HughesNet

HughesNet

HughesNet
1.5(11,097)

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Overall Rating1.5 out of 5
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About HughesNet

HughesNet Gen5 offers a range of plans with fast speeds, built-in Wi-Fi and No Hard Data Limits, so you can do more of everything you love online. Available where you live today, even in areas with slow or no high-speed options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Simple plans
  • No hard data caps
  • Good for rural areas
  • 24-month price lock

Cons

  • Expensive cancellation
  • May be slow

Bottom Line

HughesNet offers a variety of benefits, like no hard data caps and a 50 GB bonus zone. While plans are limited and canceling is expensive, the service can be affordable and effective for rural homes and business owners.

Featured Reviews

Verified
Garfield, GA

This company always gives a 100% when trying to resolve customer's problems. I always receive great customer service! I am always satisfied with the end results. HughesNet has hir...

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Verified
Amberg, WI

I have really liked having Hughes Net for my internet. ... They really go out of their way to makes sure that any issues you may have are immediately addressed in a timely manner ...

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What is HughesNet?

HughesNet has high-speed satellite internet with a 25 Mbps download speed on all plans. HughesNet also offers a “No Data Cap” promise that guarantees customers will receive service at a reduced speed instead of being charged more if they go over their data limits. With its “bonus zone,” customers can use 50 gigabytes of additional data each month during off-peak hours.

Traditional fiber or cable internet services may not be available to people who live in rural areas. However, because HughesNet is a satellite-based company, users all across the nation have access to its plans. According to the company, you can receive its services as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky.

HughesNet pricing

HughesNet offers four packages that start at $49.99 per month. All plans include 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds, but the plans differ in how much data can be used. With its lack of a hard cap on data, HughesNet does not charge overages for extra data use, but it does significantly throttle service speeds.

Customers can purchase their equipment outright or rent it for about $15 per month during their two-year contract. Customers must pay a $99 activation fee as well.

HughesNet FAQ

How fast is HughesNet?

All HughesNet plans include speeds of 25 Mbps, which is considered average for the industry.

How much is HughesNet?

HughesNet plans start at $49.99 per month.

Is HughesNet compatible with my Windows and Mac operating systems?

HughesNet works with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

What is HughesNet for Business?

HughesNet for Business is a division of HughesNet that offers business-specific internet services. It can be an affordable option for rural businesses that have a hard time getting access to traditional internet services.

Who owns HughesNet?

HughesNet is owned by EchoStar.

Can you work from home with HughesNet?

Yes, you can. With speeds of 25 Mbps, working from home should be fairly straightforward with HughesNet.

Does HughesNet offer TV?

HughesNet offers TV packages through DISH and DirectTV.

Is HughesNet good?

For many rural business owners and families, HughesNet is a very affordable option for internet service. Although its plans are fairly limited in terms of flexibility and options, they’re designed to fit most families’ needs. Some homes that use the internet for more specific uses, such as gaming or HD video streaming, may find that its speeds aren’t ideal, but with its free "bonus zone," customers can download movies and install updates after hours to limit data usage.

HughesNet Reviews

Over 10k reviews since 2012
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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Verified purchase
Reliability

Reviewed Oct. 23, 2022

I've never had satellite before but, should have done this years ago! Past landline issues with other broadband services have been horrible! Always having to reset all our devices was a pain in the **. Hughes Net has been flawless in reliability! I can finally relax and enjoy our service!

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    Verified purchase
    Installation & SetupStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 21, 2022

    It took almost a week, but level 4 fixed the problem. Thanks for fixing my problems. I couldn't watch anything for a week. The installation went great. The 2 men knew what they were doing. The Techs from the support team were great, but I had to be referred to level 4.

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    Verified purchase
    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 21, 2022

    He is very punctual and takes time to explain what he is doing. He also takes time to describe the technology involved for our isolated area to receive an adequate signal. I would recommend this service man to all my friends. He gives suggestions about how to improve our connections on our computers and other devices!

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    Verified purchase
    Staff

    Reviewed Oct. 21, 2022

    I have been helped with any issues or questions I have regarding this service. Especially not realizing how fast GB get used up with 5 people using TVs, laptops, etc. But I have been very pleased with all the help & useful information given to me by the representatives. I have no complaints at this time. Very satisfied.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupPunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 21, 2022

    The installer was very professional--he was courteous, prompt, knowledgeable, and very quick to get things up and running. I needed a little help with the connection on a 2nd computer and a very quick phone call got that done in just a few minutes. The folks on the phone continued the courteous behaviors of the installer. Very impressive. Once connected I have had no problems. Again, nicely done.

