Step 1

A request for a Web page is sent from your computer to a satellite about 22,000 miles out in space. At this altitude, the satellite's period of rotation (24 hours) matches the Earth's, and the satellite always remains in the same spot over the Earth (geosynchronous orbit).

Step 2

The satellite contacts the Hughes Network Operations Center (NOC) which locates the specific website you have requested.

Step 3

The Website beams the information back along the same path to the NOC, then to the satellite, and then to your computer through your Hughesnet dish and modem. Although the signal travels a great distance, there is only a fraction of a second delay during this transmission. This is similar to delay you may have experienced when using a cell phone. In most cases, latency isn't apparent while surfing online. 

You can count on Hughes®. We’ve been in the satellite business for more than 50 years. We pioneered satellite internet and we’ve brought high-speed connections to people across America.

High-speed satellite internet is specifically designed for people who live in parts of the country that lack other connectivity options. Hughes is the trusted leader in satellite internet and invented the technology that brings high-speed satellite connections to consumers and small businesses — regardless of where they are located.

Some people may be hesitant to subscribe to satellite internet because of myths they've heard – or because they are unaware of the convenience and quality offered by high-speed satellite internet providers.

Myth #1 – Satellite internet service providers don't reach rural areas. Hughes offers satellite internet everywhere in the contiguous United States, including rural areas. Hughes is a reliable satellite internet provider that supplies high-speed internet service in areas where there is slow or no high-speed options.

Myth #2 – Satellite internet does not work for online gaming. Online games where you take turns, such as casino or chess, turned-based role-playing games and Facebook games work well with all plans. Only Hughesnet offers Fusion plans that combine satellite and wireless technologies for a low-latency, more responsive internet experience so you can enjoy online gaming. 

Myth #3 – The satellite dish must be attached to a roof.Although 97% of the time satellite antennas are attached to the roof of a home, satellite internet service providers don't always require it. A certified Hughesnet installer is able to determine the best location on (or near) your residence where the satellite dish should be mounted.

Myth #4 – When it is cloudy, satellite internet doesn't work. Your satellite internet connection is not affected by most clouds. Satellite internet from Hughesnet is only affected by weather in extreme circumstances such as heavy storms or unusually dense clouds. If you have difficulties with your service, contact Hughesnet Customer Care and Technical Support staff.

All plans include a Wi-Fi modem featuring Wi-Fi 6 technology. Wi-Fi 6 delivers improved speed with enhanced security and better performance for multiple devices. For homes that need more coverage, Whole Home Wi-Fi eliminates dead zones. Simply add up to 3 optional Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes to extend your modem's signal throughout your home, for wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage. 

With satellite internet, requests travel a long distance from your device to a satellite and back. This distance causes a slight delay known as latency. This delay doesn't impact most online activities but is noticeable when watching videos, browsing content-rich sites and video conferencing. Hughesnet Fusion plans combine satellite and wireless technologies to provide a low-latency internet experience. Using multipath technology, Fusion plans offer a fast and responsive experience with added reliability.