Hughes Net

[cashflyer]

My rant session of the day:

We don't have DSL or Cable out here. We have to use satellite for our internet - either Hughes or Exeed(sp?). I have Hughes.

I have been on their "Jupiter" system for just over 3 years. Not blazing fast, but it works. Averages about 280kbps download speed.

The theoretical maximum for dialup, as far as I know, is 56.6kbps.
The theoretical maximum on my Jupiter system plan was 1024kbps.

Well, on 26 NOV, the Hughes representative called me and persuaded me to upgrade to what they call "Gen 4". Gen 4, at least the package I agreed to, has a theoretical maximum of 10240kbps download speed. Ten times the Jupiter system.

This required NO changes to my computer. It only required the technician come out, install a new transceiver on the dish, and install a new modem.

Ever since then, I have experienced inconsistent service. As you can see on the screenshot below, one minute it will be fast, one minute it will be crawling. (One time, it was even down to dialup speed.)

I have called. I have complained. A technician from India called me today. She informs me that every time I experience slow speed, I need to reboot my computer and their Hughes modem.

I went off on her like a bag of gunpowder in a bonfire, but it either just did not register with her or she was well trained not to deviate from the company script. She never acknowledged that this was an unacceptable *solution* to the problem.

Yeah... Let me just stop everything I am doing, close everything down, and reboot multiple times per day.

By the way.... three devices are on my router. Two by wire, one wireless. ALL THREE get the same crappy, inconsistent service

And yes, I have tried without the router. In fact, I ran without the router, with just one computer directly plugged to the modem, for ~ two weeks and it made no difference.

Obviously *I* am doing something wrong.

[GH85Carrera]

Wow.

Right now I have 25 Mbps at home. If I replace my modem ($90) I can have 50Mbps for no additional cost per month. I am on Cox cable. the current speed just flies. I have not spent the 90 bucks because I don't think I need any more speed.

[Brando]

I don't know how I would survive on less than 5mbit. Almost nothing would stream.

On COX as well, just did speed tests, 61mbps and paying for 25.

Have you considered maybe wireless? 4G in your area?

[cashflyer]

Nothing streams worth a f***. I can't watch a youtube video without constant buffering pauses. Absolutely no chance of any online gaming. Can't use Vonage. Etc.

Unfortunately, being in the middle of nowhere also means that cell coverage is buttkiss out here. I tried the cellular data products when we first moved here, and ended up having to use Hughes. The cell just couldn't keep signal integrity.

Even for voice, I have to stand in certain areas of the yard to get any coverage.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

Nothing streams worth a f***. I can't watch a youtube video without constant buffering pauses. Absolutely no chance of any online gaming. Can't use Vonage. Etc.

Unfortunately, being in the middle of nowhere also means that cell coverage is buttkiss out here. I tried the cellular data products when we first moved here, and ended up having to use Hughes. The cell just couldn't keep signal integrity.

Even for voice, I have to stand in certain areas of the yard to get any coverage.

I think I may have a solution for you. Find out where the nearest line of sight cell tower is located. Buy a Yagi cellular antenna and connect it to a cellular hotspot device. Now you have cellular speed Wifi.

The antenna will need to be mounted high in your yard or on your house.

For my plan, a cellular Wifi device is $20 extra on my cell bill, and the data is shared. I have cable internet for my work location, but I use cellular as a backup. I was surprised at the 4G LTE+ speeds! 10-15Mbps down and 2-4 Mbps up.

[fintstone]

With Hughes, you get a allotment of bandwidth. When your plan runs out for the month, it throttles you down to almost nothing unless you buy more.

[legion]

I have a theoretical 1.25 mbps. I have never seen close to that. Ever. I hit 0.75 mbps...once. I share bandwidth with the whole neighborhood, and when my neighbors get on Netflix in the evening (around 8:00), I can see 100% packet loss (effectively 0 mbps).

AT&T charges me $50 a month (after a $200 installation fee to plug in a cable). They have an "understanding" with Cox and Comcast not to run cable in each other's subdivisions.