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    Customer ServiceContract & TermsPricePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 12, 2023

    This is based on my personal experience with Hughes Net from March 2019 to September 2023. Customer Service: All Hughes Net support is below sub-standard. They cannot keep their story straight (double talk), do not follow through (unless they are charging you!), are rude, arrogant or clueless, say they are looking into something but you are on hold 10- 15 minutes later then say wait while they look into it, and often yell when they do not get their way. Always excessive wait times (upwards of 50 minutes) to speak with a Manager to solve basic problems representative should be able to answer.

    Technical/ billing: They change the contract when they do not live up to it. They find loopholes to give you the least service for most charge. Except for Tier #3 support, they have no clue how satellite internet or internet works. They give you multiple technical excuses until they find what "sticks" with the customer vs finding the problem. Upload can dip as low as 356 kBps at the same time download as high as 30 MBps, which causes link issues unless you are doing like Netflix. Other apps will suck your monthly (15, 25, 50 GB) data allowance then charge you more money or dial your speed back to DSL speeds (128- 256 kBps up/ 5 MBps down). Overall, go with ViaSat or Starlink! If you are commercial, even more reason to avoid HughesNet. They are worse than the low point of Comcast.

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    Customer ServiceContract & TermsPunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 31, 2023

    Firstly they have the worst service for internet, phone and streaming. Then you have to deal with the incompetent, inept, runaround reps. Nasty, rude and waste your time arguing with the customers. I can't even get away from them easily and in a good way. They have to make everything so difficult. First they said you're on a month to month service plan and you can cancel anytime. I signed no service agreement with them and there was no charge to cancel. To try the services out. Well of course they can't do anything right. They are now trying to tell me I have to pay a early disconnection fee? Are you kidding? So unorganized, so messed up and mixed up company. 300.00 plus dollars is owed. No way this will happen. They are unethical and it's illegal. I will file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and they will be sorry for treating me the way they did. What a dysfunctional company.

    When I called to close the account they said, "You have no bill and you owe nothing. Just return the equipment" which I did and they took forever to come pick it up. Everything is a trial and tribulation with this company. I hate them. They are horrible and despicable. I would tell anyone do not use them ever. You will go crazy with the horrible agents and the terrible services they try to provide. It took me 3 months for them to get my ACP put on my account. Calling and calling for days and weeks. They drop the ball at every turn. If they try to come after me for that disconnect fee I will dispute it and they will never get it. Don't use them.

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    Customer ServiceContract & Terms

    Reviewed Aug. 9, 2023

    I was promised a strong non-interrupted service. Well, that is far from the truth as possibly could be. With a call or two a week to find out why I don’t have service and service calls and equipment changes four months into the service. I couldn’t still download or stream a show. At this time I felt I needed to go back to a hard wired service so canceling my account is a continuation of the problems they're giving me. After withdrawing $355 from my account without permission calling it a contract termination fee for a service they could not supply me. I feel totally robbed and cheated. I hope all will beware of this fraudulent company.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Aug. 4, 2023

    Poor internet. Poor customer service. After attempting to cancel service several times but, continually being charged...several phone calls were made to customer service and emails were sent from February to today's date in August...and after returning the modem and equipment with the label THEY sent me, as well as a confirmation email that my service was canceled, I'm STILL receiving emails that my service will be reactivated in a few days. This company needs to get it together.

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    Contract & Terms

    Reviewed Aug. 1, 2023

    I paid upfront for my equipment. I started the service two months ago. The internet speed was a fraction of what was advertised. The connection would come and go. Speeds were average of 2 upload and 10 download. It was nothing close to the speeds and monthly service that I was paying for. Streaming was nearly impossible. Internet was agonizingly slow. I called to cancel the service and told that I have a 2-year agreement. I signed nothing to begin the service and was never informed of the 2-year commitment. I was referred to the agreement after I attempted to cancel the service. I will inform the state AG since they are insisting on payment of the $400 cancellation fee even though I have only had the service for two months and paid for the equipment in advance.

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    HughesNet Company Information

    Social media:
    Company Name:
    HughesNet
    Year Founded:
    1971
    Address:
    11717 Exploration Lane
    City:
    Germantown
    State/Province:
    MD
    Postal Code:
    20876
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.hughesnet.com

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