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4.5 3650 Reviews

Hughes Complaints Summary

134 Resolved
498 Unresolved
Our verdict: When using services from Hughes with a poor resolution rate, be vigilant. Understand the common pitfalls other customers have faced. Prepare thoroughly for any interactions with their customer service, and consider alternative solutions if your issues are not addressed satisfactorily.
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J
1:20 pm EDT
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Hughes crappy service

Do not ever sign up with hughes net!
They are the worst ever, had them for 5 years and have had to buy something new every year that cost about $1000, "oh sorry your warranty just ran out", two years it was a new modem once a new transmitter, was suppose to be a 2 watt, but the installer put in a 1 watt, what a fiasco trying to get that resolved. The installers they send out are just a bunch of bumble#s. (Pardon my french, but its true.) one tech wanted to increase the wire size between the dish and my modem so the web pages could download faster on a bigger wire. Silly me, I fell for it, cost me $600 and I had to pay the tech in cash, he didn't give me a receipt. You probably know more than they do, like calling india for customer service, oh did I say customer service? It does not exist in this company. Have consistently gotten dl speeds of less than 60kbps, for the last 3 months. For $100 a month, we have gotten slower speeds than a dial up modem "oh, we are working with it, no we don't have authority to switch you to a different transponder, no we don't have authority to switch to to a different satellite" I am about four crappy speed tests from going back to dial-up, it is definitely about ten times faster than hughesnet crappy service. Five years of frustration is just about enough. We had starband for four years before this, they were as bad or even worse. I would love to find someone who would sue the hell out of them. No they are not getting a cancellation fee out of me, our time limit is satisfied.
Don't ever but hughes net or starband!
If satellite is your only choice, stay with your dial-up service.
Want to sue 'em, e-mail me [protected]@yahoo.com
Please don't buy hughes< everything bad that has been said about them in previous posts it true.
-john

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M ush
Livermore, US
Mar 16, 2010 6:27 pm EDT

I switched to WildBlue satellite service and am very pleased with them. There was a small mistake on the billing and what was offered for price so I emailed them, received a quick response and a follow-up phone call and all was fixed no problem! Check them out.. WildBlue.com

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smrtch
Henderson, US
Mar 02, 2010 11:42 pm EST

I recently got Hughes Net and I'm not happy with it at all! The service is horrible and I constantly have to "re fresh the modem" and it takes forever! Hughes Net has been a waste of my time and money. Thanx to their crappy enternet service I got behind on my school work. Oh! And customer service...what a ###ing joke! I have had enough of their ### and plan on canceling first thing in the morning. I should have asked around before getting Hughes net but Direct TV refered me to them and I trusted that I was in good hands...so wrong! I just hope that I get some kind of refund. Does anyone know of a good enternet provider who doesn't give you ### and allows you to talk to people without terrible terrible accents? I have a lot of school work to do and I live far from town any suggestion are greatly appreciated. P.S. I'll make sure and warn everyone about Hughes Net and prevent them from going through my situation.

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joestehling
Ocate, US
Feb 27, 2010 12:08 pm EST

I paid over $300 for a new satellite dish and modem from Hughes Net in 2008 when my old Hughes modem no longer worked. I pay $73. a month for high speed service. I have called technical support on at least 35 times since installation of the new system complaining about my slow speed service. In the past three months alone, I paid over $600 for another new modem, technical support site visit, a second tech support site visit and replacement of the dish radio transmitter, which was not necessary. The highest level of Hughes technical support, level IV, said the solution to my problem is to buy ANOTHER, upgraded modem. What a wonderfully enlightened technical analysis! I am not convinced that that will solve my problem. When I routinely work one web site that requires working with numbers, Income Tax Returns on the IRS site, it takes up to 75 seconds which is a lifetime when each line on a tax return requires a new number. I was promised a one month refund, whoopee, but did not receive. I would not recommend Hughes to anyone.

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MzKourage903
Oakwood, US
Jan 22, 2010 2:31 pm EST

I didn't Google Hughes net for the bad I was so happy that someone would service my area that I was all abroad and I got them Jan. 8, 2010 and within my short time in being with them things started looking funny I hadn't received no information at all from them and then i couldn't connect so I called to find out why they say I had went over allowed 200mb for the day which i wasn't aware of at all until I called in then when I got to register i found out that they had charges me 10.00 in tax i was pissed because i had already been charged 168.98 (99.00 activation+ 59.99 1st month + 9.99 leasing the box) I have been kicked off the internet and told i could pay 5.00 to get back online when kicked off I was so upset I told them to cancel my service because it was not making sense at all so the next day I called and found out nobody would service me so I had to crawl back to them and that cost 25.00 more dollars to do that then I was online less than 1 hours i was kicked back off and had to watch 24hr to get my service back up and running when it did come back on they told me that i had downloaded something which was impossible since my laptop was locked in my closet so they say that someone must have broken threw my router and was using my service to the guy restored and once again it was back down so I called back and didn't talk nice at all i was ready to threw the towel all the way in but I got a nice guy that got me back online and upgraded my sevice and 30 extra days to try the service and 2 weeks of free service but the only problem is I was backed off line so when I get back home I am threw they told me I had to send back the stuff I was coming around to agree on sending the modem and cords back until they told me that I have to send back that dish I told him them that if they want that dish send somebody out to get it and ASAP and there better be no more charges to my credit card. Sorry to ramble but HUGHES NET is CRAPPY STAY AWAY from them

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M ush
Livermore, US
Oct 04, 2009 4:13 am EDT

OMG! I am so glad I found others that agree with me on how much Hughes net sucks! This is my story... been wth them for 24 months (2 years) and always had problems with customer service (if you can call it that!). Recently been having major problems connecting and always having to refresh every web page and then some! Went thru the required channels, etc. customer service, then tech support (which is a joke) and was told first it was "my computer" and needed to get a computer tech to check it out. After finding out there was nothing wrong with puter, was told it was my network card, after replacing that was told it was my router, after replacing that was told it was my modem.! After a long crappy ### process with tech support as I'm sure you all know sucks, I was finally sent a new modem which I had to pay 145 dollars because my warrantly ran out (conveniently of course)... Tried to install the new modem but could not because the dish was not aligned correctly and could not get a good signal. Then was told I needed a technician to come out and re-align the dish and it would cost me 120 but after speaking with 3 or 4 tech support people about this I was transfered to "advanced tech support" and was told he would waive the technician fee. The technician came and re-aligned dish and set up new modem (which took over 2 hours) and left. Thought all was well but then the next day, still having same problems with getting webpages to load and having to refresh every other minute! Needless to say, I was even more pissed than before. I was so sick of them I wanted to cancel service and go with new service I found out about, Wild blue. Requested refund of 145 which I paid for new modem which still did not work and wanted to return it and cancel service and get refund for new modem. Also, am told I need to return old modem or be charged an unreturned equipment fee if not returned within 20 days. The problem though was that I received the new modem but it was not able to be hooked up until 3 weeks later. I am in the same situation as others living in the boonies with no other choice for internet service. But I did find another company called Wildblue that will provide same service at cheaper rate and better customer support. So I called tech support and was on phone for over an hour, first with billing, then tech support, then with account management, then back to tech support and then a superviosr. But during this phone call I was put on hold 15 minutes between each dept. then spoke to supervisor who again put me on hold to review my account (which they should have already). Because I was on hold for sooo long, my phone battery died and I could not connect to same person again! I want to return the "new modem" and cancel my service. But this was asking way too much apparently. They say they will not refund my money and gave me a bunch of ### answers why not. I looked up the terms and conditions portion on their website and found a paragraph referring to returning equipment and cancelling service which stated customer would receive refund on receipt of returned equipment. I pointed this out to them but was still denied. I apoligize for this lengthy story but I have been dealing with them for over a month because of limited access and have been bounced here and there and given over a dozen case numbers and spoken to so many departments with bad accents and still getting nowhere, it was great to find others with same opinion. I want to sue them, or do something to stop them from messing with others as they have me. I am not an idiot and am in customer service, bookkeeper, payroll rep, legal asst. and jill of all trades person and it just kills me to see these people get away with this ###! I hope others will share their stories and we can stop them from taking good peoples money and getting away with terrible customer service, tech support, etc.!

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8:04 am EDT
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Hughes poor service

None existent technical support, the people you talk to in India don't know what they are doing . FAP is Hughes excuse for overselling there
system. They hide behind 3 legal side pages of contract agreement,
that you must agree to or you don't get to use there slow, overpriced system. But if you live in the boonies there the only game in town.

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Jimrich
Temecula, US
Aug 29, 2009 4:36 pm EDT

Hughesnet is a scam. they oversell their product which reduces data rates to those under contract. They offer an upgrade modem to bring your rates back up to their original transfer rates and lock you into another term commitment or cancelation fee unknowingly. You are then forced to either upgarde to their most expensive technology and modem 9000 for another concentual rape or get screwed for canceling. When you try to speak to a supervisor, you will be mysteriosly cut off and may never reach anyone with half a brain.

Don't fall into the trap. Stay as far away as you can. That is my advise

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No.1 Stunna
Piketon, US
May 14, 2009 1:39 pm EDT

Been with these people for 4years, always thought the slow speed were due to my network. Finally hooked the modem directly to the computer and realized the problem was that Hughes had oversold there service.

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9:53 pm EDT
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Hughes billing mistakes-horrible service

In 5 weeks we have had to call in 5 times in order to fix billing issues and get our internet service reconnected, all because there is an issue with their billing! We have provided our checking information 4 times in the past 5 weeks, yet although it is THEIR issue, we are unable to access the internet and have to go through the laborious process of getting through to their technical support and have them walk us through unplugging, replugging, checking systems, etc. I need to warn anyone who has ANY OTHER OPTION than Hughes.net to go for it and only use Hughes.net as a LAST RESORT! We have had service for 3 years now and hate their service. Hate their customer service, hate their ridiculous techincal support issues that have no rhyme nor reason, and their download speed is no better than the wireless cards such as Verizon Wireless. Unfrotunately for those of us who live "in the sticks" wireless coverage isn't very good and therfore we don't dare disconnect Hughes.net. Once there is any other option, I recommend any and all users to drop this ridiculous service and sign up with another company who actually cares about their customers, and wouldn't charge the $90 a month Hughes.net extort from us for this broken service.

