Q: How fast is the HughesNet system?

A: HughesNet Home and Professional service plans provide download speeds up to 1000Kbps and upload speeds up to 200Kbps. The HughesNet Small Office and Business Internet service plans provide download speeds up to 2000Kbps and upload speeds up to 500Kbps. All Internet technologies (satellite or land-based) “share” available network bandwidth in one way or another; therefore, actual speeds may vary.
 

Q: How can I/where can I purchase the HughesNet product?

A: You can order online from this site or you can call a sales representative at 800-509-8424

Q: What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?

A: The HughesNet modem lets you 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 9.0-10.x (excluding 10.0) and
Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped.)
 

Q: What operating systems are compatible with HughesNet?

A: The HughesNet modem is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
 

Q: Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?
A: Yes, HughesNet is compatible. Please review our minimum requirements list above for Macintosh systems.
 

Q: Can I run HughesNet on a small network?

A: Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single HughesNet 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 Fair Access Policy. If you are a DW4000 user and wish to use your HughesNet for multiple simultaneous users, you may want to upgrade to the DW7000 which more easily enables this configuration.
 

Q: Can the HughesNet certified installer hook up my home network?

A: If you’d like, you can inquire if this option is available through your installer when you set up your installation appointment. However, home networks are not included or supported by HNS technical support. Multiple simultaneous users may degrade service. Interruption of service and speed not guaranteed
 

Q: What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?

A: Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed. Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system. Make sure your NIC is configured for "auto-negotiate."

Also, if you have an available USB port on your computer, you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter. This may be easier to install than a PCI card in your computer. For a laptop, you can purchase a standard PCMCIA card that provides an Ethernet connection, or you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter as well. We recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet all of the requirements listed above to get the most out of your Internet experience.
 

Q: Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?

A: Yes. All you need to connect your computer to the HughesNet 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.
 

Q: Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?

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

Q: If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?

A: Yes. The HughesNet system requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite. You can add the ability to access DIRECTV® programming to the HughesNet dish by purchasing a simple DIRECTV upgrade kit. It is your decision whether to keep your existing DIRECTV dish on your home, or to utilize the one-dish solution from HughesNet.
 

Q: I have DIRECTV already. Will this be on the same bill? Any Special Deals?

A: No, you will not be able to receive both services on the same bill. HughesNet is 50% owned by The DIRECTV Group, but is operated as an independent company. At this time, there are no discounts for selecting both services.
 

Q: Why is there a requirement that the HughesNet system be professionally installed?

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

Q: How quickly will I be up and running?

A: 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 HughesNet installer, who will contact you within 3-5 business days. You and the installer will then work out a mutually agreeable date and time for your installation.
 

Q: What is transmission latency?

A: 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. 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.
 

Q: Can I run a VPN over HughesNet Professional?

A: 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 that delivers higher connection speeds over VPN. Go to http://vpn.HughesNet.com for more information. For small / medium business solutions, please contact a HughesNet Business Solutions Channel Partner to discuss your specific requirement.
 

Q: Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?

A: HughesNet 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.
 

Q: Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?

A: HughesNet Home and Professional service is available for non-mobile (fixed) locations. To receive mobile high-speed Internet service, It can be installed for motor home users, But it will need to be repointed at each new location.
 

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

A: If you are a “Powered By” or VAR consumer end user, please contact your billing provider. For HughesNet Technical Support or Customer Service:

If you are a current HughesNet customer and are requesting customer or technical service for HughesNet, please log onto our Website at 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.

If you are a HughesNet consumer, please go to www.myHughesNet.com to view your account status, online invoices and activity history.

Telephone technical support for your service is also available tollfree at 1-866-HughesNet.