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October 29, 2024
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For those who live in rural and remote parts of the United States, Hughesnet offers reliable internet coverage that’s often hard to find. With advanced satellite technology, Hughesnet provides home internet plans with unlimited data and no hidden fees.
Each plan comes with download speeds of 25 Mbps, making Hughesnet a good choice for infrequent internet users who don’t mind occasionally reduced internet speeds. In this review, I’ll discuss why Hughesnet might benefit older adults who live in remote areas and want to access the internet to stay connected with loved ones.
Pro Tip: Looking to change your internet provider? Be sure to check out our guides to the best internet for seniors and senior discounts on internet.
Hughesnet Pros and Cons
Hughesnet Pros
- Unlimited data limits: If you go over your monthly data limit, Hughesnet won’t charge for excess usage or halt access to the internet; rather, you’ll still remain connected to the internet but at reduced speeds.
- Leased or purchased equipment: While some providers only offer an option for leasing equipment –– which requires a monthly fee –– Hughesnet gives the option of either leasing or purchasing their equipment at affordable prices.
- Free data periods: Hughesnet offers The Bonus Zone, a period between 2 a.m.-8 a.m., when all customers have access to 50 GB/per month of additional data at no extra charge.
- Additional Services: Hughesnet offers several additional services that you can add to your internet plans such as phone service, expedited customer service, and Norton 360 Deluxe to protect all your devices from viruses and spyware.
Hughesnet Cons
- Long contracts: All Hughesnet service plans require a 24-month commitment. If you’re not happy with your internet service, you can contact customer service at any time, but you may need to pay early termination fees.
- Slower speeds: If you plan to stream video from multiple devices or engage in online gaming, then Hughesnet’s 25 Mbps speeds might not be enough to handle such high-bandwidth tasks.
Want Faster Speeds?
While HughesNet satellite internet is ideal for rural areas, those with access to broadband providers will appreciate their lower prices and faster internet speeds. our three top-rated providers offer faster download speeds at affordable prices, no long-term contracts required.
Hughesnet Internet Plans and Pricing
| Hughesnet Plan | Monthly Price | Download Speeds | High-Speed Limits | Ideal for |
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| 10 GB | $59.99 per month | 25 Mbps | After 10 GB | Light internet users |
| 20 GB | $69.99 per month | 25 Mbps | After 20 GB | Families with moderate internet usage |
| 30 GB | $99.99 per month | 25 Mbps | After 30 GB | Moderate usage for seniors who work from home and spend a lot of time on the internet |
| 50 GB | $149.99 per month | 25 Mbps | After 50 GB | Large households that use a lot of internet across multiple devices on a regular basis |
What Are Hughesnet High-Speed Limits?
Currently, Hughesnet doesn’t place any hard data limits, so you can stream and use the internet without incurring additional fees. For example, if you surpass the data on your plan, the provider won’t halt access or charge you extra fees. With that said, if you exceed the allotted data of your plan, you might experience slower internet at reduced speeds of 1-3 Mbps.
Customers who want to restore their speeds during peak hours have the option of purchasing more data through something known as Data Tokens, which you can inquire about through customer service. Alternatively, you can upgrade to another plan at any time.
Pro Tip: Looking for alternative high-speed internet plans that won’t break the bank? Check out my guide to cheap internet for seniors.
Which Hughesnet Plan Is Best for Seniors?
Hughesnet currently offers four plans. Each of them features the same download speeds of 25 Mbps — the only difference is the amount of data you’re allowed before your speeds slow down. Of all the plans, I think the first-tier 10 GB plan is great for seniors who live in rural or remote areas and want access to basic internet features.
This plan lets you do light internet tasks such as: checking bank statements, social media, reading news stories, emailing your loved ones, or performing other tasks. Currently, the 10 GB plan starts at $59.99 per month with a 24-month term commitment where you can either lease or buy the equipment.
If you go over the 10 GB limit, you won’t get charged extra fees, but you may experience reduced speeds. However, you can always upgrade to another plan, such as the 20 GB plan. If you’re living with family and want to share high-speed internet with grandkids, this plan will enable you to surf the web or play kid-approved games online.
Pro Tip: Cox Internet Start 10 might be a good option for those who are looking for basic internet connection for emailing and web surfing. To learn more, read my guide to Cox internet for seniors.
Hughesnet Purchase and Installation
You can purchase Hughesnet satellite internet plans over the phone, internet, or through a local dealer. The installation process was also a breeze. Hughesnet sent a professional technician to my home to help install the Hughesnet Wi-Fi modem and satellite dish, which connected to my smartphone and desktop computer right away.
My technician told me that I could also connect more devices if I’d like — for an additional cost. Overall, I was happy with the customer service and installation. It took about five days (from time of purchase) for Hughesnet to install my equipment, and they gladly answered all my questions.
The company offers an option for customers who’d like to customize their installation, but there's a small fee for non-standard work or equipment. Some of the common enhancements include the following items that are not included in a standard installation, and require the installer to perform:
- Spend excessive time on-site to meet customer-directed requirements.
- Purchase special materials, molding, or cosmetic hardware to hide exposed cables.
- Remove, repair, or build structures to hide or support the Hughesnet system.
Hughesnet Internet Equipment
As mentioned, Hughesnet offers a satellite dish and Hughesnet Wi-Fi modem, which can be either leased or purchased. If you decide to lease the equipment, the monthly total comes out to be $9.99 per month with free standard installation at the time of a promotional offer. Without the promotional offer, the Hughesnet Wi-Fi modem comes is $15 per month.
If you decide to purchase the equipment, it’s a one-time offer of $449.98 — excluding any promotions. Unfortunately, you will need to use the modem provided by Hughesnet instead of purchasing a separate modem, which can add up. Additionally, installation is not free; usually, the standard installation fee is $99 without a promotional offer.
Additional services include: Hughesnet Voice, a phone service; Express Repair, which consists of express in-home customer service; and Norton 360 Deluxe, which protects your devices from cybersecurity threats.
Pro Tip: To learn more about protecting your information online, read my guide to the best identify theft protection for seniors.
Hughesnet vs. Starlink
While Hughesnet and Starlink are both popular providers of satellite internet services, they both differ in terms of speed, availability, and pricing. See below for details.
| Hughesnet | Starlink |
|---|---|
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Bottom Line
If you’re a light internet user, Hughesnet offers affordable plans at reasonable prices. Although each plan requires a long-term commitment, it’s still well worth the price of unlimited internet with no overage charges. Unlike Viasat, which increases its monthly price after three months, Hughesnet keeps its prices the same.
Although Hughesnet does not offer the same speeds as broadband providers like Cox or Xfinity, they offer solid internet service at reasonable prices.
To learn more about our favorite internet providers and how to save money on service, check out our guides:
Hughesnet Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Hughesnet fast enough for Netflix?
Yes, with 25 Mbps of download speeds, you can easily watch Netflix and other streaming platforms.
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How much does Hughesnet Gen 5 cost a month?
On average, Hughesnet plans start at $59.99 per month with a 24-month term commitment.
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How much does Hughesnet internet cost?
On average, Hughesnet plans start at $59.99 per month with a 24-month term commitment.
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Does Hughesnet work in bad weather?
Yes, weather conditions might affect your Hughesnet internet connection. You may experience temporary loss of connection or connectivity issues if there’s a heavy storm or persistent weather problems in your area. The internet should be restored once it has passed.
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Can you work from home with Hughesnet?
Although Hughesnet only offers plans with 25 Mbps, this is still enough speed for individuals who work from home and stream some content as well.