may degrade service. Uninterrupted service and stated speeds not guaranteed.

09) If I order HughesNet today, will you bill my credit/debit card today? .

No, you will not be billed until the day you are installed and your HughesNet service is activated. On that day, your first bill will likely include:

HughesNet equipment (satellite modem and dish)
Standard installation by a professional installer*
Monthly service fee (customers are forward or advanced billed for service)
Optional services (if selected at time of purchase)
Any applicable taxes

Initial orders must be made via a valid credit/debit card. After the initial order, you may elect to receive a monthly invoice for an additional fee of $5.

*Additional fees for non-standard installations will be charged and paid directly to the professional installer at time of installation

10) Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?

Yes. All you need to connect your computer to the HughesNetTM modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector. The HughesNet system includes an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the HughesNet modem.

11) Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?

No. There is no phone line or dial-up data modem required to use your HughesNetTM service.
 
12) If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?

Yes, the HughesNetTM system requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite. You cannot use your DIRECTV dish for HughesNet high-speed Internet service.

13) I have DIRECTV already. Will this be on the same bill? Any special deals?

No, you will not be able to receive both services on the same bill. HUGHES®, which delivers HughesNetTM services, is not affiliated with The DIRECTV Group. At this time, there are no discounts for selecting both services.

14) Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?

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

15) How quickly will I be up and running?

On average, most customers are installed within 2 weeks of their order. When you place your order today, your name will be provided to a certified HughesNetTM installer, who will contact you within 5 days. You and the installer will then work out a mutually agreeable date and time for your installation. If less than 2 weeks is too soon for you, just place your order when your ready for HughesNet high-speed Internet service!

16) 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 HughesNetTM.

17) Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?

HughesNetTM Home Service plan is not compatible with VPNs.
You may use a VPN with HughesNet, but you will likely experience reduced speeds as much as 50-75%. 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.


18) Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?

HughesNetTM uses sophisticated acceleration techniques to enable high-speed performance over satellite. These acceleration techniques require access to data packet header information, which is blocked when IPSec-based VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data and create a secure tunnel through the HughesNet network. The encrypted data cannot be processed by HughesNet's acceleration techniques, therefore resulting in slower performance.

19) Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?

HughesNetTM Home and Professional service is available for non-mobile (fixed) locations. To receive mobile high-speed Internet service, please contact one of the following Value Added Service providers:

Ground Control www.groundcontrol.com
1-800-773-7168
MobilSat www.mobilsat.com
1-757-312-8300
MotoSAT www.motosat.com

20) I’m a home user of the HughesNet service. How can I contact Customer Support when I have a question or problem?

If you are a “Powered By” or VAR end user, please contact your billing provider.

For HughesNetTM Technical Support or Customer Service, please log on 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. This site will also enable you to view your account status, online invoices, and activity history. Telephone Customer Service and technical support is also available toll-free at 1-866-347-3292.

 

Business Frequently Asked Questions

01) What is HughesNetTM?

HughesNetTM is the high-speed Internet solution that’s available to every growing business in the contiguous US with a clear view of the southern sky. HughesNet uses satellite technology, not your phone line, to give you a fast, always-on Internet connection—so you have instant access to the business-critical information you need.

02) How fast are HughesNet Business services?

FAST—a world apart from your dial-up connection! HughesNet offers two service plans for business. HughesNet Business Internet provides maximum download speeds of 2.0Mbps, and maximum upload speeds of 500Kbps. HughesNet Small Office service plan provides maximum download speeds of 1.5Mbps, and maximum upload speeds of 300Kbps. You’ll download files in seconds, access email instantly, and share information easier and faster with customers, partners and suppliers.

03) What connection speeds will I typically get with HughesNet?

With the HughesNet Small Office service plan, you may enjoy maximum download speeds of 1.5Mbps, with typical speeds of about 800Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 300Kbps, are typically about 185Kbps during peak hours.

With the HughesNet Business Internet plan, connect your office to the Internet with maximum download speeds of 2.0Mbps, with typical speeds about 1.2Mbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 500Kbps, are typically 300Kbps during peak hours.

04) How fast are HughesNet Business services compared to other high-speed services?

