Fair Access Policy Overview (FAP)

High-speed Internet Service Providers utilize "Shared Bandwidth Technology." that means everyone shares one high-speed connection in order to get a high-speed connection at each of their homes or businesses. Statistics show 5% of the users can consume as much as 50% of an Internet Service Provider's bandwidth, making the service run slower for everyone else.

To insure that everyone has equitable access, the HughesNet Fair Access Policy has been established to protect you, and other consumers, from that small percentage of users who try to take advantage of the shared connection by downloading abnormally large amounts of information in a short period of time. Our Fair Access Policy prevents this from happening, and makes sure that you get your "share" of the connection.

The Fair Access Policy helps HughesNet assure that its subscribers receive equal access to our high-speed Internet service. We want you to get the service you pay for.

HughesNet Fair Access Policy

To ensure fair Internet access for all HughesNet™ subscribers, Hughes Network Systems maintains a Fair Access Policy (FAP). This policy establishes an equitable balance in Internet access for HughesNet subscribers. Hughes assigns a download threshold to each service plan that limits the amount of data that may be downloaded during a typical day. A small percentage of subscribers who exceed this limit will experience a temporary reduction of speed.

HughesNet system usage data indicates that approximately 5% of subscribers are responsible for a disproportionate share — often as much as half — of the total HughesNet service traffic. Unfortunately, many of those subscribers are not using HughesNet for its intended purpose. To ensure that all HughesNet subscribers have fair and equal access to the benefits of the Satellite broadband service, HughesNet has enacted a Fair Access Policy to prevent abusive consumption of bandwidth by a handful of users.

The Fair Access P olicy is straightforward. Based on an analysis of customer usage data, Hughes has established a download threshold for each of the HughesNet service plans that is well above the typical usage rates. Su bscribers who exceed that threshold will experience reduced download speeds for approximately 24 hours.

During this recovery period, the HughesNet service may still be used, but speeds will be slower. Web browsing, for example, will be significantly slower than subscribers' normal browsing experience. Subscribers will return to normal download speeds after the recovery period as long as they minimize their bandwidth-intensive activities. If they continue these activities during this recovery period, reduced download speeds may continue beyond 24 hours.

HughesNet - Fair Access Policy (FAP) Parameters (HN7000S)
	HOME	PRO	PROPLUS	SMALL OFFICE	BUSINESS INTERNET
Download Threshold *	200	375	425	500	1250

*	Download Threshold is the volume in megabytes of data that can be downloaded continuously before the Fair Access Policy may restrict the download speed

Fair Access Policy FAQs

Why are you making these changes?
Hughes has increased the download threshold and changed the recovery rate system to enable most subscribers to download more and enjoy improved network performance.

HughesNet service usage data indicates that a small percentage of subscribers are responsible for a disproportionate amount of the total HughesNet service traffic. The changes we are implementing support our ongoing goal of delivering fair and equitable access to all HughesNet subscribers.

Who is affected?
Only a small percentage of subscribers will experience reduced download speeds as a result of exceeding the download threshold.

Online activities such as viewing Websites, checking email, watching short streaming media presentations, or automatic software and anti-virus updates are unlikely to exceed the download threshold.

What activities may cause a subscriber to exceed their download threshold?
Some activities are more likely to exceed the download threshold and trigger the application of the Fair Access Policy. Several examples are listed below:

Full-length movie downloads
Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs such as Napster, Kazaa or LimeWire
Continuous downloading or viewing streaming media content such as audio or video programming
Hosting of server devices such as email, FTP or Web servers
Hosting computer applications such as Web camera feeds
Automated computer to computer connections used for archiving of local computer content
Extensive downloading of Usenet Newsgroups (NNTP)
Use of BitTorrent applications
Simultaneous file downloads
Downloading large files (i.e., file sizes that are close in size to the download threshold of your service plan)

Excessive downloading or use of the services described above may cause subscribers to be affected by the Fair Access Policy, or in severe cases, to be terminated from the service.

What will my Internet access be like if I exceed the download threshold?
When the download threshold is exceeded, you will experience reduced download speeds for approximately 24 hours. During this recovery period, the HughesNet service can still be used for activities such viewing emails and Web surfing, but speeds will be significantly slower than your normal browsing experience.

If I exceed the new download threshold, what should I do?
Minimize your bandwidth-intensive activities in order to return to normal download speeds after the recovery period. If you continue these activities during the recovery period, you may experience reduced download speeds beyond the 24-hour recovery period.

If you find that your download threshold is too small for your needs, you should consider upgrading your service to a plan that offers a greater download threshold.

How do I verify that I have exceeded my download threshold?
Go to www.myHughesNet.com , click on Customer Care, then click on the Check My Usage link in the Resources section.

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