Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, based in Germantown, Maryland, is dedicated to providing satellite Internet service across North America. With over 500,000 subscribers, Hughes Network Systems is the largest satellite Internet service provider in the world.

HughesNet is offered through a variety of resellers. New customers can lease or purchase their equipment (including satellite dish) and a certified HughesNet installer willset up the system. Customers pay a monthly subscription fee for Internet access. HughesNet basic Home plan costs approximately $60 per month.

HughesNet service has proven invaluable to rural businesses across the United States. Vineyards, farms, wineries, and ranches rely on HughesNet to reach customers and conduct day-to-day business communications. HughesNet also has affiliates around the world, connecting businesses in Europe, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Asia via satellite.

For rural residents considering HughesNet service, a few factors should be taken into consideration. A clear line of sight to the southern sky is required to receive service, and extreme weather can interfere with service. Additionally, latency-sensitive applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and Virutal Private Networks (VPN) are not encouraged due to the amount of time the signal takes to travel to and from the satellite. Nonetheless, for rural residents and businesses, HughesNet provides an unparalleled level of Internet service at a reasonable price.