How to Avoid Equipment Return Fees from HughesNet

If you have cancelled your account with HughesNet, you might face a $400 service termination fee if you broke your contract prematurely.

But that’s not the only fee you could face. Failing to return your equipment on time and in good condition can result in hundreds of dollars of equipment return fees from HughesNet. But we show you how to avoid these fees and what to do if you see them.

Equipment from HughesNet

If you have internet with HughesNet, you have to return your modem and power supply as well as your radio transmitter.

Note: You should receive a confirmation letter or email from HughesNet detailing what you need to return based specifically on your services. If not, ask for one. 

How Long HughesNet Gives You to Return Equipment

HughesNet gives you 45 days from the time you close your account to return all of your items in good working condition.

Note: You should reach out to HughestNet for a confirmation that they received your equipment. If things aren’t received on time, trouble begins.

What Happens if You Don’t Return Equipment

If you don’t return your items within that time frame, and in good working condition, the terms and conditions for HughesNet stipulate that you will be charged a $300 unreturned equipment fee: $100 for the modem and the power supply, plus and another $200 for the radio transmitter. If they decide that the items were not returned in “good condition”, they will charge you the same fee.

How to Return Your HughesNet Equipment

HughesNet requires that you return all leased equipment, so the modem that you rented from them for your internet, to a UPS drop off point or store. You have to return the power supply, the radio, and the modem or you get charged a partial fee for whichever components are missing.

When you cancel your account, HughesNet will send you a return kit. This return kit will include:

• a box for your equipment
• a strip of tape to seal everything when you are done
• a prepaid UPS return label
• a UPS packing slip that you put inside the box

You have to take the package to a UPS store or a UPS shipping Outlet. If you are disabled and need to pick up, you are responsible for calling the UPS hotline at 1 800-742-5877 and asking to schedule a pickup with the UPS tracking number provided. You should be able to verify the location and delivery using the tracking number. It is up to you to make sure that you have confirmation of the delivery so that you can prove HughesNet received your items in the event that they try to charge you down the line.

Document Your Equipment

Before you send anything back to HughesNet make sure you take lots of pictures. You want to document the condition of your equipment so that you can prove it was in good working order. There are no definitions in the terms and conditions for what “good condition” is so having pictures can help you fight this type of bogus equipment return fee if it comes to it.

What Happens if HughesNet *Loses* Your Equipment

Sometimes, even if you follow all the directions, companies like HughesNet will conveniently lose your equipment and then try to charge you the unreturned equipment fee of $300. At FairShake, we can help you fight a bogus equipment fee. 

If HughesNet is overcharging you, you can challenge their fees. We can help you start your claim today!