Hughes Net?

[wanderin.pat]

I did a search and found only old (?... from WAY BACK in 2014) articles about Hughes Net.

It SEEMS like they've been forced to change with the times.  I remember almost 10 years ago checking them out, and the cost of the equipment (a receiver box and satellite dish) was about $1000.  Now, it seems like they've dropped a lot.  They have a lot of competition now.  

As an aside , the cost for a DirecTv dish and receiver box was significantly less.  What's interesting about that is that Hughes was the owner of DirecTv until recently, and launched and owns the satellite they use.  

While I've been in the process of trying to get my ZTE Mobley fixed , which I FINALLY DID, I have looked at other options.  Several people in the RV park I've been staying in have Hughes Net.  So, I'll be doing some research. 

I'll post anything I find.  

Regards,

WP

 

[highdesertranger]

when I looked into satellite internet a few years ago this is what I found,

to use satellite internet you must be stationary(at a house)
to be mobile you needed a special license from the government
Hughes net is not meant for mobile use. when they figure out you are mobile(they will) they will cut you off

has things changed?

highdesertranger

 

[blars]

Several years ago they were no longer selling equipment that worked on the older satellites with broad coverage, and only selling new equipment that worked with the new spot-beam satellites. With spot-beam, your dish will not work within a few hundred miles of your registered location. Direct TV now uses spot-beam for local channels.

 

[RVTravel]

Check out viasat.com

 

[bigskybob]

I've got Hughesnet at home and I like it.I asked about a mobile receiver and was told they don't have that.Since I am home half or more of the year I just call up and have them put my service on hold while I'm gone.

 

[Tom_M]

Here's an excellent rundown on satellite internet from the folks at rvmobileinternet.com:

https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/20...review-looking-forward-into-2019/#satindustry

 

[wanderin.pat]

when I looked into satellite internet a few years ago this is what I found,

to use satellite internet you must be stationary(at a house)
to be mobile you needed a special license from the government
Hughes net is not meant for mobile use.  when they figure out you are mobile(they will) they will cut you off

has things changed?

highdesertranger

I don't think things have changed THAT much, YET.  However, at this time, I've been staying at an RV park for the last 3 months, and am still likely to stay there.  There are a few guys who have it here, and use it for internet.  The prices have dropped significantly since I checked several years ago, and are likely to continue to change.  

I believe that the main demographic for their service has changed.  Their original target customers were people living far away from a cable hookup, or so I believe.  I believe that more and more of those people are changing to other solutions.  It is possible to get a dish with a tripod stand.  

So, just for alternate solutions, I'm going to look into it.

 

[wanderin.pat]

HDR: Just to add more info.  I spent 18 years working for 3 different computer companies.  The team I was a part of changed hands twice.  During all of this time, my ONLY customer was DirecTv.  During most of that time, they were owned by Hughes.  There is very little difference in the equipment that provides Satellite TV and Satellite internet. 

There are LOTS of people in RV's with those little gizmos that provide Dish and DTV service.  Technically, there is no reason, at least that I'm aware of, that HughesNet could not BE mobile.  Not if people can access Dish and DTV service. 

The monthly charge is in line with Verizon and the others for a mobile hotspot, the difference being that satellite does NOT rely on cell towers.  The equipment is about $350.  

But , at this time, it does not seem to be really a mobile solution.  Not if you're changing camp sites every 2 weeks or less.   

So, as I said, I will keep posted with any info I find.

Regards, 

WP

 

[wanderin.pat]

Focusing on the article that Tom_M posted, here is the 

part of the article that focuses on just satellite internet info

RV Satellite Info:

https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/guides/satellite/

Some of the info in the ads is seriously dated in this article.  It shows 2014 prices for devices.   Please be aware of that.

 

[highdesertranger]

what about the special license from the government? highdesertranger

 

[wanderin.pat]

what about the special license from the government?  highdesertranger

Not sure, I'd have to check.  If I pursue this any further, I will post anything relevant.  

Regards,

WP

 

[highdesertranger]

thanks Pat. highdesertranger

 

[wanderin.pat]

 If I pursue this any further, I will post anything relevant.  

I probably will not pursue this.  I have not been overwhelmed by the reviews I've read. 
Regards,
WP