[red-beard]

Cash:

Amazon.com: Netgear 4G LTE Mobile Broadband N300 WiFi Router - MBR1515A (Verizon Wireless): Cell Phones & Accessories

One antenna is for Wifi, the other is for Cellular Signal.

I use this:

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-MR3040-Wireless-Portable-Compatible/dp/B0088PPFP4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1418751207&sr=8-7&keywords=4g+lte+router

with a Wifi Hotspot device

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by fintstone

With Hughes, you get a allotment of bandwidth. When your plan runs out for the month, it throttles you down to almost nothing unless you buy more.

Yeah. That's not the issue.
Look at the image and you see the speeds jumping wildly on the same day.
Also, I did not use the 30gig monthly allotment in two days.

[Joeaksa]

Am getting ready to upgrade my 6 year old Linksys "boat anchor" Wi-Fi router and hub. Should arrive today or tomorrow.

Just found out that its limiting my download speeds as its an old 10/100. New one is a gigabyte model. Will report back... cost is about $80 or so...

[cashflyer]

I have tried to use the Gen 4 both with, and without, the router. Made no difference.
My router is brand new as of last week, and the technical specs on it show the maximum speed is 300Mbps.

[VincentVega]

Ouch, I would look at your options, the lte option looks promising.

I just ran a test and saw 84Mbps down and 92Mbps up, cant imagine sub t1 speed.

[Shadetree930]

Who is your wireless provider Harvey?

[stevie 77 930]

I feel your pain...no cable or phone providers in my area and I suffered through it for over a year.
I ve been there with Wild Blue, horrible and the bandwith limits really suck

Have you tried Exceed ? Exede by ViaSat | True broadband performance satellite internet | Exede satellite internet
They claim the latest in satellite technology.

I learned to never let the tech leave my house until i was satisified with the speeds. I sent a couple guys on there way because they couldnt deliver.

Its tough to get clear VOIP but possible with satellite

I was finally able to use "point to point" wireless provider in my area. Its really good if thats a choice for you. Good luck

[Shadetree930]

If VZW, try this ...



It took my weak LTE signal and pumped it up to truly amazing speeds. I can now stream movies where before, I could not even make/take a voice call.

[cashflyer]

Stevie - you do know that Exede is Wild Blue, right?

Paul - no, ATT.

[red-beard]

Shady: Does it have an external antenna connection on the back?

[red-beard]

Cash:

AT&T Wireless Home Phone & Internet cell phone from AT&T

[stevie 77 930]

I didnt realize that Wild Blue is now Exceed. When I had their miserable service, they were with with Hughes. The lack of choices and good service really stinks. They all claim better download and upload speeds with the new generation of equipment.

[cashflyer]

WildBlue / Exede is now part of ViaSat.
They claim that their new satellite, launched in 2011, will allow them better bandwidth and reliability.

That is also what Hughes was claiming with their new Gen 4, launched around the same time.

From dlsreports.com

Jan 02 2013
Despite promises from HughesNet that their new "Gen4" satellite broadband service would revolutionize broadband, customers continue to complain about sluggish speeds and capacity issues. While much was promised in pre-release press, users in our HughesNet forums say the service is flailing horribly in delivering those promises to many users.

In many instances the new 10-15 Mbps plans are failing to deliver even 2 Mbps for many users, with some seeing speeds as low as 200kbps or so. Many users say speeds that are relatively good in the morning quickly degrade to dial-up quality at night. From the sound of things HughesNet infrastructure simply wasn't ready for the launch, but customers are now being promised improvements in the new year.

The complaints in our HughesNet forum are flowing heavily, with dozens of users telling me they've filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau over the botched product launch. Customers with slow or no service say they then get to deal with long hold times and numerous technician visits with no problem resolution.

The flailing by HughesNet is nothing new. They're one of the most poorly ranked broadband providers in our rankings, courtesy of the fact that most of their customer base has few if any other options. That's good news for wireless broadband companies, who are now offering faster and more consistent LTE wireless service (albeit also with significant usage caps) in many of these markets.