Frequently Asked Questions About Satellite Internet and HughesNet.

Question: What exactly is HughesNet?

Answer: HughesNet is the long awaited high speed internet service that is available for everyone in the continental United States regardless of where they live. Just a clear, unobstructed view of the southern sky is all you need to be able to get the lightning fast satellite internet service from HughesNet. You can say goodbye to that slow, unreliable dial up connection forever when you let HughesNet deliver the most incredible advancements in satellite technology for the fastest internet service anywhere.

Question: How fast are the download and upload speeds with HughesNet home satellite service?

Answer: Upload speeds up to 200 kbps and download speeds of up to 1.5 Kbps are accessible through the HughesNet ProPlus satellite internet service. Hughesnet Home internet service plan provides up to 700 Kbps for download speeds along with up to 128 kbps for upload speeds. There may be slight variations in actual speeds because all land and satellite connections share the available network bandwith to some extent.

Question: What can I expect my average satellite internet connection speed will be from HughesNet?

Answer: Generally, Hughesnet Home satellite internet download speeds will range between 500 and 600 Kbps during the heaviest usage or “peak times” with the potential to speed up to 700 Kbps. You can expect to maintain upload speeds of 70 to 80 Kbps during peak times with the capability to reach 128 Kbps. Your satellite internet connection with the HughesNet Pro plan is capable of download speeds up to 1.0 Mbps, and likely to attain 650 to 750 Kbps during heavy peak usage times. Upload speeds can reach 200 Kbps, but often will stay within the 100 to 125 Kbps range during peak periods. HughesNet Pro Plan Plus is capable of download speeds up to 1.5 Mbps while generally reaching 750 to 800 Kbps during the heavy usage times. Upload speeds are able to reach a maximum of 200 Kbps while peak period speeds average 100 to 125 Kbps.

Question: How can I get HughesNet?

Answer: Ordering HughesNet is easy. You can place your order for HughesNet satellite internet service online using this web site or simply call HughesNet and let one of the sales associates help you decide on the best choices for your service plan and equipment.

Question: Are there minimum system requirements for my computer in order to use HughesNet?

Answer: HughesNet has set minimum system requirements to make sure that you get to enjoy everything that your satellite high speed internet can deliver.
- Windows 98SE or higher with Vista included or MAC OS 10.1 or higher
- Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)

Question: I have a MAC, is HughesNet compatible?

Answer: Absolutely. HughesNet is completely compatible with MAC OS 10.1 or higher, and requires 10/100 ethernet connectivity.

Question: Can the HughesNet certified installation technician set up my home network for me?

Answer: When you schedule your installation appointment you can ask if that service is available. Be advised that tech support from HughesNet doesn’t include or support home networks. Service could become degraded by several users, with the loss of guarantees like uninterrupted service and speed.

Question: Will I be able to run a small network with HughesNet?

Answer: Yes. Your single HughesNet satellite internet connection will be able to maintain multiple home PC’s and laptops. It may be necessary to purchase additional equipment for home networks that may not be supplied by HughesNet. Refer to the hardware manufacturer for set-up, configuration and general tech support because HughesNet cannot assume any responsibility for management of your home network. Keep in mind that several users will be using one connection which may result in degraded speed and the HughesNet Fair Access Policy may apply.

Question: Will my credit/debit card be charged today if I place my order today?

Answer: No, you will be charged the day of installation and service activation. Your charges that day will most likely include your equipment (HughesNet satellite dish and modem), standard installation, advanced monthly service fee, taxes, any additional services that were ordered with the original purchase. A valid credit/debit card is required for the first order, and then the option to receive monthly billing statements becomes available for an additional $5 per month. Any charges that may be incurred for non-standard installation services will be paid to the installer when they are installed.

Question: Can I connect my laptop to the HughesNet modem with a PCMCIA adapter card?

Answer: Yes. All you will need is a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adapter that has an ethernet connector. HughesNet provides an ethernet cable for you to connect your device to the modem.

Question: Should I keep using my telephone line and dial up modem?

Answer: No, they are no longer necessary with the advanced technology of HughesNet satellite internet.

Question: Do I need another dish for HughesNet if I already have one through DIRECTV or Dish Network?

Answer: Yes. Sending and receiving information through the HughesNet system relies on a specific and unique dish. DIRECTV and Dish Network equipment will not work for HughesNet satellite internet.

Question: Are there any special offers for existing DIRECTV subscribers and will I get one combined bill?

Answer: There is no affiliation between DIRECTV and Hughes the providers of HughesNet, so at this time there are no special offers for subscribing to both services or the option for combined billing.

Question: Why is it professional installation a HughesNet requirement?

Answer: It is a requirement of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) that any satellite internet system that receives and sends signals must be installed by a trained installation professional.

Question: How quickly can I expect to be up and running?

Answer: Generally it is about two weeks from the day that you placed the order for service. An installation professional will contact you within 3 days of your order to schedule your installation appointment.

Question: I’ve heard the term “transmission latency” but not sure what that means. What is it?

Answer: It is the half second delay in communication between your computer and a web site due to the latency, or amount of time it takes for data to travel through a network. Satellite service requires a data to take a “round trip” up to the satellite and back, and the resulting transmission latency can effect time sensitive applications.

Question: Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?

Answer: It is not recommended because running a VPN with HughesNet will likely reduce the speeds, and the reduction can range between 50% and 75%.

Question: Why does a VPN slow down the HughesNet connection?

Answer: High speed performance over the satellite requires advanced acceleration techniques. the hughesNet acceleration techniques need full access to data packet header information, which get blocked when VPNs are used. VPNs encrypy data that can’t be processed by the acceleration techniques causing a drastic system slow down.

Question: Can HughesNet be installed in an RV or boat?

Answer: Yes, and any one of these Value Added Service provider will be able to assist you with getting mobile satellite internet.

- Ground Control www.groundcontrol.com 1-877-773-7168
- MobilSat www.mobilsat.com 757-312-8300
- MotoSat www.motosat.com

Question: How can an existing HughesNet subscriber reach Customer Service for problems and questions?

Answer: Log on to www.myHughesNet.com for HughesNet tech support and customer service. You can chat with a representative, test your speed, view your account or browse the help files that are available. Also, you can call toll free at 1-866-347-3292. VAR or “Powered BY” end users should contact their billing provider.

Question: Is there a money back guarantee?

Answer: Yes, there is a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. Simply contact HughesNet, return the modem and radio and get a $200 refund. Unfortunately, installation costs are not refundable. Hughesnet will provide you with a guide to uninstalling your equipment.

Question: How does satellite internet work?

Answer: The installed satellite dish transmits and receives information, such as web sites, and transports them right to your computer through the modem that enables you to have lightning fast and secure internet access service.