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bellgun
Shelbyville, US
Mar 07, 2011 2:31 am EST
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oh i know after having 2 yrs of problomatic service at best i moved it took them 3 months to restart my service yet they billed me anyway after a month of debate they credited me with 1.5 months - they know i am a captive customer because i live so far out in the woods since i moved the service has been worse and worse from overbilling to interupted service to hours spent tryin to log online and cant yet still having the useage tallied against me requiring me to buy tokens in order to keep internet service its a scam by far and to top it off in order to go to tech support you have to go through a teir system which they say they will call and dont once you get to level 5 your top of the list yet they dont call then say that someone will call in a few days until then i was still without service

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Mike Paker
, IN
Jul 31, 2010 11:52 pm EDT

Hi Guys People Using Hughes Net I am A Old Custoemr Of hughes Net i have alos Had Problems With them How Evere the SERVICES REPS Are kind and Polite and understanding there accesnt might be hard to understand however it not impossible to understand them and its not there fault for customer services begin abroad.

According to me our americans dont have patinces and are veryrude to the customer regaring services...and hardly i find less people talanted in technical support...

when ever i call them they r sweet and very help ful...
Although i dont like hughes net i like the REPS willing to help me out...

the reason y the stck to one rule is because off the limited resources that

COOL REPS BUT BAD HUGHES NET...

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GLS 007
Windsor, US
Apr 05, 2010 12:11 pm EDT

Boycott Hughes Net ! Terrible Customer service and blatant disregard for Ethical Business Standards.

They will nickel and dime you to the grave...

better off dead than in bed with these clowns!

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Ron monte
Coupeville, US
Dec 29, 2009 8:46 am EST

I had no service so i called they said my equiptment was out of warrantee so the gave me a number of a tech to fix my wireless problem he came over and punched a couple of numbers into the computer i had to pay him 125 dollars them i got my bill and hughes net charged me 125 dollars
they said the tech installed a radio and the charges were correct. then they said i should not have paid the tech . i called then they said i need to handle this with the tech but he wont answer any calls. he knows he stold from me now im out 250 and hughes net could care less they are a rip off be careful out there

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12:29 pm EDT
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Hughes not 30 day free trial - rip off

I can only echo the other complaints already stated and warn people to stay away from Hughesnet! Not only is it SLOW for highspeed (dial up is at times faster), but they completely disregard complaints and refused a refund.

Within 2 days of signing up, I realized this was NOT going to work. After calling tech support and being on the phone over an hour, I was finally walked through a series of steps on the computer to determine the "problem". There was a "red flag" on our usage, which we "discovered" and I was informed that we had gone over our limit of time. I was never aware there was a limit, since our cheap dialup had no limit! It is on their website, but unless you are a computer guru, it probably goes over most people's heads (and it's in the fine print). I was told we have about an hour of download time per day, and my sons gaming was out of the question as was Youtube and much time on Facebook. With 3 teenagers, that's ridiculous. I was told there is a free time that you can download all you want - between 3 - 5 A.M.! I was then told the high speed would return after 24 hours.

At the 30 day "satisfaction" time, I called to cancel the service. I was transferred to someone who talked me into trying an additional 30 days at a higher speed. I was told that all "free trial" offers would be extended to the 60 day period, including the $472. I was charged for installation and activation. I was also told that would not cause me to have a cancellation fee. I asked for clarification on the refund 3 times, and was always told that it would be credited back if I should choose to cancel before the 60 day time period. KNowing I would probably still have to cancel, but not having a better alternative yet, I accepted the deal and documented it with numbers and dates, etc.

After finding a much better, and faster highspeed service locally - with NO cancellation fees ever and only $200. up front cost (yhti - if you live in the St. Louis area), I called to cancel Hughesnet before the now 60 day trial expired. I was told that I couldn't cancel without an early termination fee, even after explaining the last conversation to them. I was also told I would not be refunded the $472., but could receive $200. if I returned the equipment. AFter an hour on the phone explaining the earlier conversation, I was told that it was there policy to not refund the installation fee, and they were sorry for any "misunderstanding". I told them I would be filing a report with the Better Business Bureau (which I have done) and calling my credit card company to dispute the charges. I also told them I will be telling everyone I know to avoid Hughesnet, which is why I am posting this as well!

2 days later, I noticed my credit card was charge for $300. from Hughesnet! When I called to check on it, they had charged me the early termination fee afterall. After explaining AGAIN the situation, and providing the reference numbers, the did refund that amount - or said that they will.

Bottom line: Avoid Hughesnet! Look into local options, and if those aren't available, you are better off with dial up!

2 days later,

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Janice Brady
, US
Oct 05, 2016 11:04 am EDT
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I will be contacting. This has been a NIGHTMARE thus far! Hushnet needs to be held accountable to the public

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budparker
OKC, US
Sep 06, 2009 4:23 pm EDT

Here is information regarding a Class Action Lawsuit against HughesNet:

http://www.druginjurylawyerblog.com/2008/09/pbm_files_class_action_against.html

PBM Files Class Action Against HughesNet --- Satellite Broadband Company

The law-firm of Pogust, Braslow, & Millrood, LLC, recently filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a lawsuit against HughesNet, Inc., Hughes Communications, Inc., and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, for breach of contract and frauduluent business practices involving the marketing of the HughesNet® Satellite Broadband Network System.

Filed on behalf of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers, the Complaint alleges inter alia that the satellite broadband Company's nationwide advertisement of "Highspeed Internet by Satellite: Wherever Whenever" was materially false and misleading.

The class action lawsuit also alleges that HughesNet intentionally "oversold" its bandwidth, whereby thousands of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were subjected to limited Internet broadband accessibility, speed, functionality, and connectivity.

Additionally, it is alleged that HughesNet actively marketed HughesNet® subscribers and consumers to upgrade their broadband plan under the representation that such would result in faster Internet broadband access. Despite this, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers experienced significant broadband delays, including extremely slow uploading/downloading speeds, unreliable connectivity, and the inability to access email. Furthermore, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were often required to incur additional costs, fees, and early termination penalities, as a result of HugheNet's false advertising.

If you or someone you know is a HughesNet® subscriber and/or customer and have experienced similar Internet broadband related issues, please contact our law-firm for a free consultation.

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3:46 pm EDT
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Hughes the hughesnet run-a-round

Tech Support decided that our modem and our adapter cord needed replaced. A re-furbished modem is available from Tech Support for $140 with a 3 month warranty. The adapter cord was priced at $125.

However a NEW modem is available from Sales for $125 with a 15 month warranty.

On the other hand, Sales does not sell adapter cords. Back to Tech Support, where the adapter cord was now priced at $21.25. Ordered adapter cord. And all of this took an hour and a half.

Called back in two days (as I was told to do) to get tracking numbers. Not available.

Two hours and 17 minutes later, I had learned that the modems are on back order and will not be available for 4 - 8 weeks. The order I had placed for the adapter cord had an error, so it had to be re-ordered.

At every available opportunity I talked with a supervisor and told them how pathetic their customer service happens to be. I have no other internet service to turn to here in rural Ohio.

There are no discounts for good customers or senior citizens. But the aggravation is free of charge.

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budparker
OKC, US
Sep 06, 2009 4:15 pm EDT

Here is information regarding a Class Action Lawsuit against HughesNet:

http://www.druginjurylawyerblog.com/2008/09/pbm_files_class_action_against.html

PBM Files Class Action Against HughesNet --- Satellite Broadband Company

The law-firm of Pogust, Braslow, & Millrood, LLC, recently filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a lawsuit against HughesNet, Inc., Hughes Communications, Inc., and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, for breach of contract and frauduluent business practices involving the marketing of the HughesNet® Satellite Broadband Network System.

Filed on behalf of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers, the Complaint alleges inter alia that the satellite broadband Company's nationwide advertisement of "Highspeed Internet by Satellite: Wherever Whenever" was materially false and misleading.

The class action lawsuit also alleges that HughesNet intentionally "oversold" its bandwidth, whereby thousands of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were subjected to limited Internet broadband accessibility, speed, functionality, and connectivity.

Additionally, it is alleged that HughesNet actively marketed HughesNet® subscribers and consumers to upgrade their broadband plan under the representation that such would result in faster Internet broadband access. Despite this, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers experienced significant broadband delays, including extremely slow uploading/downloading speeds, unreliable connectivity, and the inability to access email. Furthermore, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were often required to incur additional costs, fees, and early termination penalities, as a result of HugheNet's false advertising.

If you or someone you know is a HughesNet® subscriber and/or customer and have experienced similar Internet broadband related issues, please contact our law-firm for a free consultation.

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6:00 pm EDT
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Hughes service and billing

I have paid 89.00 per month for internet service with Hughes.net. It has NEVER worked properly. Their technical department has pages of complaints I have made. Their billing department is demanding over $497 after I discontinued the service. I told them I would send the equipment back to them but they said they do not want it; it is mine! I asked them why I would want, and pay for something that does not, nor has ever worked; they demand the $497 anyway. This is going to affect my credit rating. I am requesting a total refund of everything I have paid them over the past year, over $89 per month because what they promised and advertized has not, nor has ever worked properly. For example, I pay my consumer credit card and bank on line. Some weekends when I was going to pay my bills, the computer was not working, for the entire weekend, and it was too late to send the payment to the companies by mail. And some companies have a $10 charge to pay by telephone! I have lost over $1000 dealing with Hughes net and I request a total refund from them! They are not getting another red cent from my pocket. How many other consumers are they doing this to?
I would appreciate if your good offices could investigate the promises and practices of the "fly by night" internet provider. Furthermore, when I would call their customer service department or their technical department, I would speak with someone, at times for over an hour and they could not understand my English, and I could not understand them. The whole situation has been a total nightmare. I would go to bed some evenings and not be able to sleep. If you would, could you investigate the practices of this company? What do I do to get a refund of what I have given them for something they promised and they did not deliver?

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RubyDee
, US
Mar 13, 2013 3:58 pm EDT

I'm going through the same thing and wonder just how many thousands are being ripped off by HughesNet. I've made this my pet project/they are not going to get away with trying to rob me, they NEVER provided even half of what they promised in speed, I wanted them to take their equipment away the SAME DAY they installed it and they refused. I should have called the police on the installer. Thank God I didn't have my other wireless disconnected before trying HughesNet. My battle is not over yet, will keep you posted. Good luck ... I wonder how many others they've been stealing $$ from (especially senior citizens who are so vulnerable). HughesNet should be listed as a synonym in the dictionary under extortion, thief, robber, liar, etc.

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Merty
Oak Harbor, US
Jul 29, 2011 1:03 am EDT

They did the same thing to me, exactly! They are thieves thieves thieves! I moved, and will NEVER EVER live in any place that I would have to use Hughes Net! I'd rather go to Starbucks and buy coffee all day...

