1:  What are my computer system requirements?
The HUGHESNET® Modem (model number HN9000/HN7000) lets you connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® based system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience. See minimum computer requirements.

2:  What operating systems are compatible with the new HUGHESNET system?
The HUGHESNET Modem is operating system agnostic, meaning you can connect your computer to the Internet whether you are running a Windows® or Macintosh® based system.

3:  Is HUGHESNET compatible with my Mac?
Yes. Please review our Minimum Requirements list above for Macintosh systems.

4:  Why is Mac OS 10.0 not supported?
Because the Mac OS 10.0 release is not supported by Apple, we do not develop products around non-supported OS systems. We recommend you upgrade your Mac OS to 10.1 or higher, which is supported by HUGHESNET.

5:  What if my computer didn't come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed. Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system. Make sure your NIC is configured for "auto-negotiate".

For a laptop, you can purchase a standard PCMCIA card that provides an Ethernet connection, or you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter, as well. We recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet all of the requirements listed above to get the most out of your Internet experience.

6:  Can I use a PCMIA card adapter for my laptop?
Yes. All you need to connect your computer to the HUGHESNET Modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector. The HUGHESNET System includes an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the HUGHESNET modem.

7:  Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
No, there is no phone line requirement for normal operation, therefore, a modem is not required to use your HUGHESNET service.

8:  Can I run HUGHESNET on a small network?
Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single HUGHESNET Internet connection at no additional cost. Home networking equipment may be required and is not included with your HUGHESNET System. For network setup, support and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer (HUGHES is not responsible for home network configuration or management).

Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and are subject to the Fair Access Policy. Actual speeds may vary. Speed and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed.

9:  What is HUGHESNET broadband by satellite?
HUGHESNET is the new solution for everyone who is ready for high-speed Internet access. HUGHESNET satellite technology makes high-speed Internet available to most parts of Canada, as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky.

10:  Is HUGHESNET a one-way or two-way system?
Today's HUGHESNET consumer service uses the HN9000/HN7000 System. The HN9000/HN7000 System is a two-way satellite system that allows you to send and receive information via satellite. So, there's no need for the expense of a second phone line or hassles with logging in when you want to get onto the Internet.

11:  How can I / Where can I purchase a HUGHESNET system?
Buy Now or call .

12:  How fast is the HUGHESNET system?
The experience with HUGHESNET high-speed Internet is astonishing. When comparing typical activities with a dial-up service based on standard dial-up connection at 28.8 Kbps, the difference in the amount of time you'll be waiting for what you want is night and day. HUGHESNET speeds are based on download speeds of up to 5 MB, but not guaranteed.

You can download software upgrades in just minutes. There's no more waiting for Web pages to fully finish loading; they are typically done within a couple of seconds. Getting your favorite song can be done in less than the song's length rather than three times as long on a dial-up connection. As you can see this is a huge improvement.

13:  How fast is HUGHESNET's system compared to other high-speed providers? Aren't they faster?
Everyone's Internet technology is based on shared bandwidth, so sometimes one option will allow you to do things in less time than others. But because everyone uses shared bandwidth there's truly no definitive answer.

14:  What is transmissiolatency?
Latency refers to the time it takes for signals to travel to and from the satellite. This typically creates a sub-second lag. For this reason, HUGHESNET may not be ideal for playing some "twitch-games" and time-sensitive "online" trading.

15:  Why is there a requirement that the HUGHESNET system be professionally installed?
Hughes and Industry Canada require that trained professionals install any two-way satellite system.

16:  Can I put this system in a boat or in an RV?
No. The HUGHESNET system is for fixed installs only. Check out our Mobile Satellite Internet Solutions section for more details.

17:  Can I run HUGHESNET on a VPN?
Running a VPN client over a satellite network is not an ideal configuration. Although most VPN clients will work, your speeds will be affected significantly. While average download speeds are slightly better than dial-up, they will be reduced from typical HUGHESNET speeds by as much as 50 to 75 percent. Average upload speeds are comparable to dial-up performance. It is recommended that those accessing secure information over a VPN via HUGHESNET Professional do so on a limited basis. To optimize your performance, simply disable your VPN client while surfing the Internet, and enjoy the full speed of HUGHESNET. When you need to access information from your corporate LAN, you can enable your VPN client, keeping in mind that you will see a reduction in throughput. At this time, HUGHES does not endorse nor support any VPN products. Customers that run VPN products do so at their own risk and will not receive any support from HUGHES regarding troubleshooting, configuring, optimizing, or maintaining a VPN connection.

18:  Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
Our communication satellite is located over 22,000 miles from Earth. Each data packet must be sent down separately and acknowledged by the remote site. This process takes time. In order to expedite the delivery of data packets to our end users, HUGHES has developed a patented technology for aggregating those packets and sending all of them down simultaneously. VPNs encrypt each data packet, which prevents our technology from aggregating the data packets and reduces the throughput significantly.

19:  When can I expect to be billed?
Upon commission of your system, you will be billed a system access fee and Industry Canada Licence fee as well as the pro-rated service plan amount until the end of the calendar month. Within the first week of the following month and from then on, you will be billed your regular monthly rate. Galaxy's certified Dealer/Installer is responsible for equipment and installation charges. See service plan rates for details.

20:  Who do I call if my system doesn't work or I have questions?
If you have no signal or specific questions regarding your installation, please contact your Dealer directly. While Galaxy works together with the Dealer, he will be the one who will ensure the system is working properly for you. Your Dealer should have installed the dish, provided proper system setup and confirmed Internet connectivity before he/she left the site. If you still require assistance please contact us.

21:  What security procedures have been established to ensure the privacy of my data while it is being transmitted over the satellite?
HUGHESNET® uses the industry-standard Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) to secure data when broadcast over the satellite. During the manufacturing process, an encryption key is burned into a chip on the satellite adapter. The corresponding key is stored at the HUGHESNET NMC (Network Management Center). When data is broadcast to the user's PC, it is first encrypted using the key stored in the NMC along with other random data. The adapter, using its half of the key pair is able to extract its portion of data from the traffic being broadcast over the satellite and decrypts it. A proprietary hardware-level decryption process is employed, thereby adding extra security and better performance for performing the computations.

22:  What is your cancellation policy?
If cancelled before the contract term is completed, a cancellation fee will be required. Galaxy Broadband must receive notice of cancellation in writing 60 days prior to deactivation. See more details in the Terms & Conditions section of the site.

23:  What is the warranty on the HUGHESNET equipment?
For those customers whose contract started in June 2008 or later, the warranty for your Hughes HUGHESNET equipment is equivalent to your initial contract term up to a maximum of 2 years from date of activation. Normal replacement timeframe is up to seven days from the time it is resolved defective. This warranty does not cover labour, installation or freight charges that may apply to replace defective hardware.