HughesNet 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. Businesses benefit from having instant access to the business-critical information they need.
How fast are HughesNet Business services compared to other high-speed services?
HughesNet 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, for example.What is the difference between HughesNet business service plans and the consumer service plans?
SPEED! The HughesNet commercial service plans provide larger transmission resources than residential service plans. As such, they provide a higher level of overall performance for a multi-user, small business environment. Some of the key differences include: the ability to download larger files more frequently; a greater number of open TCP sessions; additional static IP addresses and on-site maintenance available.
What are my computer system requirements for HughesNet?
HughesNet 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 2000 PE or higher (including Windows XP and VISTA) or Mac OS 10.1 or higher, and Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)
Is HughesNet compatible with my Mac?
Yes, HughesNet is compatible with Mac OS 10.1 or higher. 10/100 Ethernet connectivity is also required.
Can I use HughesNet to run a small network?
Yes, you can connect multiple computers and laptops to a single HughesNet Internet connection. 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. Nationwide Satellite and HughesNet are not responsible for 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.
Can the HughesNet-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 HNS technical support. Multiple simultaneous users may degrade service. Uninterrupted service and stated speeds not guaranteed.
What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
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.
Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?
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.
Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
No. HughesNet delivers high-speed Internet access via satellite, so you have instant access to the Internet 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.
If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for HughesNet?
Yes. The HughesNet system requires a unique dish and transmitter antenna in order to send and receive information via satellite. DIRECTV receivers and dishes can only receive Satellite Television transmissions and cannot send or receive a Satellite Internet transmission.
HughesNet and DIRECTV have a partnership through their marketing efforts but operate as separate companies each providing a different type of satellite service to their customers.
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 Network Systems, which delivers HughesNet services, is affiliated with The DIRECTV Group for marketing purposes only, and is operated as an independent company. There are no discounts for selecting both services. If you choose to receive both services, you will be billed separately for each.
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.
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 HughesNet 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.
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 HughesNet.
I’m a home user of HughesNet service. How can I contact Customer Support when I have a question or problem?
For HughesNet Technical Support or Customer Service, please log on to www.myHughesNet.com where you can chat with HughesNet 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-HughesNet (1-866-347-3292)