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Ripped off by Hughes
Culpeper, US
Apr 23, 2009 5:37 am EDT

I have been a Hughes Net subscriber since 2001. I’ve always had a credit card on file and they have billed me directly. I can’t say I’ve enjoyed the service but they are the only high speed internet option we have.
In April 2008 we had some issues with our service and after going through tech support it was determined that our satellite needed to be replaced. I agreed to the $400.00 charges; I also upgraded my account from basic to professional for what I had been told would get me a better connection speed and larger file download ability. Included in this agreement was another two year commitment to Hughes net. They delivered and installed a new satellite dish. I kept my old email address and everything was great as far as I knew.
In August I wasn’t getting the speeds I thought I should be getting and called tech support. In looking up my account number I noticed that they had been charging me 129.98 per month since we got the new Dish. After resolving the tech support issue, I asked about why I was being charged the 129.98 instead of the agreed 69.99? It was explained to me that I had two accounts (one at 69.99 and the old one at 59.99) since the upgrade and they could close the one account but could only credit me 2 months. I told them at the time I felt it was unfair but to go ahead and apply the credit and cancel the other account as I had never authorized a second account I only wanted to upgrade my current equipment / service.
After a few months I checked it again and found that they had not provided the credit and they were still billing me at the rate of 129.98. I called again, was told that again they could only credit back two months. At this point I felt this was unacceptable and asked for an exception. I was told it would be looked into. This went on until March of 2009 where I just cancelled the credit card on file in hopes it would get their attention.
It did and finally they cancelled the second account. However it left me with what appeared as an unpaid balance of $129.98 and Hughes net cut off my internet access. When I called I was told that they would restore my service only after I agreed to pay the $129.98 and agree to a 2 month credit. By agreeing to this I would forfeit any remaining refund due to me. The other option they offered me was to wait until another office checked my usage on the other account to see if I was in fact due a refund. They could not offer me a date as to when this investigation would take but explained that I would not have service until completed.
I offered to pay my normal rate of $69.99 for the past month and even so much as $69.99 for the future month however they would not except any payment other then the past due amount of $129.98 and I had to accept the 2 month credit and again forfeit any claim to other refunds. Obviously this is unacceptable to me so now I’m without service until Hughes net decides they want to review my account. I’m posting this using my BlackBerry dialup account.

Two funny stories (not funny ha ha ) out of this:
At one point I asked the person from Hughes billing department if it mattered at all that I’ve been a customer since 2001 and she just simply replied “NO”.
During the conversations I was told that they wouldn’t interrupt my service while the investigation was going on. After they turned off my service and I was talking with someone in billing I told them I understood that my service wasn’t going to be interrupted, I gave them the date, person and case number of that conversation. She then told me it didn’t happen. I suggested that in the future I was going to have to record my phone conversations with Hughes net. She informed me that Hughes Net employees were not allowed to have their voices recorded over the phone lines and I had a legal responsibility to inform them I was recording them.

Satellite is better then dial up and for me, I work from home and dial up just doesn’t work out. I’m able to wait another day maybe two before I’m so far behind I’ll risk my job. I’m sure I’ll end up paying them the 12 payment of $129.98 and accept the 2 month credit for a total loss of 599.99. That $600.00 loss I’ll have to write off as the cost of dealing with a monopoly. BTW – The new hippy dippy satellite and upgrading my account did not increase my speed. Truth be told my average download speeds was better with my old dish and service. Upload speeds are still only slightly better then a modem.

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11:24 am EDT
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Hughes fair access poliy details - scam

Hughesnet has an implemented Fair Access Policy (FAP) that when triggered will slow your speeds that YOU PAY FOR down to close to around 56k uplink speed. That means on their Home plan, you're paying $60/month for a certain speed but you're getting less that what you paid for. The worst thing about it is that in their FAQ (frequently asked questions) board, they suggest "upgrading" your service, which is about $15-20 for the next level of service, for only a minor increase in the download bandwidth. You only seem to get a decent download limit once you reach around $120 / month.

Hughenet is seemingly only satisfactory for the wealthier group (those who can afford their highest package) or for the less internet savvy group who only goes online for e-mail and informational searches. For those of us who like to download (whether it be illegal or not, that's up to you) such files as anti-virus programs, updates for our favorite programs, webcasts and the what not, it is totally unacceptable. Their justification for such downgrades in speed is an unrestricted download time between 3AM and 6AM.

To show the severity of their plans compared to the Fair access policy
I have added links to their FAQ site and pricing plan as well as their "Fair Access Policy" download limit page. I encourage all of you to read this thoroughly before deciding on Hughesnet,

Fair Access Policy - http://www.22hughesnet.com/fapolicy.cfm?hf=0

Pricing Plans - http://www.22hughesnet.com/plans.cfm

Fair Access Policy FAQ - http://customercare.myhughesnet.com/fap_faqs.htm

FAQ (regarding typical speeds) - http://www.22hughesnet.com/faq/internet-connection-speeds.cfm

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heathepw
Vinemont, US
Nov 08, 2011 6:05 pm EST

I've been a HughesNet customer for over 6 years and never had this problem until recently. I was away from home and did not use the HughesNet at all for two months but still paid over $70 per month for the service. So when I finally got home and watched two newer episodes of Law and Order SVU online and suddenly everything slowed to a crawl. I could hardly log on at all and when I did I would have to wait a long time to open my mail or look at anything. When I signed the contract I was told I had unlimited minutes and speed with the Pro plan I chose and now they want to go back on that. Seems to me like this is a breach of contract. I went with HughesNet because I live in a remote area and that was the only service I could get. Now I can get internet service bundled with my phone service for less than just the HughesNet Pro plan. I had not planned to change from HughesNet, but when somebody takes advantage of me I no longer have any use for them. Anyone up for a class action lawsuit? I can be reached at heathepw@yahoo.com

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Quahog
, US
Apr 19, 2010 8:57 pm EDT

We had Hughes before this was implemented. What a pain in the ***?! It's almost impossible to download software updates without getting up in the middle of the night to use the "free" time. Don't buy into Hughes.net!
We have been looking for an alternative and don't want to go with cable. There aren't many options where we are.

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Donald Foust
7622 Neck Road, US
Feb 04, 2010 9:39 pm EST

I have had problems with this also but can not get any help. I do not download videos, software, etc. yet every month they have slowed me to an almost complete stop until I purchase a $5 "token". I had safety downloads that need to be done and will have to stay up one night to do this.

What can we do to fight this and who can we turn to? This is a scam to get more money from us. I live on a fixed income and the monthly bill is over my limit as it is even though I have the "Home" plan.

Please, someone let us know who we can contact. Thank you for your help.

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8:35 pm EDT
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Hughes false advertisement/lying

Before signing up with hughes net i did internet searches to see what would be the best for my money. I wish i had found all the complaints on them before i had the service installed! I went through so much trouble just to make sure things would be installed with no problems and found out everything i knew about the service beforehand only to be lied to and to find out their advertisements and representatives are not telling the truth! I was assurred that my service would be "state of the art" and could go through trees for the signal, etc...as i had explained the past problems with tv satellite due to my trees. I also explained that there would be more than one computer used and a game system on my service. well after the installer came and telling me he couldnt put the satellite onto my house, i was charged over $700 to get this thing up and running. Then to have nothing but problems for the first few days and staying on the phone with hughesnet representatives who i could barely understand, they tell me the reason my service is sooooooooo slow at that time was because i had exceeded the fair act policy...I was like "huh?" First of all i hadn't used the service because of trouble getting it to work and then when i did get to browse and download some compute updates i am suddenly exceeding some limit that was not told to me in any way, shape or form. after i was told about this i went to check on there website for this information and found a section at the bottom of the page to click on to view a fair act policy but nothing to explain this nor was it listed with the packages to choose from.
I feel as if i have been totally shafted from the get go! the first man i spoke with lied to make a sale...and i have been consumed with trying to make this service work for me ever since. all they can say is "sorry your not happy but can i help you with something else today?"

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5:51 am EDT
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Hughes overcharged

Last March, I spent $500 to get HughesNet satellite internet, because there was no cable or dsl in my area at the time. I continued spending $70/month + $5/month invoice fee for 1Mbps/200kpbs upstream speed internet that is slower than cable, dsl, and stops working after using only 375MB of bandwith in a 1-2 day period. Now I have Verizon DSL available, which provides FASTER service for only $17.99/month, with only $59 of upfront cost, instead of $500 like those ### at Hughesnet, and no 375MB download threshold. I called up Hughesnet to cancel, and they told me there would be a $300 early termination fee! 'Don't you read contracts before you sign them sir?' was what the snotty Hughesnet phone rep snapped at me.

Now if they had given me free installation, or a free satellite dish, I could understand they might want to make their money back if I canceled within a year or two. But I spent $500 on install/dish fees, I've spent over $800 on their crappy service for 1 whole year, and they still want another $300 for canceling before two years of service!

Do yourself a favor and do not deal with these crooks. Wait for DSL or cable internet and you will not get raped by the Hughesnet ###.

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Hughes awful company

Whatever you do. Do Not purchase this service. Painfully slow speeds. I even purchased the premium package which was supposed to guarantee super fast speeds. Didn't happen.

My biggest problem was with a internet based service that I use. It did not work with that at all. I called Hughes tech support 14 times over the course of 9 months and have case numbers to prove it. They do not speak english and each time I called it took no less than 45 minutes and sometimes an hour and a half.

All of this got me nowhere. When I requested that they let me out of the contract they told me that I would have to go through 5 different levels of tech support before they would consider an early termination. They even wanted me to stay home for 48 hrs over Christmas to wait for their tech support to call me. What a crock!

I finally canceled the service but after disputing the charges I still had to pay the credit card company. I'm not through with these idiots.

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Mickey
, US
Jan 03, 2009 7:41 am EST

When I signed up for hughesnet, there was no mention of any restrictions on how much you can download. I even told the salesman that I used remote desktop to monitor video security cameras at another location. The salesman told me that there are no restrictions but the speed, which can be upgraded for only $10.00 more per month. But the speed I signed up for should be enough to use remote desktop. The speed is OK for it, but after using remote desktop for a little more than 1 hour, I violated their fair access policy. After violating this policy, they throttle your speed down to less than dial-up. When I called regarding the slow down, they explained to me that I can upgrade to a plan that is double the price I signed up for ($120.00), and that would increase my download threshold to 500 mb per day. My original plan was for $60.00 and only allowed 200 mb per day. If I cancel after only 2 days, I am out the money for the installation, which is $335.00 ! I can not effectively use the service even if I upgrade my plan. If anyone knows of a class action lawsuit, please contact me. If any lawyers reading this would like to start the class action suit, please contact me as well. I just don't know how to go about it, but something needs to be done. The policy is way too restrictive, and with the flash and video content popping up all over the net, it's only going to effect more and more people as time goes on. The max amount that you can download in a day is equal to playing an online game for 1-2 hours, or using remote desktop for 1-2 hours!

