How Can I Get The Most Out Of My HughesNet Service?


How to Get the Most of your HughesNet Service

From smartphones to gaming consoles to Smart TVs to security systems, more devices than ever are able to connect to the Internet. All of these devices can consume data, even when you are not actively using them. It is important to monitor your data use regularly.

Monitoring Your Data Usage

Check your data usage through myHughesNet.com or the HughesNet Mobile App.

If you are running low on data, you can purchase additional data named Data Tokens to restore your Internet speed.

Your speed is spread out over all devices you have connected to HughesNet, so it is important to be aware of the number of devices connected to your HughesNet service. Additional Resources:

  1. Schedule Automatic Updates– Your computer and its applications are often running in the background and downloading updates, even if you are not currently using those devices or programs. Most of these downloads are important to maintain the security and functionality of your device. Various programs, including anti-virus software, will frequently download updates throughout the day and night. Learn how to schedule updates to utilize your Bonus Zone data. 
  2. Media-rich Sites and Multimedia Content– Media-rich sites, such as social media, can consume larger amounts of data depending upon the page content. Any kind of streaming video and audio will consume more data than any other Internet activity. 

Streaming Video and Audio/Video-rich Sites

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, news sites, etc. may contain videos, animated gifs, and audio clips that immediately start playing when you visit the website. Even if you stop the media from fully playing, the entirety of the audio or video may have already downloaded to your device, ready to be played. Some sites have a feature to turn off auto-play to save your data from being used for those downloads. If you are going to stream video, shows, or movies, it is better to use Standard Definition video settings whenever possible.

Additionally, use a scheduling tool to download large files during HughesNet Bonus Zone period from 2am to 8am. HughesNet Business customers can use Daytime data between 8am to 6pm.

Use Low Data Mode while on HughesNet Wi-Fi

When your phone is connected to HughesNet wireless (Wi-Fi) you are using your plan data. New features on iPhone and Android allow you to restrict the data your apps consume when they are not actively being used. This can reduce your data usage and make your network connection feel faster. Learn more here.

Operating System Updates

Windows 8 and 10 updates can use a large amount of data. In the case of Windows 10, Microsoft implemented a network sharing scheme that not only downloads updates to your PC but also uploads updates from your PC to others. Most operating systems can be configured to turn off auto-updates and/or schedule them to run during your Bonus Zone period from 2 AM to 8 AM (8am to 6pm for Business HughesNet customers):

Background Applications

Even if you don’t have any active applications on your screen, your computer or device (such as a Smart TV or Apple TV) might have applications working in the background and using data. Even if you are not actively watching TV, these devices may still be using data. Here are ways to check what’s running in the background on your devices.

Viruses and Malware

Malware can use your Internet connection to send and receive spam and malware without your knowledge. You must protect all your devices with good, active anti-virus, and scan your computer regularly to prevent and eliminate malware. Consider subscribing to a Norton product.

Cloud Backups

If you use Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, MS Skydrive, or any other cloud storage service, check if your service syncs your data automatically. Syncing your data with the cloud uses your Internet connection and service plan data. Check with the service to see if you can limit the amount of data that it uses to synchronize. Also see if you can schedule your sync during your Bonus Zone period from 2 AM to 8 AM (8am to 6pm for Business HughesNet customers)

Set-top Boxes, Satellite TV and Digital Media Receivers

Smart TVs are the union of computers and flat screen TVs, and set-top boxes. These devices can use your Internet connection to stream or store digital media. Any kind of “On Demand” programming requires an Internet connection to stream the programming to your TV or computer. Satellite TV “Pay Per View” programming that airs at a specific time, usually does not use your Internet connection. Here are support pages for various popular set top boxes:

E-mail

you adjust how often to check the server and download mail. If you are connected wirelessly on your smart phone to your HughesNet Internet, consider putting your phone in airplane mode occasionally to save data.

Wireless Routers

Most wireless and wired routers, along with network switches, will work with your satellite modem. Be sure to password protect your router to prevent unauthorized users from connecting to your network and using your data. Usually, this information is in your router’s User Manual. Make sure your router is updated to the most current firmware.