Hughesnet Review: Hughesnet Satellite Internet Guide And Review 2024

Technology is improving all the industries and the telecom is no exception. With every passing year faster and more reliable internet technologies like cable internet, fiber internet, and 5G are being introduced. However, the rate of adoption of these faster internet connections is a bit slow and many people in the United States still rely on traditional satellite internet for their connectivity. 

According to the U.S Census Data, over 8.6 million people use satellite internet in the United States and the country has seen an increase of 157% in people who have access to satellite connectivity. This infers that a lot of internet service providers are still investing in this tech. But among so many internet providers which is the best satellite ISP? Well, a big name in the industry is Hughesnet.

In this blog, we will provide an in-depth HughesNet review, detailing the company’s background, services, costs, plans, add-ons, and customer experiences. So, let’s start. 

Hughesnet Review: A Brief Outlook Of The Company

HughesNet, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation, was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Germantown, Maryland. The company was a pioneer in the satellite communications industry, initially focusing on providing businesses and government agencies with broadband satellite services. Today, HughesNet has expanded to deliver internet services to residential customers across the United States, particularly focusing on rural and underserved communities.

HughesNet operates through geostationary satellites, which orbit at a high altitude, allowing customers to access the internet by installing a satellite dish at their homes. HughesNet currently serves over 1 million customers, making it one of the largest satellite internet providers in the United States.

Fun Facts About The Company

• An innovator in Satellite Communications: HughesNet was the first to develop and market satellite-based internet services for consumers, setting a precedent for other providers.
• JUPITER Network: Hughesnet is leveraging the JUPITER network, including the world’s largest commercial communications satellite, JUPITER 3, to enhance its services.
• During the 1980s, Hughes developed a cutting-edge two-way VSAT system, marking a significant milestone by securing Walmart as its first major corporate customer.

What We Like About Hughesnet

• Availability in Remote Areas: HughesNet’s satellite internet is available virtually anywhere in the U.S., making it accessible to people in locations that lack traditional internet infrastructure.
• Consistent Speed: HughesNet offers plans with up to 100 Mbps download speed, meeting the FCC’s definition of broadband for basic activities like browsing, streaming, and email.
• Free Data During “Bonus Zone” Hours: HughesNet provides an additional 50 GB of free data between 2 AM and 8 AM, allowing customers to download large files or stream content without affecting their monthly data cap.

What We Don’t Like About Hughesnet

• High Latency: Due to the high-altitude orbit of HughesNet’s satellites, the latency is higher than other types of internet connections, which can impact activities such as gaming or real-time video calling.
• Expensive Plans for Limited Data: HughesNet’s plans tend to be pricier than cable or DSL options, especially considering the data caps.
• Overage Throttling: Although HughesNet doesn’t charge extra fees for overages, it significantly reduces your internet speed if you exceed your monthly data cap.
• Contracts and early termination fees.

Hughesnet Review: How Much Does Hughesnet Cost And What Internet Plans Are Offered? 

In total Hughesnet offers three satellite internet plans: Select, Elite, and Fusion. The maximum download speed ranges between 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps. One of the biggest downsides of Hughesnet’s internet plans is that they do not have symmetric download and upload speeds. You might be wondering if the speeds are the same then what’s the difference between the three plans? Well, the plans are differentiated based on the data limits. 

Users need to be mindful of their data usage, as exceeding the data limit can result in slower speeds for the remainder of the billing period. However, a good thing about Hughesnet is the Bonus Hours. Each plan includes 50 GB of additional data from 2 AM to 8 AM.

Another downside of this satellite internet service is the price hike. After the first 12 months, the price for each plan increases significantly. 

Hughesnet Select:

The HughesNet Select plan is the entry-level option, providing 100 GB of monthly data for $64.99. This plan is ideal for users with basic internet needs, such as checking emails, social media, and occasional streaming in standard definition. However, heavy users may find the data cap restrictive.

Hughesnet Elite:

The HughesNet Elite plan provides a higher 200 GB monthly data cap for $74.99. This plan suits users who have moderate data needs, such as families who stream content in HD occasionally or download files frequently.

Hughesnet Fusion:

Similar to the Elite plan, the Fusion also has a 200 GB priority data limit. The price of the Hughesnet Fusion plan is $94.99 for the first 12 months, after that the price increases to $119.99/mo. However, unlike the Select and Elite plans, the Fusion is a combination of Satellite and wireless tech. 

Options For Savings And Discounts

While HughesNet’s prices may be high compared to some competitors, the company offers occasional promotions and discounts to make its services more affordable. For instance, currently, there is a promotional deal running till 11/29/24. Via this offer, new subscribers can get free professional installation and a $100 Prepaid Mastercard via rebate.

Hughesnet Plans And Pricing: Additional Costs (Fine Print)

Beyond the advertised monthly plan prices, HughesNet includes several additional fees that can impact the overall cost of the service.