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budparker
OKC, US
Sep 06, 2009 4:15 pm EDT

Here is information regarding a Class Action Lawsuit against HughesNet:

http://www.druginjurylawyerblog.com/2008/09/pbm_files_class_action_against.html

PBM Files Class Action Against HughesNet --- Satellite Broadband Company

The law-firm of Pogust, Braslow, & Millrood, LLC, recently filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a lawsuit against HughesNet, Inc., Hughes Communications, Inc., and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, for breach of contract and frauduluent business practices involving the marketing of the HughesNet® Satellite Broadband Network System.

Filed on behalf of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers, the Complaint alleges inter alia that the satellite broadband Company's nationwide advertisement of "Highspeed Internet by Satellite: Wherever Whenever" was materially false and misleading.

The class action lawsuit also alleges that HughesNet intentionally "oversold" its bandwidth, whereby thousands of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were subjected to limited Internet broadband accessibility, speed, functionality, and connectivity.

Additionally, it is alleged that HughesNet actively marketed HughesNet® subscribers and consumers to upgrade their broadband plan under the representation that such would result in faster Internet broadband access. Despite this, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers experienced significant broadband delays, including extremely slow uploading/downloading speeds, unreliable connectivity, and the inability to access email. Furthermore, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were often required to incur additional costs, fees, and early termination penalities, as a result of HugheNet's false advertising.

If you or someone you know is a HughesNet® subscriber and/or customer and have experienced similar Internet broadband related issues, please contact our law-firm for a free consultation.

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Joe Blow
, US
Mar 25, 2009 7:14 am EDT

If you want more download capacity subscribe to a higher package. This service has a specific application in rural areas where other forms of internet are not available. There is a free zone between 3:00-6:00 am to download whatever you need.

YOU STATED
"When I signed up for hughesnet, there was no mention of any restrictions on how much you can download."
DID YOU READ THE CONTRACT THAT YOU AGREED TO WHEN YOU SIGNED UP AT INSTALLATION? IT OUTLINES THE FAIR ACCESS POLICY. HOW IS IT HUGHESNET'S FAULT YOU CAN NOT READ WHAT YOU SIGN?

I use HughesNet at my business in a network with 5 computers. We have never bypassed the Fair Access Policy. Subscribe to a higher package, or don't use the service. Obviously, you don't have other options or you would have DSL, or Cable.

Last, if you don't like the service you can always go back to dial up ;) -or- Get WildBlue...they will throttle you down for a month when you bypass their Fair Access Policy! And their service is slower, less reliable, and lower download capacity.

This is what you get when living in an area without cable, or DSL. Be happy there is some form of service available. Quit complaining, and move back to civilization if internet is that important to you!

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10:17 am EDT
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Hughes slow, expensive, bait and switch.

Recently ordered Hughes Net... already went through the Wild Blue fiasco. I thought something surely has to work for those of us in the rural areas. Suckered... again.

At first (trial period, can cancel anytime) speeds were fantastic. Pages loaded in record time, searches were quick, I was thrilled. Finally... I wasn't internet penalized for living on a farm.

Trial period ends. Guess what? Oh yeah. Slow as molassas in the winter. And now I'm in a two year contract, trial offer is over... will cost my next years' tuition just to cancel the doggone thing.

Sad.

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Colleen Shannon
, US
Jul 03, 2017 12:55 pm EDT

I've had the exact same thing happen to me. Signed up for the 30 day trial period and everything was great. After the trial period was over everything slowed down to a screeching halt. I called them and was told by the Hughes that during the trial period I was given the most expensive package, even though that is not what I signed up for! I told them this is a bait and switch. They agreed to give me the most expensive package at a discount. (Which was still $20 more than I agreed to in the first place). After six months the price shoots up again! I call and they tell me this was just a six month discount. Somebody needs to file a class action lawsuit and sue them. I am sick of being tricked by these companies.

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mattj1064
Claremore, US
Apr 02, 2009 10:13 am EDT

I have had hughes.net for about two years and have had the same problem with it getting slower and slower.
called for tech support and after on hour on the phone they agreed that i had a problem with there equipment.
tech came to my house and found water in the little reflector on the end of the dish.(works as a magnifier) after digging in his van he found a used one and put it on and the speeds went back the way they were when I had it installed.
he also informed me that the installer had not put the thing on right. and this had caused the problem.
there is a o-ring and a clamp that is to be put on the back of this unit to keep out water and it was left off by the installer. but they still charged me for the service call to fix there installers mess up. (raw deal)

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6:03 am EDT
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Hughes fraud and cheating

I absolutely cannot believe this company is still in business. Against my better judgment and because I had no other options other than dial-up, I had this service installed about a month ago. The experience was the worst I've ever had on every level you can imagine.

The advertisement for me was free 'standard' installation, $99 activation fee and first months service upfront. Ordering the service went great! Of course it would be cause they haven't stuck it to you yet. A few days later, another company called to schedule the install (HughesNet apparently outsources this to independent contractors).

The technician came out on a really cold, rainy day and it was obvious he didn't want to be here but he checked out my house to figure out where to put the MONSTER dish. He told me that due to the way my house is and the trees around it that he could not do a 'standard' installation and me have optimal reception. To this day, I don't understand that because DirectTV had no issues like that when installing my satellite TV service.

At any rate, he determined the installation would include a pole. I asked how much it would be and he said no more than $125. Reluctantly, I agreed. He told me the size pole I needed was also not standard and he'd have to go buy it and return on a different day.

It was crunch time, I needed internet access that week in order to do my job (I work from home). My company was taking down a server that previously supported me through dial up so time was of the essence. I explained this to the technician and he promised he would have it installed in time to prevent any down time with my company. This was on a Tuesday. Due to his schedule, he told me he would try to be back on Friday but most likely it wouldn't be until Saturday. That was fine because the dial up server wouldn't be taken down until Friday so I really wouldn't need access until the following Monday. Friday came and I called to see if he would make it out that day. He told me he couldn't and we did expect this but he did say he'd be out the next day.

Saturday came and went and the tech not only didn't show but didn't call and didn't answer or respond to the numerous calls I made to him. I finally reached him on Sunday and asked if he could do the install that day so I could work the next day. His response was, 'I don't work on Sunday's'. NO apology or concern for the position that he has now put me in i.e. I won't have access to my companies system in order to work on Monday. Not to mention, the guy then proceeds to blame ME for the situation because I'm not a standard installation. HE KNEW THAT WHEN HE PROMISED TO HAVE THE INSTALLATION COMPLETED ON SATURDAY.

He then told me he'd be at my house to do the installation around noon on Monday. Ok, that wipes me out of a days work but I have no choice at that point. Monday comes along and he didn't show up until 4:30. Because of the late start, he couldn't complete the installation before it got dark so he quit and said he'd be back the next morning. Now at this point the pole, dish, and everything on the outside of the house had been installed and all that was left was putting the cables through the hole (that we ALREADY had drilled for him) and connecting the inside. We supplied him with a flood light to do this so we could be done with it but he refused and insisted 'he was done for the day'.

Great, another day of not being able to work. He comes back the next day and spends 3 hours completing the installation. He packs up his stuff and then informs me that I owe him a check for $295.00! The install, his words, 'would not be more than $125.00'. I am now furious! He says the size pole was extra, digging the hole was extra because my ground was too hard and it required extra effort to dig it, etc. He knew all of this when he quoted the $125.00. Of course I protested but the guy cared less and demanded his money. Now, I just wanted him out of my house and his attitude was starting to scare me. I was home alone and he was very intimidating.

I wrote the check just so I could get him out of my house and lock the door behind him. Did I mention he also left ALL of the packaging laying in my yard as well as the debris from the install?

I called the company he worked for and left a message. I sent a lengthy email to them detailing everything that transpired and never got a response from either. I also called HughesNet and reported the situation. They said they would make it right and I should expect a call back within 5 days. Never happened. I called again a week later, got the same thing 'you will hear from us in 5 days' never heard a word. Based on every complaint I've read on here, I now know, I am wasting my time trying to get justice from these losers with absolutely no integrity or honesty.

Now this was just the installation process, I haven't mentioned how bad the service sucks. It's slower than dial up much of the time and try to get somebody who speaks English on the phone, it won't happen. I've been on the phone with India several times since the install due to the slow speed and getting disconnected. After I had the install, I had another company come to install wireless networking in my house. This caused even more of a slow down in speed which HughesNet said would not happen. LIARS! Their India guy had me do all kinds of stuff to try to improve my speed but all he did was have me do something that disabled my wireless networking. I paid good money to have the wireless put in and now it doesn't work and I'll have to pay more to have that fixed too. Does HughesNet care? Hell no! They now have my money and a contract ensuring they'll continue to have my money for the next 2 years.

These people could care less about their customers, customer retention, their reputation or anything else. They take complete advantage of those of us in rural areas who HAVE NO OPTIONS. I think they know that as soon as we get other options in our rural areas, we will all drop them like a bad habit so they are scamming as much money out of us while they can.

If ever there is a class action suit filed, count me in. I have NEVER seen anything like this.

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Smith
, US
Mar 24, 2009 6:18 am EDT

When we decided to move to the country, it took us nearly a month to find an Internet Service Provider who could help us. If you are outside the city limits, and surrounded by trees, you soon find that there are very few options other then satellite. We were assured by HughesNet that although there might be interruptions for weather, our speeds and downloads would be up to DSL capacity. After paying nearly $1, 000 to get hooked up (equipment and installation charges) we soon found out that there were some 'missing pieces' they left out of the sales pitch!

The company uses Fair Access Policy act to limit the amount of download you can receive over a 24 hour period. We've never experienced the performance demonstrated in the commercials. Additionally, the service has gotten worse and worse until we have decided to just go get wireless cards.

I can't understand why the FCC or some other government agency doesn't come in and require that they tell the truth about their service. Sure, tell people 'if you live in a remote place - we are it!', but don't act like the speed will be the same as normal service.

Calling their Customer Service line gets you someone located in India at a call center. I feel badly for these people, as they probably have no idea what we are comparing our experiences to. They also have no power to issue credits or to fix anything. I've gotten through to someone in the U.S a couple of times, but only after waiting a week for a call back. It's amazing how they can get away with this!

If you are in the county and need service, go get a wireless card!

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Denny
, US
Mar 10, 2009 6:41 am EDT

I absolutely cannot believe this company is still in business. Against my better judgment and because I had no other options other than dial-up, I had this service installed about a month ago. The experience was the worst I've ever had on every level you can imagine.

