What is HughesNet?

HughesNet is a Internet service that is not constrained by geography. You can get super-fast, always-on, Internet access anywhere in the contiguous United States through HughesNet. Even better -- it is ready when you are with no dialing in, no waiting and no tied-up phone lines. You can download files in seconds, check e-mail instantly and surf faster than you ever imagined.

How fast are HughesNet services for your home?

The HughesNet ProPlus service plan provides download speeds up to 1.6 Mbps and upload speeds up to 250 kbps. The HughesNet Pro service plan provides download speeds up to 1.2 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 Kbps. The HughesNet Home service plan delivers download speeds up to 1.0 Mbps and upload speeds up to 128 Kbps. All Internet technologies (satellite or land-based) share available network bandwidth in one way or another; therefore, actual speeds may vary.

What are the typical speeds that I will experience with HughesNet?

With HughesNet home plans, you can get download speeds up to 1.6 Mbps. This means you can download a 1 MB video file in 6 seconds, as opposed to the 2.5 minutes it would take you to download the same file with a 56 Kbps dial-up connections.

How can I purchase HughesNet for my home?

You can order today from Country I Link or call 1-866-229-7688.

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 98SE or higher (including 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. In addition, 10/100 Ethernet connectivity is required.

Can I use HughesNet to run a small network?

You can connect multiple computers and laptops to a single HughesNet Internet connection. Additional networking equipment may be required that is not included in your HughesNet system. For network setup, support, and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer.  Country I Link 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.

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.

Can I run a VPN over HughesNet?

Yes, but running a VPN client over satellite is not an ideal configuration. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50-75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.

SSL-based VPN products have proven to work more efficiently over satellite than IPSEC-Based VPN products. 

Note: HughesNet Technical Support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients. For questions about your VPN product, please contact the manufacturer's tech support.

Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?

HughesNet uses sophisticated acceleration techniques to enable high-speed performance over satellite. These acceleration techniques require access to data packet header information, which is blocked when IPSec-based VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data and create a secure tunnel through the HughesNet network. The encrypted data cannot be processed by HughesNet's acceleration techniques, therefore resulting in slower performance.

Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?

HughesNet, provided by Country I Link, is available for non-mobile (fixed) locations. To receive mobile high-speed Internet service, please contact a Value Added Service provider that installs Mobile Satellite Internet Systems.

Once I connect my 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.