Hughesnet service guide

Key takeaways

• Hughesnet provides satellite internet to nearly all of the U.S. starting at $39.99/mo.
• Satellite internet from Hughesnet can be a great rural internet option if nothing else is available
• Hughesnet requires contracts and their internet plans have data caps

Hughesnet provider overview

Hughesnet offers satellite internet with speeds between 25 and 100 Mbps from $39.99 to $94.99/mo.

Hughesnet offers reliable home services fueled by high-performance satellite technology. Choose from four internet plans with a wide range of data limits and home phone service with the premium calling features you need. Hughesnet’s data caps are not hard limits, but once you use up your “priority data,” your internet speed will be slower for the rest of the month until your data usage resets. You can purchase more data from Hughesnet when this occurs.

What to know about Hughesnet

Hughesnet is a better choice if you live in an area without access to other high-speed internet connections such as cable and fiber. What Hughesnet lacks in speed, it makes up for in availability.

Hughesnet installation

Hughesnet provides free professional installation.

On installation day, a Hughesnet professional technician will bring all the equipment to your home or business, “including a satellite dish, a Hughesnet integrated Wi-Fi modem with a built-in router, coaxial cables and any additional installation materials.” You can also have the technician install Whole Home Wi-Fi equipment, which can help to limit dead zones around your home. Read more about the step-by-step process.

Compare Hughesnet to other providers

Hughesnet is the least expensive option among its competitors, Starlink and Viasat. It also requires a contract, where the others do not.

Armstrong AT&T AT&T Buckeye Broadband CenturyLink Cox Cox Frontier Fiber Google Fiber Kinetic MCTV Mediacom Mediacom Optimum Optimum RCN Shentel Sparklight Spectrum Spectrum Starlink Starry Internet Suddenlink T-Mobile ValuNet Fiber Verizon 5G Home Internet Verizon Fios Verizon Fios Viasat WOW! Xfinity Xfinity

Hughesnet	Starlink
Starting price at
$39.99/mo.	$50.00/mo.
Internet Speeds
25 – 100 Mbps	100 – 400 Mbps
Data cap
No hard data caps	None
Contract
Two years	None

Provider

Hughesnet

Armstrong AT&T AT&T Buckeye Broadband CenturyLink Cox Cox Frontier Fiber Google Fiber Kinetic MCTV Mediacom Mediacom Optimum Optimum RCN Shentel Sparklight Spectrum Spectrum Starlink Starry Internet Suddenlink T-Mobile ValuNet Fiber Verizon 5G Home Internet Verizon Fios Verizon Fios Viasat WOW! Xfinity Xfinity

Starting price at

$39.99/mo.

$50.00/mo.

Internet Speeds

25 – 100 Mbps

100 – 400 Mbps

Data cap

No hard data caps

None

Contract

Two years

None

Is Hughesnet right for you?

Consider these factors when deciding if Hughesnet is the right satellite internet option for you: 

• Hughesnet is best for those living in remote or rural areas with little to no access to other internet types, like cable, fiber and 5G
• Hughesnet is available to 99% of the U.S., but there are service gaps in Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. If you live in an area without Hughesnet, explore options from Viasat or Starlink
• Hughesnet is not ideal for heavy internet users since its max speeds only reach 100 Mbps
• Hughesnet is not well-suited to activities that need low latency, like gaming or video chats. If you need low latency, explore Starlink satellite, which uses a different type of satellite tech to deliver faster speeds and lower latency
• Hughesnet requires a two-year contract with early termination fees if you cancel, so keep this in mind if you need a more flexible option
• Hughesnet has no hard data limits, but it will slow your speeds if you exceed your data cap

Hughesnet FAQs

Does Hughesnet satellite internet have unlimited data?

Yes. Although Hughesnet internet plans include a set data allotment, if you go over, you can still use your internet connection at reduced speeds (typically 1 to 3 Mbps).

Does Hughesnet require a contract?

Yes. Hughesnet home services require a 24-month contract agreement upon purchase. Early service termination fees will apply if you cancel service before your contract expires.

Can I use Hughesnet Bonus Zone if I’ve exceeded my data limit?

Yes. During Bonus Zone (2 a.m. – 8 a.m.), your connection speeds will increase to 25 Mbps and an additional 50 GB of data.

Does Hughesnet internet and TV work in bad weather?

Because Hughesnet utilizes satellite technology, your service may be subject to weather-related disruptions. Your internet or TV service should improve once the weather clears. If you’re still experiencing issues with your service, check your speeds to see how your signal is performing.

What type of service does Hughesnet offer?

Hughesnet provides satellite internet access.

How do you set up Hughesnet service?

After ordering your service, a customer representative will schedule a professional installation. This is required because of the satellite dish and components that are needed.

The Hughesnet service term is 24 months. If you cancel after activation but before the end of your 24-month commitment, you will be charged an Early Service Termination Fee of up to $400, which, after 90 days of service, decreases by $15 per month. In addition, once your service is canceled, even after the 24-month term, you must return equipment in good condition within 45 days of the cancellation date to avoid an Unreturned Equipment Fee of $300. This includes the satellite radio, Wi-Fi modem, power cords and wireless antenna.