I saw an article that HughesNet is closing, suggesting Starlink for subscribers.Is this true?

I ended up editing out my reply, as I'm seeing the same thing on multiple sites. I figured it was just an advertising type thing, or maybe people being paid to spread that kind of thing to scoop up new customers, but now I don't know. I may very well be true. Hopefully one of the reps will address this soon.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. The articles state the new service will be commercially focused, not residential. Interesting, I started on this with the latest ViaSat launch of VS-3 F2 , and a new focus on mainly commercial subscribers..The article said HughesNet will terminate service and suggest Star Link subscriptions. I looked it would be $120/Mo.The service is supposed to be light years ahead of Gen5 , including better connectivity in inclement weather. We had a recent heavy rain event, service was disrupted for about 15 minutes, and 10 minutes in 2 outages.As usual Thanks, always the best.

The information is on the SEC 10Q filing. "The SpaceX License Purchase Agreement also provides for future long-term commercial agreements that will enable EchoStar to offer our Wireless subscribers access to SpaceX’s next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell text and voice and broadband services utilizing certain rights and licenses related to the Spectrum that are to be conveyed by EchoStar to SpaceX at the Spectrum Acquisition Closing. The commercial agreements will also provide for a fee-based referral program that lets EchoStar refer existing HughesNet customers and new Starlink customers to SpaceX."Hopefully someone will let us know here, in this community.

I'd check on Starlink's website. Where I am there's also an $80 Lite plan available, which is still 250Mbps. I looked at them a while ago, but the cost just to try it was hideous, at over $700. I see they've since done away with having to pay for the equipment up front, and it looks like the standard kit doesn't even have monthly a rental charge. The only thing they charge up front now is shipping and tax, though I know they charge the first month when you Activate it, and there may be a one time Activation fee.At least there's a relatively similar cost option to replace it for those who can't get anything else.Something else became available to me, thankfully, as I wouldn't want to have to go with Starlink for personal reasons.

I entered my location, and the quoted price was $120, because I was in a congested location. The $40 basic was not available due to my zip. I regret this, as I am very satisfied with my time with Hughes , having Gens 3,4,and 5 . Hughes has always been great, the Reps Liz especially a gem. I'll be with Hughes as long as I can.I also will be losing my AT&T landline phone service in 2 yrs or less, the new service will be using cell towers, and a new transmit receive system connected to my home wiring.The times, they are achanging........

I saw Hughesnet is ending, Starlink suggested. Is this true?

18 Replies

MarkJFine
Professor
3 months ago
If HughesNet's business history tracks, they've never shut anyone off unless a particular satellite was going out of service and the user didn't upgrade. Revenue is still revenue and cash is king, and those satellites still have to recover costs. I really doubt they'd turn off an existing known revenue stream, thinking they can make it up with an unknown market projection.
Based on that I'd be willing to think the plan would be to discontinue any future residential service applications in favor of focusing on business terminals. As long as residential customers continue to pay and remain on contract they'll just let attrition take it's natural course. But I really doubt anyone would be cut off if they didn't take any prospective StarLink offer. I would also expect a reduction in any kind of sunk cost/investment towards residential user support, which might include this site.
Again, this is just supposition on my part based on past history.
- maratsade
  Distinguished Professor IV
  2 months ago
  MarkJFine
  Hopefully you're right, though according to the 10-Q: The commercial agreements will also provide for a fee-based referral program that lets EchoStar refer existing HughesNet customers and new Starlink customers to SpaceX."
  Edit: I only gave the report a very cursory reading, so I may have missed important info.
  - MarkJFine
    Professor
    2 months ago
    maratsade
    It's very possible that they would offer people the opportunity to cancel their contracts (early?) as part of their attrition plan.
eco
Senior
3 months ago
It will be interesting to see what Amazon Leo will offer compared to Starlink.
For now Starlink equipment is free.
Leo for now quotes $400. for equipment.
Leo being a next gen low altitude sat service may have some innovations Starlink doesn't have. may have , they eluded to. Data allowance is TBA, so there maybe limits, where Starlink is unlimited.
Still Leo is a ways away, Hughes is good for us, so as long as they are there, we will be too.
- maratsade
  Distinguished Professor IV
  3 months ago
  I'll be sad to see it go. It's worked well for me for about 15 years.
- maratsade
  Distinguished Professor IV
  3 months ago
  If SL equipment is free, what are they charging for here, do you know?
eco
Senior
3 months ago
Thanks many links showing this Cnet even. Thanks for your prompt reply.
- maratsade
  Distinguished Professor IV
  3 months ago
  eco , do you have the link for the CNET article?
  - eco
    Senior
    3 months ago
    Hi, I can't find the Cnet piece, but here is what I ran across yesterday.
    https://cordcuttersnews.com/a-major-internet-provider-is-reportedly-shutting-down/
- GabeU
  Distinguished Professor IV
  3 months ago
  I ended up editing out my reply, as I'm seeing the same thing on multiple sites. I figured it was just an advertising type thing, or maybe people being paid to spread that kind of thing to scoop up new customers, but now I don't know. I may very well be true.
  Hopefully one of the reps will address this soon.
  - maratsade
    Distinguished Professor IV
    3 months ago
    The information is on the SEC 10Q filing. "The SpaceX License Purchase Agreement also provides for future long-term commercial agreements that will enable EchoStar to offer our Wireless subscribers access to SpaceX’s next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell text and voice and broadband services utilizing certain rights and licenses related to the Spectrum that are to be conveyed by EchoStar to SpaceX at the Spectrum Acquisition Closing. The commercial agreements will also provide for a fee-based referral program that lets EchoStar refer existing HughesNet customers and new Starlink customers to SpaceX."
    Hopefully someone will let us know here, in this community.
GabeU
Distinguished Professor IV
3 months ago
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