Hughesnet is not a cable or satellite TV provider as most people tend to perceive Broadcasting Network. However, HughesNet is a satellite internet service that also provides an internet-delivered television service called HughesNet TV. Here are some key things to know about Hughesnet's TV service:
What is Hughesnet?
Hughesnet and Viasat are two of the largest satellite internet providers in the United States and operate in many other countries. Hughesnet employs a network of satellites in geosynchronous orbit to connect the continental United States to the internet at high speeds, and this service includes areas that are not served by cable or fiber optic lines.
The company operates itself as an internet provider for homes and offices where there are limited choices of broadband companies. Hughesnet claims to serve at least 1,350,000 clientele base for its satellite internet offerings as of 2021.
Hughesnet TV operates through a concept known as two-way broadband satellite internet which entails the following;
Hughesnet satellite system also does not transmit real TV channels like those of DIRECTV or DISH Network satellite TV services. However, Hughesnet TV is not a cable television service, but rather it is a streaming television service that is delivered over the internet connection that is provided by Hughesnet satellite internet service.
Hughesnet TV can be accessed when the customer connects their compatible smart TVs, media streaming devices, or set-top boxes to the Hughesnet satellite internet system either through WiFi or Ethernet cords. From there, they can watch live television and on-demand programming that is broadcast through the internet via the Hughesnet TV app or through an internet browser.
What this means is that Hughesnet TV has the same disadvantages as those associated with Hughesnet satellite broadband connection. Satellites being the primary source of internet transmission results in data usage caps, internet latency, and unfavorable weather conditions that affect the satellite internet’s performance and dependability than cable or even fiber optics. These issues can also compromise the quality and the steadiness of Hughesnet TV streaming.
How Many Channels Is Hughesnet TV and What Kind of Content Is Delivered?
Hughesnet TV offers live TV which comes with more than 150 channels, they are grouped in various categories such as news, Sports, Movies, Family, and many more. The supported channels include local broadcasting stations and national cable television networks like ESPN, HGTV, DISNEY channel, USA Network, FOX News, and others.
Hughesnet TV customers also get a variety of on-demand movies and shows, currently numbering over 25,000. More channel packages including, for example, movie and sports packages, can increase the number of channels offered within the subscriber package for a specific amount of money per month. Spanish programming is available through the Español package to viewers who wish to receive it.
The listed channel groups are not always the same from region to region for various reasons, including licensing restrictions and the availability of local channels. However, as a general cable TV provider, Hughesnet provides basic cable programming without the majority of the regional sports networks or local niche offerings.
A Comparison of Hughesnet TV with Other TV Providers
In terms of available channel packages, Hughesnet TV is not very different from other cable and satellite providers with a standard nationwide package. However, reliability and picture quality cannot be anywhere close to cable or fiber connections. This problem will be mainly due to some inherent characteristics of satellite internet access that may cause streaming lag or buffering depending on the traffic intensity that may be observed on the Hughesnet network at any given time.
There are also some limitations of Hughesnet TV which include the inability to add over-the-air antenna channels for specific regions and the absence of DVR features to record programs. It offers fewer base packages with fewer channels than Dish Network and DIRECTV or some streaming competitors including YouTube TV and Hulu Live.
On the positive side, Hughesnet TV offers 4K and HDR support where the compatible devices and TV shows or movies are, something that satellite TV does not come with. It offers the opportunity to watch TV any place within the continental US with a Hughesnet Internet connection, and it can be a home, a second house, or even a motor home.
Is Hughesnet Internet Necessary For Hughesnet TV?
Yes, Hughesnet TV services can only be realized after subscribing to the Hughesnet satellite internet products. The TV streaming proceeds through the internet data connection by HughesNet. Therefore, Hughesnet TV is dependent on the internet, such that one cannot subscribe to it solely without taking the internet service.
Internet and television are bundled together with Hughesnet’s packages. Hughesnet TV offers no other options; both services have to be added to the account with the television package.
Hughesnet has various services and packages that differ in price, and in this section, we look at how much the TV service costs.
Currently, Hughesnet TV starts at an additional $99 per month when subscribed as part of a Hughesnet internet-eligible plan as of early 2023. However, there are also other premium channel add-on packs such as the prices at $5 per month up to $20 per month.
Some other charges include equipment rental fees, taxes, and any other accrued charges. There often exists a Hughesnet satellite internet offering where consumers get a new TV service at a special promotional rate.
In conclusion, Hughesnet TV serves as a fairly adequate streaming TV service for those using Hughesnet satellite internet and seeking additional entertainment services. But customers must ensure that proper expectations of such things as the quality of the video and disruption of video streaming associated with the satellite delivery system are set appropriately. Hughesnet and any other satellite-based broadband is still better left off for streaming TV as the fiber optic or cable broadband offers the most optimal performance.
