Frequently Asked Questions

Who is affected?
Only a small percentage of subscribers will experience reduced download speeds as a result of exceeding the download threshold.

Online activities such as viewing Websites, checking email, watching short streaming media presentations, or automatic software and anti-virus updates are unlikely to exceed the download threshold.

What activities may cause a subscriber to exceed their download threshold?
Some activities are more likely to exceed the download threshold and trigger the application of the Fair Access Policy. Several examples are listed below:

1. Full-length movie downloads
2. Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs such as Napster, Kazaa or LimeWire
3. Continuous downloading or viewing streaming media content such as audio or video programming
4. Hosting of server devices such as email, FTP or Web servers
5. Hosting computer applications such as Web camera feeds
6. Automated computer to computer connections used for archiving of local computer content
7. Extensive downloading of Usenet Newsgroups (NNTP)
8. Use of BitTorrent applications
9. Simultaneous file downloads
10. Downloading large files (i.e., file sizes that are close in size to the download threshold of your service plan)

What will my Internet access be like if I exceed the download threshold?
When the download threshold is exceeded, you will experience reduced download speeds for approximately 24 hours. During this recovery period, the HughesNet service can still be used for activities such viewing emails and Web surfing, but speeds will be significantly slower than your normal browsing experience.

If I exceed the new download threshold, what should I do?
Minimize your bandwidth-intensive activities in order to return to normal download speeds after the recovery period. If you continue these activities during the recovery period, you may experience reduced download speeds beyond the 24-hour recovery period. If you find that your download threshold is too small for your needs, you should consider upgrading your service to a plan that offers a greater download threshold.

How do I verify that I have exceeded my download threshold?
Go to myHughesNet.com, click on Customer Care, then click on the Check My Usage link in the Resources section.

How is the Fair Access Policy applied during the middle of the night?
Currently, you can use your HughesNet service for several hours during the middle of the night (the "Download Period") with relaxed application of the Fair Access Policy. The actual hours of the Download Period depend on the HughesNet Equipment platform you are using. The hours of unrestricted use shall begin no later than 3:00 AM and end no earlier than 6:00 AM eastern time.

Why was the Download Period implemented?
This period has been provided for HughesNet subscribers to schedule the downloading of automated updates or download of other large files.

Are there any limitations to what I can do during the Download Period?
Yes:

1. This period is subject to available capacity;
2. Download speeds are not guaranteed during these hours; and
3. The HughesNet Acceptable Use Policy is still in effect.

What do you recommend I do during the Download Period?
We recommend that you automatically schedule your system updates during the Download Period. We also suggest the use of a download manager software application to assist in the scheduling of large file downloads.

Do you recommend a particular download manager?
While we cannot recommend any at this time, we are currently in the process of testing several download managers for this purpose.

Will my standard FAP-reduced throughput period of 24 hours be extended by length of the Download Period?
No, the FAP- reduced throughput period will not be by the length of the Download Period.

What will happen if I'm in the middle of a large download at the outset of the Download Period?
During a large download, if you are subject to FAP and the download is not interrupted up until the start of the Download Period, the balance of the download will complete during the Download period at normal speeds, subject to available capacity.

What will happen if I'm in the middle of download at the end of the Download Period?
If you were subject to the FAP-reduced throughput period just prior to the start of the Download Period and you started the download of a file which does not complete by the end of the Period, your download will continue under the FAP restrictions. If you were not subject to FAP prior to the start of the Download Period and you started the download of a file which does not complete by the time the Period ended, your download will continue and the portion of the download occurring after the end of the Download Period will be counted toward the download threshold for FAP.