Company History
Hughes Communications founded as a subsidiary of Hughes Aircraft Company
HughesNet brand launched, pioneering consumer satellite internet services
Hughes Network Systems spun off as independent company
Acquired by EchoStar Corporation for $1.3 billion
Launched Jupiter 1 satellite, significantly expanding capacity and speeds
Jupiter 2 satellite launched, enabling Gen5 service with speeds up to 25 Mbps
Jupiter 3 satellite launched, the world's largest commercial communications satellite
Competitive Advantages
🌍 Nationwide Coverage
99% coverage across all 50 states, including remote and rural areas where cable and fiber don't reach
🚀 Advanced Technology
State-of-the-art Jupiter satellite constellation with cutting-edge spot beam technology
⚡ Quick Installation
Professional installation typically completed in 2-4 hours with no need for existing infrastructure
🏆 Market Leader
Over 1.5 million subscribers and 50+ years of satellite communications expertise
Internet Coverage Comparison
Coverage by Technology Type
Satellite
Internet
Internet
Wireless
Key Insight: HughesNet's satellite technology provides the most comprehensive coverage, especially crucial for rural and remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
Coverage Details
Cable Internet
Primarily serves urban and suburban areas. Limited in rural regions due to infrastructure costs.
Fiber Internet
Fastest growing but still limited. Concentrated in metropolitan areas and select suburbs.
HughesNet Satellite
Coast-to-coast coverage including Alaska, Hawaii, and remote locations.
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Download Speed | Data Allowance | Monthly Price | Equipment Lease | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select 15GB | Up to 25 Mbps | 15 GB | $64.99/month | $14.99/month | Light web browsing, email |
| Elite 40GB | Up to 25 Mbps | 40 GB | $74.99/month | $14.99/month | Streaming, social media |
| Pro 100GB POPULAR | Up to 25 Mbps | 100 GB | $109.99/month | $14.99/month | Multiple devices, HD streaming |
| Elite 200GB | Up to 25 Mbps | 200 GB | $174.99/month | $14.99/month | Heavy usage, multiple users |
Additional Pricing Information
- Installation: $99.99 (professional installation included)
- Activation Fee: $99.99
- Early Termination Fee: $400 (decreases by $15/month)
- Contract: 24-month service agreement
- Upload Speed: Up to 3 Mbps on all plans
- Bonus Zone: 50 GB additional data (2 AM - 8 AM daily)
Speed Comparison vs. Other Technologies
HughesNet Satellite
Mbps download
Available everywhere
Cable Internet
Mbps download
Urban/suburban only
Fiber Internet
Mbps download
Limited availability
DSL
Mbps download
Rural coverage gaps
Note: While HughesNet's speeds are lower than cable and fiber, it's often the only high-speed option available in rural and remote areas. The service is designed to handle essential internet activities including email, web browsing, social media, and standard definition streaming.