Satellite Internet FAQ
- What is satellite Internet service?
- How fast is satellite Internet broadband service for your home?
- What connection speeds will I typically get with satellite Internet service?
- How can I/where can I purchase satellite Internet service?
- What are my computer system requirements for satellite Internet service?
- Is satellite Internet compatible with my Mac?
- Can I use satellite Internet broadband service to run a small network?
- Can the satellite Internet-certified installer set up my home network?
- What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
- Can I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?
- Do I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
- If I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for satellite Internet?
- I have DIRECTV already. Will this be on the same bill? Any special deals?
- Why is there a requirement that the satellite system be professionally installed?
- How quickly will I be up and running?
- What is transmission latency?
- Can I run a VPN over satellite Internet?
- Why does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
- Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV?
- I'm a home user of satellite Internet broadband service. How can I contact Customer Support from satellite internet providers when I have a question or problem?
What is satellite Internet service?
Satellite Internet service is the high-speed Internet solution that's available to everyone in the contiguous U.S. with a clear view of the southern sky. Satellite Internet doesn’t use your phone line, which gives you a super-fast and always-on Internet connection. It also gets you online instantly, lets you surf and open pages faster, and download files in a fraction of the time it takes on a dial-up modem.
topHow fast is satellite Internet broadband service for your home?
Satellite Internet providers offer more choices to meet your broadband needs. Call the number on this site for more information on today’s provider. Whatever your needs are, there’s a package that’s right for you.
topWhat connection speeds will I typically get with satellite Internet service?
You can typically expect speeds up to 2 Mbps download and up to 300 Kbps upload from satellite Internet providers. This is much faster than dial-up and rivals DSL, especially since advertised DSL speeds are hardly ever what you actually get.
topHow can I/where can I purchase satellite Internet service?
All you have to do is call the number on this site. Our satellite Internet experts will get you set up with the right provider and package in no time. You can even schedule an installation date on the same call. We’ll work with your schedule to make sure you can be there when the technician comes.
Ordering from this site ensures you’re getting one of the best Internet deals around. Call today to get started the easy way.
topWhat are my computer system requirements for satellite Internet service?
Satellite Internet providers let you connect your computer to the Internet whether you’re running a Windows or Macintosh operating system. In order to ensure you get the most out of your Internet experience, it’s best that your computer has these minimum requirements:
- Windows 2000 PE or higher (including VISTA) or Mac OS 10.1 or higher
- Network capability (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)
Is satellite Internet compatible with my Mac?
Yes, satellite Internet is compatible with Mac OS 10.1 or higher. 10/100 Ethernet connectivity is also required.
topCan I use satellite Internet broadband service to run a small network?
Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single satellite Internet service connection. Home networking equipment may be required and is not included with your system. For network setup, support and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer.
Please understand that all computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed.
topCan the satellite Internet-certified installer set up my home network?
If you'd like, you can inquire whether this option is available through your installer when you set your installation appointment. However, home networks are not always included or supported by technical support teams.
topWhat if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
Many computers can be upgraded with a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed. Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system. Make sure your NIC is configured for "auto-negotiate."
Also, if you have an available USB port on your computer, you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter. This may be easier to install than a PCI card in your computer. For a laptop, you can purchase a standard PCMCIA card that provides an Ethernet connection, or you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter as well. We recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet all of the requirements listed above to get the most out of your Internet experience.
topCan I use a PCMCIA card adapter for my laptop?
Yes. With some satellite Internet providers, all you need to connect your computer to the satellite modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector. Some satellite internet providers’ systems include an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the modem.
topDo I still need a dial-up modem and telephone line?
No. There is no phone line or dial-up data modem required to use your satellite Internet service. You also won’t need a cable line.
topIf I already have DIRECTV service, do I need to get a new dish for satellite Internet?
Yes. Satellite Internet service requires a unique dish in order to send and receive its own kind of information via satellite. Depending on the provider, you may be able can add the ability to access DIRECTV programming to your dish by purchasing a DIRECTV upgrade kit. It would be your decision whether to keep your existing DIRECTV dish on your home, or to utilize this one-dish solution. To learn more about this opportunity, ask your representative when you call.
topI have DIRECTV already. Will this be on the same bill? Any special deals?
You will not be able to receive both services on the same bill. At this time, there are no discounts for selecting both services.
topWhy is there a requirement that the satellite system be professionally installed?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any satellite system that both sends and receives signals.
topHow quickly will I be up and running?
On average, most satellite Internet customers are installed within two weeks of their order. When you place your order today, your name will be provided to the dealer, who will contact you shortly. You and the installer will then work out a mutually agreeable date and time for your installation.
topWhat is transmission latency?
Latency refers to the amount of time it takes a packet of data to travel across a network. With satellite service, that data must travel up to the satellite and back (about 45,000 miles). This round trip adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a website or host server. Therefore, time-sensitive applications that require fractions-of-a-second user inputs (such as multi-player "twitch" games or real-time equities trading) are not recommended with satellite Internet.
topCan I run a VPN over satellite Internet?
Yes, but running a VPN client over satellite is not an ideal configuration. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced as much as 50 to 75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.
Note: technical support teams from most satellite internet providers do not usually provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients.
topWhy does the service slow down when used in conjunction with a VPN?
Satellite Internet providers use sophisticated acceleration techniques to enable high-speed performance over satellite. These acceleration techniques require access to data packet header information, which is blocked when IPSec-based VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data and create a secure tunnel through the satellite provider’s network. The encrypted data cannot be processed by the provider’s acceleration techniques, thus resulting in slower performance.
topCan I put this system on a boat or in an RV?
The types of satellite Internet service we offer are available for non-mobile (fixed) locations. To receive mobile high-speed Internet service, please contact one of the following Value Added Service providers:
- Ground Control, www.groundcontrol.com 1-800-773-7168
- MobilSat, www.mobilsat.com 1-757-312-8300
- MotoSAT, www.motosat.com
I'm a home user of satellite Internet broadband service. How can I contact Customer Support from satellite internet providers when I have a question or problem?
If you are a "Powered By" or VAR end user, please contact your billing provider.
For technical support or customer service, you can usually log on to the individual websites of satellite Internet providers. Technical support teams typically allow you to live chat with staff members, check your usage, test your satellite speed, or browse online help files. You can also usually view your account status, online invoices, and activity history.
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