Hughes Network Systems, United States

Based in Germantown, Maryland, Hughes Network Systems is a global industry leader and the largest provider of satellite Internet services in the United States. HughesNet, the company’s flagship product, provides Internet service to over 500,000 subscribers in the United States. Hughes Network Systems ranks 16th among Internet service providers nationally and first among satellite providers. This prominence has been achieved by employing innovative strategies to overcome the inherent limitations of satellite Internet.

Urban residents have long grown accustomed to ubiquitous broadband Internet access, and increasingly business communications depend on the availability of broadband connections. However, Internet access is problematic for rural businesses beyond the reach of cable and DSL. Dial-up access to the Internet is unable to meet modern data transfer requirements, but HughesNet’s satellite service offers a level of service similar to cable or DSL.

Unlike most other Internet service providers, Hughes Network Systems also publishes typical speeds for peak hours in addition to their maximum speeds. HughesNet basic plan, the Home plan, offers maximum download and upload speeds of up to 1.0 Mbps and 128 Kbps, respectively. The typical download speed for this plan is between 550 and 650 kbps, and upload speed is 70 to 80 kbps. However, the ElitePremium plan offers speeds five times faster than the basic plan. A clear line of sight to the southern sky is necessary to receive service.

Additionally, due to the distance traveled by the signal, HughesNet and all other satellite Internet systems experience a slight delay when compared to cable or DSL. Most consumers will not experience significant delays in their Internet service, but the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), voice over IP (VoIP), and real-time, multi-player games are not recommended.

HughesNet has instituted download thresholds to ensure that all customers have fair Internet access. Most users will not be affected in day-to-day use, but high-bandwidth users may want to consider upgrading their service plans. Hughes Network Systems provides reliable broadband Internet connectivity that allows rural businesses to remain competitive with businesses in urban areas.