FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions:

General

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 where with slow or no high-speed options. 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.

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.

  1. Fast Speeds: HughesNet is faster than ever, with download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps on every plan.
  2. 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.††
  3. Built-in Wi-Fi: Featuring the latest Wi-Fi standards and technology to easily connect your wireless devices throughout your home.
  4. Available in More Places: HughesNet is available where you live. Get connected now. Your days of slow Internet are over!
  5. Trusted by More People: You can rely on America’s #1 choice for 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 Get a Quote Page

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!

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 Get a Quote Page

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.

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. 

Typically, HughesNet satellite Internet service should not be interrupted the same way land-based Internet can be. While hubs might experience damage from human factors such as traffic accidents or construction, satellite Internet is sent directly to your dish from space, and saving you from many hazards typical on landlines. In the event of an emergency, HughesNet offers inexpensive maintenance plans so you can get a technician quickly if you need one. Our customer service is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, so you have peace of mind, even in a catastrophe.

Bonus Zone
The Bonus Zone is a period of time from 2am-8am, when all customers have access to 50 GB/month of FREE data! All HughesNet plans come with free monthly data during the Bonus Zone. Use this free data to download large files like movies, system updates for your computer, tablet, or smartphone—and more.
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 free data instead of using Data from your service plan. All four new service plans come with 50 GB/month of FREE data that is available during these off-peak hours.

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 HughesNet.

HughesNet Wi-Fi Modem (HT2000W) provides two networks, a 2.4GHz and 5GHz. You can tell them apart based upon the name – the 2.4GHz network name starts with “hug2g” and the 5GHz network name starts with “hug5g”. Deciding which network to use should be based on your unique home set-up. The 2.4GHz can be used for all your wireless devices. It can transmit data over longer distances and through walls and other solid objects. The 2.4GHz band is more susceptible to interference, so speeds may not be as high. The 5GHz 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 5GHz network, provided you can receive a strong wireless signal.  If you cannot, use the 2.4GHz. Find out where your home Wi-Fi signal is strongest by using the Wi-Fi Gauge on the HughesNet Mobile App.

Video Data Saver

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.

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.

No Hard Data Limits

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 ServiceRecommended SD Streaming Rate
Netflix1.5 Mbps
Amazon Prime Video1.5 Mbps
Hulu1.5 Mbps
YouTube.5 Mbps

 

Installation

The HughesNet professional technician will install the HughesNet Wi-Fi Modem and satellite dish, and will connect 2 devices, such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can ask your technician for a quote to connect more devices. 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.

On average, most customers are installed within 5 days of their order. Most customers have the opportunity to schedule an installation date at time of order. However, if a preferred date is not available, a HughesNet installer will contact you within 3 days of placing your order to 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 you’re ready for HughesNet high-speed Internet service!

Visit orderstatus.HughesNet.com or call HughestNet Retailer: 21st Century Communications–Installation Support at 1-800-790-3306

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

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.

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.

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.
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.
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

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.

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.

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 http://www.mobilsat.com 1-757-312-8300
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

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.

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 for only a $29.95 co-pay after the 30-day vesting period

Under warranty, you have access to 24×7 technical phone support, as well as onsite support as needed. While most problems 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.

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 visit HughesNet Voice

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.

HughesNet telephone service includes Canada and Mexico in its plans. There are also add-on packs for 60 other countries, so you can call wherever you need!

Miscellaneous

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

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.

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

You will receive a separate bill for each service. Contact 21st Century Communications LLC about special offers with HughesNet that may be available in your area. 1-800-790-3306

Internet service is vital in today’s world. Banking, job hunting, schooling, and even applying for government assistance is mostly done online. Shopping for goods, services, and groceries is increasingly taking place online. Even medical consultations can be done online. People who live in rural areas have the same needs for these services as anyone else, and even more of a need to be able to use them remotely. There are few rural Internet options available, but HughesNet satellite Internet is the one that offers affordable, reliable high speed Internet.

Scroll to Top

Offer Details

This prepaid card is courtesy of 21st Century Communications. You will be sent an offer email for steps to follow for redemption. You will be able to redeem your gift card 60 days from your activation date. If you have any questions about your rebate status call 21st Century Communications at 1-800-790-3306 Extension 5 or info@21stcenturycom.com.