The advertisement for me was free 'standard' installation, $99 activation fee and first months service upfront. Ordering the service went great! Of course it would be cause they haven't stuck it to you yet. A few days later, another company called to schedule the install (HughesNet apparently outsources this to independent contractors).

The technician came out on a really cold, rainy day and it was obvious he didn't want to be here but he checked out my house to figure out where to put the MONSTER dish. He told me that due to the way my house is and the trees around it that he could not do a 'standard' installation and me have optimal reception. To this day, I don't understand that because DirectTV had no issues like that when installing my satellite TV service.

At any rate, he determined the installation would include a pole. I asked how much it would be and he said no more than $125. Reluctantly, I agreed. He told me the size pole I needed was also not standard and he'd have to go buy it and return on a different day.

It was crunch time, I needed internet access that week in order to do my job (I work from home). My company was taking down a server that previously supported me through dial up so time was of the essence. I explained this to the technician and he promised he would have it installed in time to prevent any down time with my company. This was on a Tuesday. Due to his schedule, he told me he would try to be back on Friday but most likely it wouldn't be until Saturday. That was fine because the dial up server wouldn't be taken down until Friday so I really wouldn't need access until the following Monday. Friday came and I called to see if he would make it out that day. He told me he couldn't and we did expect this but he did say he'd be out the next day.

Saturday came and went and the tech not only didn't show but didn't call and didn't answer or respond to the numerous calls I made to him. I finally reached him on Sunday and asked if he could do the install that day so I could work the next day. His response was, 'I don't work on Sunday's'. NO apology or concern for the position that he has now put me in i.e. I won't have access to my companies system in order to work on Monday. Not to mention, the guy then proceeds to blame ME for the situation because I'm not a standard installation. HE KNEW THAT WHEN HE PROMISED TO HAVE THE INSTALLATION COMPLETED ON SATURDAY.

He then told me he'd be at my house to do the installation around noon on Monday. Ok, that wipes me out of a days work but I have no choice at that point. Monday comes along and he didn't show up until 4:30. Because of the late start, he couldn't complete the installation before it got dark so he quit and said he'd be back the next morning. Now at this point the pole, dish, and everything on the outside of the house had been installed and all that was left was putting the cables through the hole (that we ALREADY had drilled for him) and connecting the inside. We supplied him with a flood light to do this so we could be done with it but he refused and insisted 'he was done for the day'.

Great, another day of not being able to work. He comes back the next day and spends 3 hours completing the installation. He packs up his stuff and then informs me that I owe him a check for $295.00! The install, his words, 'would not be more than $125.00'. I am now furious! He says the size pole was extra, digging the hole was extra because my ground was too hard and it required extra effort to dig it, etc. He knew all of this when he quoted the $125.00. Of course I protested but the guy cared less and demanded his money. Now, I just wanted him out of my house and his attitude was starting to scare me. I was home alone and he was very intimidating.

I wrote the check just so I could get him out of my house and lock the door behind him. Did I mention he also left ALL of the packaging laying in my yard as well as the debris from the install?

I called the company he worked for and left a message. I sent a lengthy email to them detailing everything that transpired and never got a response from either. I also called HughesNet and reported the situation. They said they would make it right and I should expect a call back within 5 days. Never happened. I called again a week later, got the same thing 'you will hear from us in 5 days' never heard a word. Based on every complaint I've read on here, I now know, I am wasting my time trying to get justice from these losers with absolutely no integrity or honesty.

Now this was just the installation process, I haven't mentioned how bad the service sucks. It's slower than dial up much of the time and try to get somebody who speaks English on the phone, it won't happen. I've been on the phone with India several times since the install due to the slow speed and getting disconnected. After I had the install, I had another company come to install wireless networking in my house. This caused even more of a slow down in speed which HughesNet said would not happen. LIARS! Their India guy had me do all kinds of stuff to try to improve my speed but all he did was have me do something that disabled my wireless networking. I paid good money to have the wireless put in and now it doesn't work and I'll have to pay more to have that fixed too. Does HughesNet care? Hell no! They now have my money and a contract ensuring they'll continue to have my money for the next 2 years.

These people could care less about their customers, customer retention, their reputation or anything else. They take complete advantage of those of us in rural areas who HAVE NO OPTIONS. I think they know that as soon as we get other options in our rural areas, we will all drop them like a bad habit so they are scamming as much money out of us while they can.

If ever there is a class action suit filed, count me in. I have NEVER seen anything like this.

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KYHI
, US
Dec 22, 2010 12:08 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

HUGHESNET Residential Installation

The certified HughesNet installer will install your HughesNet system when it is convenient for you. The installer will provide the following equipment to complete your installation - HughesNet modem and the cable required to connect the modem, Antenna assembly, which includes the radio, and mounting hardware

A standard residential installation includes:

• A standard installation includes travel mileage to and from customer’s location.

• Installing the HughesNet modem and connecting it to one PC.

• Mounting and grounding the antenna to an outside wall, first level roof or any approved structure or surface with HNS standard roof/wall mounting brackets. Antenna must be accessible within 21 feet from ground level.
 Brick mounts and roof mounts over finished ceilings or living space’s are considered non-standard, restricted surfaces.
− Antennas must be mounted a minimum of 5 ft. off the ground and out of reach of small children. (FCC Regulations)
− Tri-mast MUST NOT be mounted on surfaces, building materials, or structures that cannot support the mount/dish assy. (Stucco, aluminum siding, vinyl siding, chimneys, trees, fences or any free-standing wooden posts, utility poles and metal roofs are not authorized mounting surfaces.)

• Drilling one point of entry, terminating on an exterior wall and installing one wall jack.

• Installing and routing two exterior RG-6 coaxial cables from the antenna assembly to the point of entry and terminating with a wall jack. A standard residential installation includes up to 100 ft. of cable. (Up to 150’ for .98m systems)

• Connecting up to 20’ of ground wire from the ground block to the required NEC-approved bonding point. (Service Panel Ground or Meter Panel)

• Installing and weather-sealing appropriate cable bushing, wall penetrations, and mounting locations.

• Using the installer’s laptop to test the HughesNet system to verify receipt of satellite signal and Antenna Cross Pole.

• Activating and commissioning your HughesNet system on your computer with your permission. Installer will also help you setup your billing and email accounts.

• Demonstrating your HughesNet system is operational by browsing the Internet.

• Cleaning up debris from your residence after the installation is complete.

• Completing the Installer Reference Sheet and obtaining your signature on the appropriate forms.

A standard residential installation does not include:

• Networking computers or connections to local area networks (LANs), Routers or Hubs, etc.
• RG-6 coaxial cable over 100 ft. if your system uses a .74m antenna. (150 ft. for .98m systems)
• Drilling more than one hole (Point Of Entry).
• Installing the antenna at a location not accessible with a 24-ft. ladder or above 21’ off the ground.
• Special cable requirements, such as routing coaxial cable through attics, basements, crawlspaces, decks or walls.
• Complex or custom installations, such as special moldings, cosmetic hardware or routing to hide exposed cables.
• Pole Mounts or Custom Mounts - if one is deemed necessary by your installer.
• Removing or repairing previously mounted equipment.
• Special site surveys to determine the optimal location for your HughesNet antenna. ($125 Service Fee Applies)

Note: Installers may charge a customer up to $125 to install a pole mount located within 25 feet of the customer's residence. (Antenna cables must be Buried / Protected). Pole mounts that are installed more than 25 feet away from the residence or that are more then 6 feet out of the ground are considered non-standard.

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budparker
OKC, US
Sep 06, 2009 4:12 pm EDT

Here is information regarding a Class Action Lawsuit against HughesNet:

http://www.druginjurylawyerblog.com/2008/09/pbm_files_class_action_against.html

PBM Files Class Action Against HughesNet --- Satellite Broadband Company

The law-firm of Pogust, Braslow, & Millrood, LLC, recently filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a lawsuit against HughesNet, Inc., Hughes Communications, Inc., and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, for breach of contract and frauduluent business practices involving the marketing of the HughesNet® Satellite Broadband Network System.

Filed on behalf of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers, the Complaint alleges inter alia that the satellite broadband Company's nationwide advertisement of "Highspeed Internet by Satellite: Wherever Whenever" was materially false and misleading.

The class action lawsuit also alleges that HughesNet intentionally "oversold" its bandwidth, whereby thousands of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were subjected to limited Internet broadband accessibility, speed, functionality, and connectivity.

Additionally, it is alleged that HughesNet actively marketed HughesNet® subscribers and consumers to upgrade their broadband plan under the representation that such would result in faster Internet broadband access. Despite this, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers experienced significant broadband delays, including extremely slow uploading/downloading speeds, unreliable connectivity, and the inability to access email. Furthermore, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were often required to incur additional costs, fees, and early termination penalities, as a result of HugheNet's false advertising.

If you or someone you know is a HughesNet® subscriber and/or customer and have experienced similar Internet broadband related issues, please contact our law-firm for a free consultation.

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mosesmom
, US
Apr 06, 2009 3:55 pm EDT

I second your emotion.

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Hughes service doesn't even work

I too had the same problems with the over-pricing. I was told the $100.00 installation would not apply and then when the serviceman arrived my roof was not good enough to put the dish on and a pole was installed for the dish for an extra charge of $150.00. No copies were left of anything that I had to sign. I was told I was locked into a 2 year contract. Now the internet doesn't even work though the "blue lights" function all the time. Needless to say, I am using Verizon broadband to report all this! Hughesnet will not get paid, however, I am cancelling the service, and reporting them to the BBB and cancelling bank payment for failure of services.

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Hughes fighting for no service

It sounds like I'm not the only one that has had serious problems with HughesNet. I signed up for their service the end of December, 2008. I also had problems with downloading.

My service was supposed to be buying the equipment for $20/month on top of my regular bill. On January 16, 2009, they cut off my service because they said I owed them $400 for the equipment plus the monthly fee. I called them, and they said I had to fax them a copy of the agreement, which I never got a copy of. The only thing I have is the copy of the pole installation - which cost me $135.

I have been fighting with them ever since to try to get shipping labels to send the equipment back to them. And now they've turned me in to a collection agency.

And the fight rages on . . .

I tell everyone I know not to get HughesNet. Their internet service is poor, and they're customer service is the worst I've ever seen. And I've been in other countries that aren't trained for customer service like we are in America - and the untrained were better than what I've had with HughesNet.

I hope my registering this complaint will help to save someone the struggle I'm going through with them.