HughesNetTM provides download speed performance similar to other broadband services. The user experience is excellent when downloading Web pages, emails, or large data files. At the same time, satellite "upload" speeds (for sending data) are more appropriate for general Internet use, such as browsing the Internet, email, online ordering, etc. and not appropriate for higher speed demands of Website hosting, as an example.

05) Which HughesNet service is right for my business?

HughesNetTM delivers a wide range of innovative and scalable network solutions to enterprises and small-to-medium businesses, and allows consumers and teleworkers everywhere to enjoy the excitement and convenience of high-speed Internet from home.

For small home offices, HughesNet Professional service is generally recommended.
For small businesses looking for connectivity at a commercial location, HughesNet offers two service plans:
HughesNet Small Office
HughesNet Business Internet
 
06) What is the difference between HughesNet business service plans and the consumer service plans?

SPEED! HughesNetTM Small Office and HughesNet Business Internet service plans provide larger transmission resources than the Home and Professional plans. As such, they provide a higher level of overall performance for a multi-user, small business environment. Some of the other key differences include: commercial installation of a slightly larger antenna for faster upload and download speeds and higher reliability; the ability to download larger files more frequently; a greater number of open TCP sessions; and additional static IP addresses.

07) How can I/where can I purchase HughesNet for my business?

Order HughesNetTM online from this site or speak directly with a HughesNet sales representative.

08) What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?

HughesNetTM works with virtually any computer and is simple to use. Connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® operating system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience, your computer should have the following minimum properties

Windows 98SE and higher or Mac 10.1 and higher and
Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)
 
All you need to connect your computer to the HughesNetTM modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector. The HughesNet system includes an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the HughesNet modem.
 
09) Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?

Yes, HughesNetTM is compatible with Mac OS 10.1 or higher. 10/100 Ethernet connectivity is also required.

10) Can I run a small local area network with HughesNet?

Yes, you can connect multiple computers and laptops to a single HughesNetTM Internet connection, so your staff can enjoy fast downloading and instant access to the Internet. HughesNet Small Office is optimized to accommodate up to 5 concurrent users, while HughesNet Business Internet is optimized for up to 10 concurrent users. Additional networking equipment, not included in your HughesNet system, may be required. For network setup, support, and configuration contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer. HUGHES® is not responsible for network configuration or management.

All computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and is subject to the HughesNet Fair Access Policy.

11) Is HughesNet compatible with PDA's to check emails?

HughesNet email is compatible with any email client that supports POP3 and SMTP protocols

12) If I order HughesNet today, will you bill my credit/debit card today?

No, you will not be billed until the day you are installed and your HughesNet service is activated. On that day, your first bill will likely include:

HughesNet equipment (satellite modem and dish)
Standard installation by a professional installer*
Monthly service fee (customers are forward or advanced billed for service)
Optional services (if selected at time of purchase)
Any applicable taxes

Initial orders must be made via a valid credit/debit card. After the initial order, you may elect to receive a monthly invoice for an additional fee of $5.

*Additional fees for non-standard installations will be charged and paid directly to the professional installer at time of installation.

13) Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?

No. HughesNetTM delivers high-speed Internet access via satellite, so you have instant access to the business-critical information you need without dialing in. You do not need a phone line or dial-up data modem to access the Internet when you use your HughesNet service.

14) Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any two-way satellite system.

15) 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 a second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Website or host server. Most back-office applications, e-commerce transactions, and common business applications work very well over HughesNet.TM Business applications that require response times in fractions-of-a-second (such as Web hosting, VoIP, and video conferencing) are not recommended over satellite.

16) Can I run a VPN using HughesNet for business?

 Yes, but running a VPN client over satellite is not an ideal configuration. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50–75%. 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.

*** HughesNet does offer an end-to-end VPN accelerator solution for large corporations and government agencies. This accelerator delivers higher connection speeds over VPN. Go to vpn.HughesNet.com for more information.

17) Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?

HughesNetTM uses sophisticated acceleration techniques to enable high-speed performance over satellite. These acceleration techniques require access to data packet header information, which is blocked when IPSec-based VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data and create a secure tunnel through the HughesNet network. The encrypted data cannot be processed by HughesNet's acceleration techniques, therefore resulting in slower performance.

18) How much does it cost?

HughesNetTM service plans for business begin as low as $99.99/month.