DirectTV and HughesNet bundling

Bundled simply means paying for multiple services on one bill. What you are asking about is whether or not you should connect the Directv receiver to the internet. The answer is there is no need to do that and yes, connecting the Directv receiver to the internet will result in, at least initially, a large amount of data use. If the Hughesnet has a monthly data cap, the receiver could quickly use that up so in general, it is not recommended to connect the receiver to the internet if you have capped internet service. There are alternative ways to order pay per view, the receiver does not have to be connected to the internet. 

Thank you very much for your detailed response. 
How exactly, or with what type of connector cable, would you connect the two?

Would a technician be likely to do that? What would I look for in order to avoid this if a technician is doing this?

Are there features that would be disabled if they’re not connected?

The DirecTV setup can connect to internet like any other device. The primary way is by Ethernet directly between the DirecTV box and your Gateway (modem/router combo). You can also be connected by WiFi. Some use a powerline adapter to use the home's electrical wiring to make a wired connection, having a box plugged in at the outlets next to the DirecTV box and router respectively. And the tech could also in stall a broadband deca which adapts the coax to the Ethernet on the router.

Naturally a wired option is preferred for reliability. Any of those connections will not serve internet to other devices you may have. They are just to provide the On Demand connection for DirecTV.

But those connection do not matter if you get satellite internet (HughesNet or otherwise). You would just quickly use up your monthly data allowance and end up with slower speeds or data overage depending on your exact service. I cannot stress this enough.

You don't need to connect them together unless you want to go over your data cap.

Ok, thanks again for your time.

So since my Dad has no internet access it’s safe to assume he does not have OnDemand capability at this time. 
When he gets HughesNet, he simply ensures that the Direct TV and modem/router are not physically connected so that data doesn’t get used unnecessarily. No functionality will be lost because he presumably doesn’t have OnDemand now anyway. 
We also have to make sure that they don’t get linked up through WiFi but that wouldn’t happen automatically, would it? Should be easy to avoid?
Sound correct?

If he doesn't have internet then he cannot get On Demand.

If he gets HughesNet, or any other metered/data capped internet, then don't connect DirecTV to it.

WiFi isn't automatic. You have to go through the menu and run network setup. So just don't do that and he should be fine.

I appreciate your help. Thank you.