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barbara peeler
flintville, US
Sep 05, 2009 9:07 pm EDT

well i have hughes net and the very first day i had it i couldn't do aything so i called customer service and they said i had exceeded my bandwith and i hadn't downloaded or uploaded anything the only thing that was downloaded was what the tech downloaded but they said it was from my computer and it was also done when noone was home i think hughes net is a rip off just like wildblue

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TroyandMegsMom
Campbellton, US
Jun 18, 2009 1:36 am EDT

You know, I just remembered when I initially called to set up the installation the lady told me that for an additional charge, I could have speedy service. For some reason I just thought that was unneccessary. LOL! That was the last time I spoke to an American.

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Artec
Albion, US
Jun 02, 2009 2:19 pm EDT

Hughesnet is the most disgusting, incompetent, uncaring company I have ever had to deal with EVER. They know that most of the people who contract for their "service" have no other options for Internet access, so they do whatever they please with no regard to their customers. I am currently embroiled in yet another issue with their technical support with no end in sight. They refuse to deal with the evidence but prefer to circumvent the problem. Yesterday they sent out a techy, who drove 100 miles to my residence with no replacement parts. Now I get to wait another 3-5 business days to set up another appointment. Why aren't these people working for the government where their stupidity would be more appreciated?

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Brenda
Arcadia, US
May 30, 2009 7:05 am EDT

I am also in a battle with Hughes net. I have had horrible internet service for years. It was getting ridiculous, butting I had to have a day to be able to talk to the techs in India, which never helped so it was always my last resource. Can we talk about the uploading at 3am, I had no knowledge of Fair access rule until I violated it a few times with OS upgrades. In the last year it has just been a nightmare to do anything online. I was told if I upgraded my service it would be fixed. If I upgraded I had to agree to another year of service. The upgrade never worked. I want to get out from under them as fast as I can. I went to Verizon for a trial thirty day run with their air card. I forgot how nice it is not to time out with my bank and not get dropped every five minutes. Shame on Hughes net.
Here is the address to the main office
Hughes Network Systems
11717 Exploration Lane
Germantown, MD 20876
ATTN: Customer Service
Acct #_____________
Verizon has the answer for me I am still in the trial period but I already see the difference. AND its cheaper! I have a local store to go to if I have a problem, not some hard to understand guy in India named "Steve" I don't see how in the world they can run their commercial about being fast, Verizon kicked their butt. I live in a very remote area and I thought Hughes was my only option. I have a guest with the aircard and it worked fine here. I can't stand dealing with Hughes and I hope I never have to again.
Brenda

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Beverly Foster
Clayton, US
Mar 22, 2009 5:04 pm EDT

I also have HughesNet...I might just as well have dial up. I have called customer support and basically was told it was my problem now since I signed a contract. We live in the country and are unable to get cable or fios. I can't wait until my contract runs out...I am done with HughesNet...does anyone else no a provider that is honest and cares about the service their customers get? I would like to start looking for another provider...if anyone knows a provider please email me at Bevrlee44@aol.com

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bcwford
GV, US
Mar 15, 2009 6:35 pm EDT

Had them for 3 yrs nd they are the worst company out there.If the wind blows, raining, snowing or just a cloudy sky the service does not work.When you call them, they are hard to understand and can't fix the problem or say your antenna needs repair and want to charged you for it.They advertise that they have fast service and fast than dailup, well they are not and I think dailup is faster than my hughsnet service.Far as I am concern hughsnet is garbage.

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Hughes awful experience

Well the repairman just left here from trying to 'fix' my Hughesnet satellite system AGAIN. According to them there is nothing wrong with my equipment. I was also just on the phone with customer support asking about the terrible upload and download speeds I have been having. The speeds I am getting right now at this moment are LESS than HALF of what was advertised/promised when I began this nightmare over a year ago. The customer service technician tried to make an analogy comparing the horrible speeds to many cars traveling down a busy road; meaning when there's alot of traffic it is congested and the speed is slow. My response to that was well if it is that congested why don't you build a BIGGER ROAD? Since i got up this morning at 6 a.m. (when the speed was good but unfortunately I was busy getting the kids off to school) I have watched the speed drop in half by 8 am and drop by HALF AGAIN by 10 a.m. According to their 'parameters' this is acceptable. What a load of crap. Something that doesn't work as it was advertised is of no use to me, especially something costing this much!

I might add this is not the only trouble I have had with them; 2 days after the original installation my modem went out and i had service only about half the time. They sent me a new modem but it was the wrong model and would not work with the dish I have. Then they got mad at me when I asked for a call tag to return the equipment. They actually expected me to return the modem at my cost. Ugh. Many phone calls later I finally got a repairman to come out. Not only did the modem need replacing, but the radio arm too.

Once the system was 'fixed' that time I then tried to recoup some of the money I had been shoveling their way, since i had sporadic or no service for about 6 months while they had me foolishly undoing cables and looking outside to see how the weather was, NOT WANTING to send a repairman although I had asked them to do so repeatedly in that 6 month period. Well, they didn't want to give us ANY credit on the bill, because I had stopped calling them every day. Go figure. I finally got a supervisor and asked her why in the world would I want to continue to call when they obviously weren't going to DO anything? I finally got one month free service for 6 months of B.S.

So now we are on the speed issue. If I quit my day job, and stay up all night in the middle of the night I guess it would be O.K. to use the computer then, but gee, I can't do that. The speeds are fine in the (late) night time and right when I get up to go to work, at 5 am. After that it all goes down the tubes. I can actually get a better connection speed on DIAL-Up!

The last call to customer service really got me steamed. I can get a better speed they tell me (now) if I upgrade my plan for another 10 or 20 dollars a month, and go to the 'pro' or 'business' service plan. I think they have already gotten enough of my money, and I am not going to upgrade.

On a side note, they are launching a new satellite, and the speeds are supposed to be wonderful as it won't be bouncing your signal back and forth twice before it gets to it's destination. Too bad this privelige is going to be for NEW customers and not for the ones who are already pulling their hair out.

If you live in the boondocks like I do, for goodness sakes don't get a HughesNet system, go with another provider or you will be sorry.

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Polansky
, US
Oct 11, 2009 10:36 am EDT

I have been a customer of Hughes Network Systems (HNS), formerly Direcway, for over 4 years. Living in a rural area with no DSL or cable access, a satellite system was (and still is), the only viable option over traditional phone line dial-up services. I originally paid over $500 for the initial satellite equipment and have paid a monthly fee for this service. I was also required to sign a commitment contract in the beginning, which I have since completed, but was continuing service on a monthly basis.

Since 8/11/07, my service has seriously degraded. No email via Outlook Express, no Mozilla Firefox access, sporadic IE (Internet Explorer) browsing at best, no secure site access. After at least 6 totally frustrating phone calls to customer service since 8/11, amounting to hours of talking to thick accented foreigners, jumping through hoops and turning my PC inside out, they finally told me that they are experiencing "technical problems" on their end, and their technicians were working on the problem.

When I asked for credit for time lost, but they told me they would not do it until the "problem" was resolved. Meanwhile, they continued to bill my credit card on file. Yesterday, 8/26/07, by accident, I discovered that HNS Customer Service was not telling me the truth. I visited a site called HughesNet Uncensored (via my new s-l-o-w dial-up ISP), a website dedicated to satellite users that I joined years ago, particularly HughesNet customers, which has help pages and forums to answer questions that users have, that are not readily available anywhere else--including the HughesNet site. In the forums, I found many HNS customers/users with older Dw3000 and Dw4000 modems were experiencing the exact same problems, and at the exact same time.

It seems my system Dw4000, as well as the Dw3000, which used to work just fine, are now obsolete by HNS standards. HNS, without telling their customers and users of these modems, are simply not going to update them to be compatible with their systems anymore, and in order to regain the internet service I was accustomed to, I must now upgrade to a Dn7000 system, but at a price.

My choices were $125 with no contract, or *free(with possible shipping) and a 15 month contract. AND, the access throughput(uplink and downlink speeds) are LESS than what I used to get, unless I upgrade my service package for ( you guessed it), MORE MONEY! Isn't extortion and consumer fraud illegal? Now I know why the customer service techs failed to mention important facts. It seems some users are getting better deals, depending on who they have talked to at HNS. Shouldn't someone have told me that I was being denied access unless I upgrade? I never agreed to this when I started my DW4000 service. Does HNS have an obligation to continue my service by whatever means necessary since I had, and continued to meet, my obligation to them? Without being forced to pay extra?

Besides being lied to for the past 2 weeks, I wasted hours of my time dealing with this company. As of 8/26/07, I was paying for service I was never going to get, unless I updated (which I had not discovered yet). I had already completed my original commitment years ago and I did not want to extend it. I told them that I refused to be extorted, to cancel my service (terminated 8/26/07) and that I was reporting them to my state attorney generals office, the FTC, FCC, and the BBB.

Then a lawyer. The only way I was able to stop the billing of my credit card was to cancel my service. Can they legally do this to me and all the other HughesNet customers out there who still are not aware of the true reason of their internet access problems? Can your cell phone provider simply cancel out the signal on your older cell phone in order to sell you a newer one or commit to another contract? Now I have HNS equipment that cannot be used and a painfully slow dial-up system, because of my refusal to be extorted into "upgrade or else".

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Lorrie Davis
Irondale, US
Jun 30, 2009 9:29 pm EDT

It just makes me sick. I can't believe anyone can get away with what they are getting away with! Who do they think they are? Someday, we will all be rejoicing, I have no doubt, cause what they are doing is illegal, and someday they will pay!

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Hughes fraudulent company

When we decided to move to the country, it took us nearly a month to find an Internet Service Provider who could help us. If you are outside the city limits, and surrounded by trees, you soon find that there are very few options other then satellite. We were assured by HughesNet that although there might be interruptions for weather, our speeds and downloads would be up to DSL capacity. After paying nearly $1, 000 to get hooked up (equipment and installation charges) we soon found out that there were some 'missing pieces' they left out of the sales pitch!

The company uses Fair Access Policy act to limit the amount of download you can receive over a 24 hour period. We've never experienced the performance demonstrated in the commercials. Additionally, the service has gotten worse and worse until we have decided to just go get wireless cards.

I can't understand why the FCC or some other government agency doesn't come in and require that they tell the truth about their service. Sure, tell people 'if you live in a remote place - we are it!', but don't act like the speed will be the same as normal service.

Calling their Customer Service line gets you someone located in India at a call center. I feel badly for these people, as they probably have no idea what we are comparing our experiences to. They also have no power to issue credits or to fix anything. I've gotten through to someone in the U.S a couple of times, but only after waiting a week for a call back. It's amazing how they can get away with this!

If you are in the county and need service, go get a wireless card!

