General FAQs

What is Hughesnet?
Hughesnet is a Top-rated Satellite Internet Provider. The new Hughesnet is powered by a new, state-of-the-art satellite that’s engineered to deliver a faster, better internet experience even in areas with slow or no high-speed options.
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 6 so that your phone, computer and other Wi-Fi devices can connect to the internet.
What can I do with satellite Internet service?
With the all-new Hughesnet, now you can do it all—connect, stream and play. Stay connected with family and friends through social media, video chat, stream TV series and movies from your favorite apps, work from home through video-conferencing and with Fusion plans you can play popular online games.
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).

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 NOC, 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 the delay you may have experienced when using a cell phone. In most cases, latency isn’t apparent while surfing online.

Once Hughesnet has been professionally installed, connecting to the Internet via satellite is simple!
Why Choose Hughesnet?
Today, more than 1.2 million Americans depend on Hughesnet satellite internet, a Top-rated Satellite Internet Provider in the US. Here are some of the reasons why:

  • Fast Speeds: A fast connection to do more of everything online.
  • No Hard Data Limits: If you exceed your plan data, we won’t cut you off or charge you more.†
  • Built-in Wi-Fi: Easily connect your wireless devices.
  • Available in More Places: Hughesnet is available where you live. Get connected now—your days of slow Internet are over!
  • Trusted by More People: Hughesnet is Satellite Internet for Rural America.
Do Hughesnet plans have unlimited data?
You have an unlimited amount of Standard Data. If you use all your Priority Data, your Standard Data kicks in automatically.*
What is Priority Data?
Priority Data is the set amount of data that comes with each plan.
Does Hughesnet work with streaming services like Hulu and Netflix?
Yes, Hughesnet works with streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. Keep in mind that streaming applications do consume a large amount of your Priority Data.
Can I watch movies in HD with Hughesnet?
Yes! Your service is automatically set to stream movies at up to HD quality with the Video Optimizer. Higher resolution options are available when the Video Optimizer is turned off.
What is Whole Home Wi-Fi?
Whole Home Wi-Fi is an extended Wi-Fi network that is created by incorporating one or more Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes with your Wi-Fi Modem to extend the reach of the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home.
How do I know if I need a Mesh Wi-Fi Node?
Your Hughesnet Retailer will help you determine if your home or office requires Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes to eliminate dead zones. Numerous factors can influence the reach of your Wi-Fi signal, including the home’s square footage, number of floors, wall construction, modem location within the home, and so on.
What is ACH?
ACH payment is direct payment from your bank account (checking/savings) to automatically pay your internet bill each month. ACH direct payments are electronic money transfers processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network.
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.

Residential installation typically takes 1-4 hours while Business installation typically takes 4-6 hours.
What is JUPITER™ 3?
JUPITER 3 is the name of our newest satellite, the largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite ever built.
What is JUPITER™ Powered?
The new Hughesnet plans are JUPITER Powered, which connects you to the world’s largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite so you receive faster speeds with a reliable satellite connection.
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 (Available to residential customers only): 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.

Hughesnet Fusion® plans FAQs

What are Hughesnet Fusion plans?
Hughesnet Fusion plans blend the best of satellite and wireless technologies into a single connection that transforms the rural internet experience.
What is latency and low-latency?
With satellite internet, requests travel a long distance from your device to a satellite and back. This distance causes a slight delay known as latency. This delay doesn’t impact most online activities but is noticeable when watching videos, browsing content-rich sites and video conferencing. Low-latency is when there is less lag or buffering when sending latency sensitive requests. Hughesnet Fusion plans combine satellite and wireless technologies for a low-latency internet experience, so you can stream video and enjoy smooth video-conferencing, with less buffering.
What is the difference between Hughesnet Fusion plans and satellite plans?
Satellite plans use the latest satellite technologies to allow you to stay connected, stream movies and play online games. Hughesnet Fusion plans blend the best of satellite and wireless technologies into a single connection. With a Fusion plan, your service feels faster and more responsive, especially when using time-sensitive applications. You can enjoy real-time gaming with a low-latency connection that won’t spoil the fun.
Are Hughesnet Fusion plans available where I live or work?
Hughesnet Fusion plans are currently available in select areas of the country. Enter your address or call to see if these exciting new plans are available where you live today!
Can I play real-time video games?
Multiplayer games requiring rapid response are only supported with Hughesnet Fusion plans. We do not recommend console-based gaming activities because they quickly consume your Priority Data.
Are Fusion plans eligible for ACP?
Yes! All Residential service plans are eligible for the program.

Hughesnet for Business FAQs

Who can benefit from using Hughesnet for Business?
Many small businesses can benefit from using Hughesnet for Business. Business service plans come with fast speeds and unlimited data to help support your growing business.

There are some instances where Hughesnet for Business is not recommended: Companies with multiple sites, national brands (i.e., most franchise locations), oil rigs, companies that need a private network solution, state/Federal businesses.
What type of service plan do I need for my small business that I run out of my home?
For business owners working from their home, we recommend a Hughesnet for Business plan that will provide you everything you need to grow your business with a reliable high-speed service.
Why should I choose a Hughesnet for Business plan?
All Business plans offer fast speeds and unlimited data. Here are key differentiators of why you should choose a Business plan:
  • • Network Prioritization: Business data and applications receive network priority.
  • • Commercial Installation: Business plans come with professional commercial installation by a licensed technician.
  • • Express Repair Premium: All Business plans include expedited repair service.
  • • 24/7 Business-class Phone Support: Business customers receive top-tier support when contacting Customer Care.
Can I run a VPN over Hughesnet?
Yes, VPNs can be run over your Hughesnet service. However, if you sign into a VPN application to access your work network directly, it will significantly reduce service speeds. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.
Is Static IP available?
With the new Hughesnet, Static IP is not available.
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).

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 NOC, 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 the delay you may have experienced when using a cell phone. In most cases, latency isn’t apparent while surfing online.

Once Hughesnet has been professionally installed, connecting to the Internet via satellite is simple!

Hughesnet Voice FAQs

What is Hughesnet Voice?
Hughesnet Voice delivers home or business phone service over your satellite internet connection. No matter where you live and work, you can enjoy affordable 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 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.

Free Professional Installation^

Call 712-826-4022 and speak to Johnston Communications LLC for exclusive offers!

Find plans with unlimited data* in your area