As the demand for reliable, high-speed internet grows, many people are looking to upgrade from their existing satellite services to something more robust. If you’re currently using HughesNet and are frustrated with slow speeds, data limits, or high latency, Starlink offers a compelling alternative. Starlink, developed by SpaceX, provides fast, low-latency satellite internet with much higher performance than legacy providers like HughesNet.

In this guide, we’ll compare the key differences between HughesNet and Starlink, explore the advantages of switching, walk through the process of transitioning to Starlink, and discuss why professional installation from companies like Starlink Installation Pros ensures optimal performance.

Why Switch from HughesNet to Starlink?

HughesNet, a well-known satellite internet provider, has been serving rural and underserved areas for years. However, it operates on a geostationary satellite network, which comes with several limitations that affect internet performance. Starlink, on the other hand, uses a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that offer faster speeds, lower latency, and greater flexibility.

Here are the key reasons why switching from HughesNet to Starlink is a smart move:

1. Higher Speeds

HughesNet offers download speeds up to 25 Mbps and upload speeds up to 3 Mbps. While this is sufficient for basic browsing and email, it’s inadequate for activities like HD video streaming, gaming, or large file downloads. In contrast, Starlink offers speeds ranging from 50 to 250 Mbps, with some users reporting even higher speeds as the satellite network expands. This speed difference is particularly noticeable for bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming, gaming, and working from home.

2. Lower Latency

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the server and back. HughesNet’s geostationary satellites are positioned approximately 22,000 miles above the Earth, which results in high latency (usually between 600 and 800 ms). This makes real-time applications like online gaming or video conferencing difficult.

Starlink’s LEO satellites, on the other hand, orbit much closer to Earth, at around 340 to 1,200 miles, resulting in latency as low as 20 to 40 ms. This allows for a more seamless experience in video calls, gaming, and other latency-sensitive activities.

3. Unlimited Data

One of the biggest pain points with HughesNet is the data cap. While HughesNet advertises “unlimited data,” it actually enforces monthly data limits ranging from 15 GB to 75 GB. Once you exceed your limit, your speeds are throttled to around 1-3 Mbps, severely impacting your internet experience.

Starlink, on the other hand, offers true unlimited data without the harsh throttling policies of HughesNet. While network congestion may result in occasional slowdowns, Starlink users generally enjoy full-speed internet throughout the month, regardless of usage.

4. No Contracts

HughesNet often requires customers to sign contracts that last up to two years, with expensive cancellation fees if you decide to end your service early. Starlink operates on a month-to-month basis, giving you the flexibility to cancel or pause your service without incurring penalties.

Step-by-Step Guide: Switching from HughesNet to Starlink

Switching from HughesNet to Starlink is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few key steps you should follow to ensure a smooth transition.

Step 1: Check Starlink Availability in Your Area

Before making the switch, you need to confirm that Starlink is available in your location. Starlink is gradually rolling out its service across the globe, focusing initially on rural and underserved areas. You can visit the Starlink website and input your address to see if service is available. If it’s not yet available, you can place a deposit to reserve your spot when coverage reaches your area.

Step 2: Cancel Your HughesNet Service

Once you’ve confirmed that Starlink is available, the next step is to cancel your HughesNet service. Be sure to check your contract for any early termination fees and follow the return procedures for HughesNet equipment. For a detailed guide, check out our post on How to Cancel HughesNet Service with Ease: A Step-by-Step Guide. This will walk you through the entire cancellation process smoothly.

Step 3: Order Your Starlink Kit

After canceling HughesNet, the next step is to order your Starlink kit. The kit includes everything you need to get started:

• The Starlink dish (Dishy McFlatface)
• Wi-Fi router
• Mounting hardware
• Cables and power supply

Starlink charges a one-time hardware fee (currently $599) and a monthly service fee (around $110), which is comparable to HughesNet’s premium plans but with much better performance.

Step 4: Install Starlink Equipment

You can install Starlink yourself or hire professionals like Starlink Installation Pros for a custom, optimized setup. If you’re doing it yourself, follow these steps:

• Unbox the kit and assemble the dish and mounting stand.
• Select the best location for the dish using the Starlink app, which scans for obstructions and ensures a clear line of sight to the sky.
• Mount the dish on the ground, roof, or wall, ensuring it’s secure and protected from the elements.
• Connect the dish to the router using the supplied cables, and power everything on.

The dish will automatically align itself with the satellite network, and you should be online within minutes.

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Once the installation is complete, use the Starlink app to monitor your connection. Run a speed test to ensure you’re getting optimal performance. Users switching from HughesNet often notice an immediate improvement in both speed and latency.

Professional Installation: Benefits of Hiring Experts

Although Starlink’s DIY setup is relatively simple, there are several advantages to hiring professionals for your installation, especially if you’re switching from HughesNet and want to ensure everything is optimized for peak performance.

1. Custom Mounting Solutions

HughesNet dishes are typically installed by professionals, often using roof or pole mounts. If your previous satellite dish was mounted in a difficult-to-reach location, professionals can easily handle the transition, using custom mounts to securely place the Starlink dish for maximum signal strength.

2. Optimal Signal Placement

Starlink Installation Pros use advanced tools to find the best location for the dish, ensuring an unobstructed view of the sky. This is particularly useful in areas with trees, buildings, or other potential obstructions that could interfere with the signal.

3. Cable Management

Running cables neatly into your home or business can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid visible wiring. Professionals can integrate the wiring with your existing setup, ensuring a clean and aesthetic finish.

4. Weatherproofing and Durability

In harsh climates, additional steps may be required to protect the dish and its wiring from the elements. Professional installers can add weatherproofing features to ensure that your Starlink setup remains operational even in extreme conditions like heavy snow or rain.

5. Post-Installation Support

Having access to ongoing support from professionals can be invaluable. If you experience any issues with your Starlink setup, you can rely on experts to quickly resolve them, reducing downtime and frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much faster is Starlink compared to HughesNet?

Starlink offers download speeds ranging from 50 to 250 Mbps, while HughesNet is capped at 25 Mbps. The upload speeds for Starlink (10-50 Mbps) are also significantly higher than HughesNet’s (3 Mbps), and Starlink’s latency (20-40 ms) is much lower than HughesNet’s (600-800 ms).

2. Does Starlink have data caps like HughesNet?

No, Starlink does not have strict data caps. While HughesNet throttles speeds after reaching your monthly data limit, Starlink users enjoy true unlimited data with minimal throttling during network congestion.

3. Can I use the same mounting hardware from HughesNet for Starlink?

In most cases, the HughesNet dish’s mounting hardware is not compatible with Starlink. However, professional installers can either modify the existing setup or install new mounting hardware for the Starlink dish.

4. Is there a contract with Starlink like HughesNet?

No, Starlink operates on a month-to-month basis without long-term contracts or early termination fees. This gives you more flexibility if you need to pause or cancel your service.

5. What’s the process for returning HughesNet equipment?

When canceling HughesNet, you’ll need to return their satellite dish and modem. HughesNet provides instructions and prepaid shipping labels for returning equipment, but be sure to follow their guidelines closely to avoid additional fees.