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Tavern in the Woods, Maine
Canaan, US
Oct 04, 2010 9:47 am EDT
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We've had Hughes for years (and Direct Way) and it's only getting worse. In May, we upgraded from a $59/mo plan to a $79/mo plan with new equipment and resetting the dish in a different location. (We are very, very rural here.) The installer convinces us that with new wireless router we'd have better connection on the laptops. So, we paid him $125 for a Net Gear router.
We get time outs, can't connects, all the time. I have called Hughes several times; you have to go through all their hoops to get anywhere with them. (and yeah, like my guy's name was really "Eugene"--HA!) Anyway, after pulling out wires and relocating wires, he tells me it's the router, I have to call Net Gear. Well---guess what, there is NO serial number on this $125 router we bought, Net Gear won't even talk to me with no serial number. Back to Hughes, and all the hoops, AGAIN. Again, they insist it's the router and we have to go to Net Gear. I explained the issue to them, tough luck lady. I explained that we bought it from THEIR installer when he installed the dish. There was no packaging material left behind, the installer took it. There were no installation discs for the router, no manuals, nothing. I have no clue of what to do now. The installer will not get back to me via phone or email. I agree with Elmer "can't understand why the FCC or some other government agency doesn't come in and require that they tell the truth about their service. Sure, tell people 'if you live in a remote place - we are it!', but don't act like the speed will be the same as normal service." Land line phone companies and utility companies don't require service contracts. If the service is lousy, you should be able to cancel, whether it be internet, phone or whatever!

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budparker
OKC, US
Sep 06, 2009 4:14 pm EDT

Here is information regarding a Class Action Lawsuit against HughesNet:

http://www.druginjurylawyerblog.com/2008/09/pbm_files_class_action_against.html

PBM Files Class Action Against HughesNet --- Satellite Broadband Company

The law-firm of Pogust, Braslow, & Millrood, LLC, recently filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a lawsuit against HughesNet, Inc., Hughes Communications, Inc., and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, for breach of contract and frauduluent business practices involving the marketing of the HughesNet® Satellite Broadband Network System.

Filed on behalf of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers, the Complaint alleges inter alia that the satellite broadband Company's nationwide advertisement of "Highspeed Internet by Satellite: Wherever Whenever" was materially false and misleading.

The class action lawsuit also alleges that HughesNet intentionally "oversold" its bandwidth, whereby thousands of HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were subjected to limited Internet broadband accessibility, speed, functionality, and connectivity.

Additionally, it is alleged that HughesNet actively marketed HughesNet® subscribers and consumers to upgrade their broadband plan under the representation that such would result in faster Internet broadband access. Despite this, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers experienced significant broadband delays, including extremely slow uploading/downloading speeds, unreliable connectivity, and the inability to access email. Furthermore, HughesNet® subscribers and consumers were often required to incur additional costs, fees, and early termination penalities, as a result of HugheNet's false advertising.

If you or someone you know is a HughesNet® subscriber and/or customer and have experienced similar Internet broadband related issues, please contact our law-firm for a free consultation.

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Hughes not a quality internet option

HughesNet
Not a quality internet option.
Below is the detail for the parent company: Hughes Communications, Inc. (HCI) and for Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) . After a large investment of my time on the phone with customer support and a larger monetary investment with what I consider to be an extremely over priced, poor quality internet option, I am sending letters of my dissatisfaction to the attention of the companies Executive Officers and Directors. It may be a waste of a couple dollars worth of postage to express my opinion, but it will satisfy me to know that I did not stand by idle and do nothing in the face of what many online have called questionable business practices. It may interest some of you to open the link on Hughes Communications, Inc. Investor Relations website titled "Code of Ethics".
I will keep my letters to the companies Executive Officers and Directors precise and respectful, while expressing my concerns about there products quality and functionality as compared to what they advertise. I welcome any feedback from those of you that have experienced HughesNet personally. It is of great frustration that a company targets those who have no other high speed internet option in the manner that they have. I hope this is of use to you in the wake of this company's lack of customer satisfaction surveys and the fact that they do not advertise any representation of the satisfaction of their current customer base to those would be new customers.

Hughes Corporate Headquarters
Hughes Network Systems, LLC
11717 Exploration Lane
Germantown, MD 20876 USA
Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
Twx: [protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hughes Communications, Inc.
Executive Officers and Directors >>

Pradman P. Kaul – Chief Executive Officer and President of
Hughes Communications, Inc. (HCI)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS)
Grant A. Barber – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
T. Paul Gaske – Executive Vice President
Bahram Pourmand – Executive Vice President
Adrian Morris – Executive Vice President
Dean A. Manson – Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
Thomas J. McElroy – Chief Accounting Officer
Deepak V. Dutt -- Vice President, Treasurer, and Investor Relations Officer
Cleo V. Belmonte – Assistant Secretary
Andrew D. Africk – Director
O. Gene Gabbard – Director
Jeffrey A. Leddy -- Director
Lawrence J. Ruisi – Director
Aaron J. Stone – Director
Michael D. Weiner – Director

Corporate websites:
http://www.hughes.com/HUGHES/Rooms/DisplayPages/LayoutInitial?pageid=HUGHES_IR&Container=com.webridge.entity.Entity[OID[092E4AF424667C42B1314DC142902941]]

http://www.hughes.com/HUGHES/Rooms/DisplayPages/LayoutInitial?pageid=PAGE00000101&Container=com.webridge.entity.Entity[OID[1CB43DD04D1F544C8E82CC423F2F8FD1]]

http://www.hughes.com/HUGHES/Rooms/DisplayPages/LayoutInitial?Container=com.webridge.entity.Entity%5BOID%5BF555B16B57D5B140924859D7AA656C96%5D%5D

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JH2014
Fn, US
Jun 20, 2014 6:53 pm EDT

Hughes net is the worst provider service I have ever had! They are crooks and their customer service is rude and talks in circles. their call center has so much background noise you cant even hear them. Charge horribly high fees for bad service and wont cancel your contract if you move to a place they can not provide to! They are not upfront, do NOT sign a lease with these people. You will never get anywhere. We moved to an apartment that would not allow service, they wanted to charge hundreds of dollars because they could not provide, as well as make us go up on the roof to get the transponder from the old house. When asked if they could send a technician to do so, they said no it was our responsibility, no provider has ever, ever done that. I would understand if you had to pay for the service call. They are rude crooks. I hope their board gets flak from all the bad reps.

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Cotopaxi
, US
Aug 08, 2013 8:32 am EDT

DO NOT order HughesNet Voice service. Two weeks after receiving the hardware (ATA), I am still receiving the following error when I try to register the device: "Your order for HughesNet Voice Service has not been processed. Try again in a few hours then contact ["Support" center] with Code HSC004". After waiting on a cell phone on top of the mountain for over an hour several times I was told the they had no idea what the code was, could not diagonse or solve the problem.
Still waiting for that elusive "call back" following phone, email and chat conferences. Will start the tedious process of trying to cancel the service today. Oh, while waiting for someone to answer from their Non-Support Center, I was repeatedly advised to contact them on line where there was never any waiting. I tried and was timed out at various stages hundreds of times between Friday and Sunday evening. Worst "Customer Service" I have experienced in 60 years of dealing with service providers.

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Wallynmu
Carlton, US
Apr 16, 2012 9:23 pm EDT

4/17/2012
I have had Hughes Net since 2006. It worked fair to OK for about 4 years although not outstanding. Now at peak times it slows down dramatically. In the morning I have about 3500K download. As the day progresses it starts to slow down. By 7 PM it is down to as low as 26K download. Dial up speed is about 40 to 50 K. They have oversold the service. The satellite can not provide service to all the people using it. Customer service ignorant to understanding what is happening. They told me my system was defective. They sent out a service person here. The service person could find nothing wrong. The service is still terrible in the evening and weekends. Don't waste your money yet. They are suppose put up another satellite this fall. Don't hold your breath though. http://192.168.0.1/

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HughesNet Sucks
Sioux City, US
Jul 29, 2011 8:29 pm EDT

HughesNet is quite simply garbage. I pay $74.00 a month and I cant even watch a video. Even simple webpages open slowly. No, I am not just some "disgruntled customer"-- "just the facts ma'am". The stated reason for its slowness is to "make it fair for everyone" so some people dont soak up a lot of bandwidth. This is plain bull. The reason it is so slow so to induce you to buy more bandwidth with what they call "tokens". This will be in addition to the monthly fee they already charge. I very well know this is nothing more than a scam, as I have also lived in the Philippines where extremely fast satellite internet internet is widely available. I had a company come out install my dish for free and payed $20 a month for lightning fast internet with the ability to hook 10 PCs up at one time. Watching Youtube videos was a joy and I never had problems of any kind with the service. In dirt poor Philippines from a Filipino company! But HughesNet, I suppose, just doesnt have that kind of fancy tech and are still trying to catch up with the dirt poor people of the Philippines. Or maybe they are just trying to get you to pay yet even more than $74.00 by purchasing their stupid tokens. Duh.

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not really a complainer
Scottsdale, US
Jan 05, 2011 5:46 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

absolutely agree with all of the above and have this to share.
I've been a customer for over a year because I needed service and have NO option to get internet to my business. To get Cox or Qwest would cost me more than $45, 000.00 and as a small business...I couldn't afford the costs.
The service is poor quality... but what makes it even worse is the customer service. I am a very patient, kind person...but every time I call this company I want to punch someone! Every person you speak to is either in INDIA or PHILLIPINES. They can NOT make a decision or give you information if it's not on their script. They have NO idea who they work for, how to reach their supervisors or how to help. They have such thick accents, you can barely understand them and every comment from them is 'Okay?'...NO! it's not okay but your company is broken and doesn't care...

I just spent FIVE HOURS on the phone with 6 different people..and here's the amazing part...I was trying to UPGRADE my service. Yep...I wanted to GIVE THEM MORE MONEY every month and they couldn't figure out how to upgrade me. I was hoping an upgrade would speed up my connection...

Awful, awful, awful. Not one of these people could answer my questions about which package I should upgrade to...if you are thinking about using this company...get a carrier pigeon instead. Or learn smoke signals. You will have a more peaceful, pleasant experience.

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WE POWERS
, US
Dec 04, 2010 8:09 pm EST

i live on an island off the gulf coast of fl.i switched from mediacom to hughes in hope that it was as quick as advertised, BUT IT IS SO SLOW THAT I CAN SHAVE BETWEEN INTERNET ENTRIES. KEP YOUR EXISTING SERVICE AND KEEP AWAY FROM HUGHES NET.

