Hughes Launches New Hybrid Satellite/Wireless Broadband Plans

Hughes
(Image credit: Hughes)

GERMANTOWN, Md.—Hughes Network Systems has started rolling out a new low-latency satellite internet offering to consumers in select U.S. markets. 

The HughesNet Fusion plans are a multipath offering that blends Geostationary (GEO) satellite and wireless technologies into a fast and responsive satellite internet experience, the company said. 

"With HughesNet Fusion plans, we are solving the latency challenge inherent with GEO technology, while maximizing the many advantages of these time-tested satellites, including low cost, reliability, dense capacity and widespread availability," said Pradman Kaul, president of Hughes. "GEO satellites are the workhorses of the connected ecosystem, essential for meeting the demand for connectivity everywhere, particularly in rural areas, whether alone or in combination with other transports such as wireless and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites."

The Hughes multipath technology was previewed for reporters at the SATELLITE conference in March 2022.

"We are rapidly entering an era in which hybrid connectivity—both multi-transport and multi-orbit—will be commonplace,” Kaul said. “To realize that connected future, at Hughes we are integrating different transports with smart technologies and managed services to create a dynamic, always-on, connected environment that we call the ActiveComms Ecosystem. The HughesNet Fusion plans are an outcome of that approach."

"HughesNet Fusion plans elevate satellite internet as we know it today," added Peter Gulla, senior vice president, Hughes. "The multipath solution represents our continued commitment to meet the changing needs of those who live where other high-speed providers do not reach. The launch of our ultra-high density JUPITER™ 3 satellite next year will bring further service enhancements, including service plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps down."

When using satellites for internet access, signals travel a long distance from device to a satellite in space and back, the company explained. The time it takes for the signal to travel is known as latency. This delay doesn't impact most online activities but can be noticeable when, for instance, browsing content-rich sites and video conferencing.

Delivering low-latency satellite connectivity with 25 Mbps download speeds and No Hard Data Limits, HughesNet Fusion plans are available today to HughesNet customers in select regions across the country. Hughes aims to roll out the offering in markets across the U.S. later this year.

George Winslow

George Winslow is the senior content producer for TV Tech. He has written about the television, media and technology industries for nearly 30 years for such publications as Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and TV Tech. Over the years, he has edited a number of magazines, including Multichannel News International and World Screen, and moderated panels at such major industry events as NAB and MIP TV. He has published two books and dozens of encyclopedia articles on such subjects as the media, New York City history and economics.