Professional Installation Fee:

HughesNet requires professional installation for its satellite dish and modem. If you lease the equipment from the company there is no installation fee. However, if you buy your own equipment then you will have to pay an installation fee of $199.99. 

Early Termination Fee:

HughesNet contracts run for 24 months. If you terminate your contract early, you may face an early termination fee of up to $400, which decreases over time but remains a significant consideration.

Equipment Fee:

Customers have the option to either rent or purchase the satellite modem and dish. The rental fee is $14.99 per month however, what many customers fail to notice is that along with this monthly rent, you will also have to pay a one-time $99 lease setup fee.  On the other hand, buying the equipment (WiFi-6 modem) will cost you about $299.99. 

Data Caps (Overage Fee):

HughesNet’s plans come with data caps on priority data, and while the provider does not charge an overage fee, it throttles the internet speed to 1-3 Mbps if the cap is exceeded. For those requiring more data, HughesNet offers data tokens for purchase to restore regular speeds.

Hughesnet Internet Review: Add-ons And Optional Features

Norton 360 Deluxe:

HughesNet offers Norton 360 Deluxe as an add-on for customers seeking additional security and protection. This antivirus suite provides features like real-time threat protection, secure VPN, and identity theft protection for a monthly fee. It’s free for the first month, then $5.99/month for 5 devices or $6.99/month for 10 devices.

Hughesnet Voice:

Hughesnet offers a bundled internet and home phone service. Their VoIP home phone service utilizes a satellite connection. This service includes complimentary premium features such as call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, and unlimited calling. Hughesnet assures that their phone service won’t disrupt your internet connection.

The standard monthly cost is $29.95, but the company frequently offers introductory deals like $9.95 per month for the initial three months. You can add international calling options: 200 minutes to 60 countries for an extra $9.95 monthly or unlimited international calling for $22.95 per month. Your order also includes a free Hughesnet voice device, valued at $75.

Express Repair:

Express Repair is a priority maintenance service, which offers expedited repair services for a monthly fee. It ensures that, in case of equipment or connectivity issues, customers receive quicker support, reducing potential downtime.

The Basic plan includes standard service, available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, for a monthly fee of $8.99. For faster service, the Premium plan offers next-business-day delivery for $12.99 per month. Additional on-site repair services are available for a one-time fee of $24.99.

Hughesnet Home Internet: Satellite Internet Availability And Coverage

HughesNet is available in all 50 states, covering rural and remote areas where other internet providers may not offer service. Since it relies on satellites, HughesNet’s coverage is unaffected by geographical barriers like mountains or deserts. However, adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow can disrupt service temporarily.

How Does Hughesnet Internet Plans Compare To Other Competitors?

HughesNet, Viasat, and Starlink are three leading satellite internet providers, each catering to different needs in rural and underserved areas. HughesNet offers a straightforward, affordable option for basic internet usage with a consistent 25 Mbps speed, though its data caps can be restrictive for high-bandwidth activities. 

Viasat provides more speed flexibility, with plans ranging up to 100 Mbps, making it suitable for light streaming and remote work. However, it also enforces data limits that could lead to slower speeds once the threshold is reached.

Starlink, using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, delivers faster speeds (50-220 Mbps) and low latency, which significantly enhances video calling, streaming, and gaming experiences. Unlike the others, Starlink does not impose data caps, though it requires a high upfront equipment cost.

Final Verdict: For users seeking high-speed, reliable performance without data caps, Starlink is the top choice if available in the area. Otherwise, Viasat provides a good balance of speed and data flexibility.

Our Final Take: Is Hughesnet Satellite Internet A Good Choice In 2024?

Based on our research at GetInternetDeal, Hughesnet is only a practical option for people who don’t have access to other types of internet, such as fiber or DSL. We give Hughesnet a solid 4 out of 5 rating. If you are located in remote areas and don’t have access to this tech then Hughesnet can be a solid choice, or you can also opt for Starlink if you have the budget. 

In conclusion, HughesNet remains a solid option in 2024 for rural and remote users who need reliable internet access. With a range of plans, extensive coverage, and several add-ons to choose from, HughesNet continues to fulfill its mission of connecting underserved communities across the United States.

Our Methodology For This Hughesnet Internet Review

To help you choose the best internet service provider, we assessed more than 27 internet service providers, examining features such as plan details, connection speeds, coverage, customer service, data privacy, and more. Each category was carefully evaluated by our telecom experts to build a fair rating system.

• 27 companies evaluated
• 56 unique features reviewed
• 37 primary data sources consulted

We collected data from multiple sources, including HughesNet’s official website, customer reviews, and industry reports such as those from J.D. Power and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

For each review, our team considers real-world feedback shared by HughesNet customers, focusing on aspects like installation, reliability, customer support, and overall satisfaction. We also evaluate each HughesNet plan against similar offerings from competitors to make well-rounded recommendations.

Our aim is to offer an impartial review to help potential customers make informed choices.