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R Johnson
Darien, US
May 18, 2009 4:12 pm EDT

I signed up in August of 2008 for SEASONAL INTERNET SERVICE - the service (as this is a summer house) was seasonally disconnected on 12/15. I called today 5/18/2009 to get the service reconnected and was told that the billing for the interregnum of off-season internet service was not paid and I am to pay $835, then if I might, I can call and 'RENEGOTIATE" was the word the customer services operator used over and over to see what they might do to turn the service on. Never saw a bill, never an email, never a phone call - they have all of these contacts for me.

I am on my last cycle with these crooks - and will simply take them to small claims court. I would no sooner deal with these people than answer a "you have won the lottery" email from Nigeria.

Stay away. Johnson, Mt. Desert Island, Maine

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Hughes too low mega bites

Hi I am complaing because we are only allowed 200 mega bites perday if we exceed that limit they slow us down. I didn't know that when we signed up and also I thought I would be getting a bill in the mail every month they deduct it from our savings account on the eighth of every month also when you call you deal with some forgein person from another country, I would like someone that understands english. That is my complaint. Thanks upset in michigan.Karen

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Dianne Clewien
Hominy, US
Jun 18, 2009 3:44 pm EDT

They do not give you a choice as to how to pay each month. In my case they debit my credit card. I agree with you on the MB that was not explained to us and again in my case they not only slow us down but since I use their email I'm locked out for 24 hours even though I am not over the MB limit.

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Hughes - scam rip off

If you don't believe what I am about to right I suggest you google HUGHESNET and see for yourself. I have had it for 6 months and I have never had so much crap from anything like this in my life. First you see the commercial promising you FASTER service for those who cannot get high speed/broadband. Anyone can get high speed they say. Well for about 60...

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Hughes terrible company

So, we signed up for HughesNet several years ago, when they were still DirecWay. We paid the huge amount for equipment, almost $800, and the outrageous service fees. We were okay with the service for the first year and a half but as time passed on the service was getting slower and slower until it reached dial-up speeds.

We decided it was in our best interest to cancel the service and look for something else, so we did. After two months of being on dial up, the only thing available in our area, we called them back and signed back up, paying the $25 reconnect fee. After two months of the same old slow, pitiful, service, a storm came through our area and knocked our dish off.

We called the next day to have a technician to come out to reset the dish. After speaking on the phone with someone you can't half understand for 1+ hour, we were informed that the only we could have someone come to our house and reset the dish was to ...BUY A NEW MODEM!

The modem has nothing to do with the fact that the dish was out of whack?!?!?!?! They said that we could buy a refurbished model of the current modem for $125(which we had already paid OUTRAGEOUS amounts for.) If the modem did not fix the issue THEN we could pay the technician MORE money to resent the dish.

This is just their way of making you give them more money for their pitiful service.

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING DIRECWAY OR HUGHESNET, FORGET THEY EXIST!

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Scrap
,
Jul 15, 2008 8:48 pm EDT

This is the worst ISP I have ever had. Then I come to find out I have a 2yr contract (much like a cell phone) that I can not cancel without paying a fee of a couple of hundred dollars! This FAP policy is bogus. Says you can't go over the set downloading usage or your connection will slow to a speed slower than dial-up. - Which happens when I'm not even using the computer. Even when I haven't breached my downloading usage, I don't think this connection is any faster than any DSL I have ever had. My recommendation is steer clear of Hughes Net... WASTE OF MONEY!

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Victor
, US
Mar 08, 2009 9:59 am EDT

When my DirecWay DW7000 was installed (two years ago) I was not informed that there was a limit to how much I could download. Why? Because there was no limit! (Not to my knowledge anyway) 5 years ago when I had the old one-way system, there was no limit.

Now, without saying a thing (no email, snail mail or phone call) I have a cap on how much I can download. This gives me about 2-3 hours of streaming video per day. After that, I'm 'throttled down' to speeds slower than dial-up.

The real kicker is that the Hughes company is slow to give you this information, opting to instruct their 'service personnel' (guys in India) to get you to check your system for problems first. (My system has never had a breakdown...knock knock)

I finally got a tech guy (in India) to tell me about this FAP cap that had been implemented. He said, 'Just wait a few hours, your speed will come back'. The Hughes website (I found) says this, too. But, they LIE!

Once I reach my limit, it takes a full day (24 hours) to get my 'high speed' back. Until then, I'm screwed. Just think if they did this with DirecTV. That would mean you could only watch TV for 3 hours per day! I wonder how many people would cancel DirecTV if they did that?

On top of this, my bill went up $10 per month after Hughesnet took over. I wasn't even informed of the price increase! (I get no bill in the mail or email) Isn't this illegal?

Then, after searching the internet, I find out that the reason the FAP was inacted was because some people were selling their neighbors internet service. So, because other people are breaking the rules/law, my service has to suffer.

Also, if the Hughes system is 'bogging down' because of so many users, there should be a 'limit' on how many subscribers they can have...but that is definitely NOT the case! I've also heard that they don't offer this info about the FAP when you order your system. Scandalous!

This company is getting away with it! It will eventually come back to bite them in the @55! I plan on going back to dialup soon as I'm not paying $70 a month if I can't use it freely without worry of reaching my limit.

Plain & simple, these guys are just as big of a criminal as the people that are selling (sub-letting) their service to the guy next door. Had I known about these changes in my service, I would have never ordered it.

With the increase in streaming video on the internet, the demand on bandwidth will undoubtedly become more of a problem. So, this situation will only get worse. Until Hughesnet expands their system, they will lose their customers. I'm just another number to them. So are you!

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EmilyRagsdale
East Bernard, US
Oct 12, 2010 10:10 am EDT

I had Hughes Net for 2 years, only because in my area it was the only option. After 2 years of dealing with their TERRIBLE tech support that can barely speak English and have no idea how to actually troubleshoot an issue I canceled my service on a Friday...That next TUESDAY a debt collector called me and was very nastily demanding $362.00. I called Hughes Net to find out why I owed this when 4 day prior I had been told I owed nothing and I was informed that the charge was for unreturned equipment (which is due to be returned within 45 days of end of service) and my last bill which had a due date of 10/29/10 (today’s date is 10/12/2010). So basically Hughes Net had a debt collector calling about a debt that was not even due yet.
This company is TERRIBLE! go get broadband from Verizon!

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phasung
Houston, US
May 19, 2010 11:00 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I agree I use to have Hughenet last year for about 6 month the first month is o.k on the bill I have Home Basic it was 59.00 first month than the second bill came 119.00 i say OMG I call Hughesnet customer Service why my bill is so high they told me is because Im renting the modem from hughesnet I told them I'm cancel my service they told me if I cancel my service they will contiune bill me up to 6 month so i call my credit company to stop payment so they did, after that hughenet send my bill to collector they call me everyday to collect the money for hughenet I told the bill collector you are invaded of privacy so i hire pro bono attorney after all that everything it was clear up on my case with hughenet

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greeneyeslynn
Buchanan, US
Feb 04, 2009 12:48 am EST

I wish, I had researched this company before I made the mistake of believing their false T.V. advertisement. They have changed their Policy so much as to try and cover their ***. I had their service for only 2 months. I called Their Tech's. 28 times. It was always my system. Strange I have a new Dell computer. We all have the same story and I guess that's how they are stealing our money, let alone everything they can take from your account. Hughesnet sent our account to collections but we canceled our cards before they could rob us even more., especially if you say the word ( CANCEL). I guess now we have to find a way to clear our credit up but I guess they win in the end after all?

Mr. Hughesnet,
How can you sllep at night?

Hughes Customer Reviews Overview

HughesNet is a satellite internet service provider that offers broadband connectivity to customers across the United States, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional high-speed internet options are limited or unavailable. Their services include various internet plans with different data allowances to suit individual usage needs. HughesNet emphasizes its availability nationwide, leveraging satellite technology to provide internet access. Additionally, they offer built-in features such as data-saving modes to help manage bandwidth usage.

Hughes In-depth Review

In Summary: HughesNet offers satellite internet services primarily targeting rural and remote areas where traditional broadband is not available. While it provides widespread coverage and a variety of plans, customers should be aware of its speed limitations, data caps, and contract terms. The installation process is straightforward, but there may be initial costs involved. Performance can vary, especially during peak times, and customer service experiences are mixed. HughesNet includes features like built-in Wi-Fi and a Bonus Zone, but users must weigh these against the overall cost and value for money. The company also shows a commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

Company Overview: HughesNet is a long-standing provider of satellite internet services, known for connecting users in rural and remote areas. Their core offerings revolve around internet connectivity with a focus on areas underserved by traditional broadband.

Internet Service Options: HughesNet offers a range of plans that vary in price and data allowances, with speeds up to 25 Mbps. All plans come with data caps, and exceeding these limits can result in reduced speeds. Contract terms typically require a 24-month commitment.

Installation and Setup: Installation is generally handled by professional technicians and is often praised for its simplicity. Customers receive a satellite dish and modem, but there may be initial setup fees or equipment costs to consider.

Performance and Reliability: Users report that actual speeds can sometimes fall short of advertised speeds, particularly during peak hours. However, the network is known for its reliability in areas where other internet services are unavailable.

Customer Service: Customer service experiences with HughesNet are varied, with some users reporting quick and helpful responses, while others have faced challenges. Support is available through phone, email, and chat.

Coverage and Availability: HughesNet's primary advantage is its extensive geographic coverage, especially in rural and remote areas where other internet options are limited or nonexistent.

User Experience: Customer reviews are mixed, with some praising the service for its availability and others critiquing it for speed and data limitations. The user interface for account management is functional, and the mobile app offers additional convenience for managing services.

Additional Features and Services: HughesNet includes built-in Wi-Fi with its modems and offers a Bonus Zone, where customers can use additional data during off-peak hours. Other value-added services may be available depending on the plan.

Pricing and Value for Money: When compared to other satellite internet providers, HughesNet's pricing is competitive, but it may seem high compared to traditional broadband. The company occasionally offers promotions, but customers should be mindful of termination fees and refund policies.

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: HughesNet demonstrates a commitment to reducing its environmental impact and engages in various sustainability initiatives. The company also participates in community programs and strives for social responsibility.

Pros and Cons: HughesNet's key advantages include its availability in remote areas and the inclusion of features like the Bonus Zone. However, the disadvantages of speed limitations and data caps are significant. The service is best suited for users with limited internet options.

Final Verdict: HughesNet is a viable option for users in rural and remote locations who have limited access to other types of internet services. While it offers reliable coverage and some unique features, potential customers should carefully consider the speed and data limitations, as well as the overall cost, before committing. For light internet users and those without other options, HughesNet can be a suitable choice, but heavy streamers and those used to high-speed broadband may find it lacking.

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