Fair Access Policy
HughesNet is able to provide fast Internet by using the latest in satellite communications technology to provide a fast data pipe right to your door. Your traffic is then routed through an ultra-high speed data connection along with many other users, like drivers merging onto a highway.
That ultra-high speed connection might run at 1 Gbps (that’s 1000 Mbps or 1 billion bits per second). Although you might think such a pipe could handle 1000 subscribers on 1 Mpbs accounts, it can actually handle more. Fast Internet providers, including DSL and cable companies, realize that not all subscribers use the connection at the same time so can safely sell more access than a given data connection can handle. Users still see high speed connections and, with the costs distributed among more customers, subscription fees are substantially lower than dedicated, non-shared lines such as T-1 connections.
This model works under most circumstances with occasional slowing during periods of high network traffic. It is the most effective balance of speed and cost to provide our customers with the connection they need at an affordable price.
Unfortunately, some users consistently use far more than their fair allotment of this shared connection. HughesNet network studies have shown as few as 5% of our users access as much as 50% of our bandwidth. This creates slower connections for all users. We have a commitment to all of our customers not just those few who overutilize the shared service.
In order to help control this and provide fast, reliable Internet access to all of our customers, HughesNet has a Fair Access Policy (FAP) to ensure that everyone gets a share of the communications pie.
Based on an analysis of network patterns, HughesNet has created a reasonable limit to the frequency and volume of communication for the typical user depending on the service plan. This threshold is far above what a typical customer will use and the vast majority of our clients will never reach this level of activity.
HughesNet recognizes that even an average user may have occasional spikes of activity. Our goal is not to be harsh or unreasonable, but to provide an effective compromise that allows all users to enjoy their Internet connections. Therefore, even an occasional burst of activity that passes our FAP threshold will often not warrant a response.
However when a customer’s usage passes the threshold for a long period of time, then in fairness to our other customers we may temporarily throttle back that customer’s bandwidth. The customer will still have access but will have a slower speed for a short time. Once the user’s activity drops below the FAP threshold and stays there for several hours, the customer’s original speed will be restored.
Again, the average user will never experience a restriction from the FAP. Downloading one file or even several, is unlikely to invoke bandwidth restrictions. Nor will occasional triggering the FAP lead to other restrictions. Our concern is with that 5% of users who habitually use an excess and unfair amount of shared bandwidth.
If you find you are consistently hitting the FAP thresholds, then your needs are not being met by your current product. You should look at our other plans and consider upgrading to a higher-bandwidth account.
National Satellite is an authorized dealer of HughesNet services and Hughes products available in the contiguous United States. Equipment requires professional installation. HughesNet service may be sold separately from hardware. The HughesNet service is subject to the Fair Access Policy and speeds may vary. HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Services, LLC. All rights reserved. For more information, please visit legal.hughesnet.com.
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