Though faster than DSK, satellite internet, HughesNet included, is generally slower than cable and fiber. However, it’s godsent in remote areas lacking cable and fiber infrastructure. This article discusses HughesNet satellite internet. So if you ever wondered about HughesNet satellites and how many satellites HughesNet has, read on.
Table of Contents
- About HughesNet Satellite
- HughesNet Satellites Position
- Hughesnet Satellites: What Satellite Does HughesNet Use
- HughesNet Plans and Prices
- HughesNet Equipment
- HughesNet Customer Support
- FAQs
- Conclusion
About HughesNet Satellite
(Caption: Image of satellite in space)
HughesNet pioneered the satellite internet service in 1996 when Hughes instituted DirectPC, a one-way and two-way satellite internet service targeting small home-based businesses. Then in 2002, Hughes renamed the service to Direcwsy. And again in 2012 to HughesNet, the brand we now know, starting with speeds of 25 Mbps.
HughesNet is a satellite internet provider that offers its services to virtually anyone with a clear eyesight line of the vast southern sky, where its satellite transmission services operate.
(Caption: Image of southern sky view from the earth)
Even though it primarily covers the mainland United States, HughesNet’s other service areas include the Gen5, which caters to Puerto Rico, Alaska, India, Brazil, and some areas of Europe.
HughesNet Satellites Position
As with most satellite internet services, the HughesNet satellite is roughly 22,000 miles above the earth’s surface. At this altitude, its period of rotation, 24 hours, matches that of the earth. As a result, it always remains in the same spot, also known as geosynchronous orbit. Since satellite internet has become highly advanced, this distance does not affect internet speeds, even if you include rural areas.
(Caption: Image of geosynchronous satellite)
Hughesnet Satellites: What Satellite Does HughesNet Use
Hughes Jupiter satellites (Jupiter 1, 2, and 3)
Interestingly, since HughesNet launched its first HST (High-Throughput Satellite) in 2007, the company has managed to engineer some of the best capacity Ka-band broadband satellites. And these are the Hughes Jupiter satellites Jupiter 1, 2, and 3.
Spaceway-3
The Spaceway-3 is a HughesNet communication satellite unveiled in 2007. Interestingly, this satellite is the third one of the Spaceway series and comes with a K-band communications payload. In most cases, HughesNet uses this satellite to offer users services like the broadband internet protocol.
Hughes Jupiter Payloads
The JUPITER system is a satellite platform that enables every next connection using a 5G-ready framework, software-defined architecture, a cloud-facilitated network management system, and virtual applications. Amazingly, the JUPITER payload system can also power millions of connections globally.
HughesNet Plans and Prices
Now HughesNet tends to keep things very simple regarding its packages. That means you will receive download and upload speeds of 25Mbps and 3Mbps, regardless of which plan you pick.
Also, users can enjoy specific promotional rates based on where they live. For example, new customers can save as much as $50 per month for the first six months while on a two-year contract.
Typically, your monthly data allowance varies from one plan to the next, meaning the more you pay per month, the more data you will receive.
HughesNet Equipment
First, you can lease the equipment for about $15 each month to get started with HughesNet internet. Also, you will pay a setup fee of $99. Alternatively, you can choose to purchase it upfront for $450. Thankfully, this cost will include installation.
However, if you choose to use your equipment, such as a mount, you will have to do a self-installation
HughesNet Customer Support
Users can reach out to HughesNet customer support and speak to their representative 24/7 at 866-347-3292.
FAQs
Is Hughesnet Launching a New Satellite?
Yes, HughesNet is planning a launch in the early months of 2023. And this will be the JUPITER 3/EchoStar XXIV. It’s a highly anticipated event to showcase the next generation of UHDS (Ultra High-Density Satellite). Thankfully, it will also help to significantly expand the overall output capacity and reach of the HughesNet satellite fleet across America.
How High Up Is Hughesnet Satellite?
The HughesNet Satellite is roughly 22,000 miles up in space. As a result, the satellite’s rotation timeline is 24 hours, the same as that of the earth. Also, the Satellite retains a constant position over the earth, referred to as geosynchronous orbit.
Which Satellites Does Hughesnet Use?
As mentioned, HughesNet uses the EchoStar XIX, a massive HughesNet satellite that delivers broadband speeds via its JUPITER™ System platform. And this upgraded tech means that HughesNet can offer faster internet speeds to more users than ever before
Conclusion
Now you know more about HughesNet satellite internet, including the satellites it uses and where and how they’re positioned in space. Also, you understand better the different plans HughesNet offers and how to reach them for help in case you face issues.
