End-User Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

What is high-speed or broadband access?

High-speed/broadband access to the internet typically refers to speeds that meet or exceed 300kbps. As a comparison, typical dial-up speeds are in the range of 28.8kbps or 56kbps. High-speed/broadband access, therefore, is a timesaving tool that allows you to work faster while you are using the Internet. Figure 1 below shows a comparison of the maximum download speeds for internet access types.

Figure 1: Download Speed Comparison Chart

Why should I consider satellite?

Not every home has access to DSL or Cable broadband Internet access services and the costs of setting up this technology throughout the country, to each home, are in the billions of dollars. Satellite allows virtually everyone to have access to lightning-fast Internet access. The download of information from the Internet to your computer goes from the satellite direct to your PC. The upload of information from your computer to the Internet goes first via an existing phone line to your current Internet Service Provider and then is uploaded to the satellite. Regardless of where you live, if you have a clear view of the southern sky, you should be able to get high-speed Internet.

What is the difference between DSL and satellite high-speed/broadband?

DSL operates over your existing telephone line, however it is distance limited. DSL is only available to customers located approximately three-miles from the telephone local switch. With satellite broadband, as long as you can point the satellite dish towards the satellite you can receive the signal.

Is satellite high-speed internet access faster than DSL?

Not necessarily. Different providers will commit different speeds and service packages. Our satellite broadband is used mostly in places where DSL isn’t available, thereby giving people who live in rural areas a true broadband solution.

What is the difference between my dial-up and satellite broadband?

A tremendous time savings to you! Your dial up brings back information from websites into your computer at anywhere from 5 to 56K, while the satellite will bring the same information into your computer at 320-400Kbps. The theoretical maximum speed over your telephone line back into your computer is 42Kbps. This is a time saving of 5 to 20X

Why would I want to upgrade my dial-up Internet service?

The faster speed means less waiting time, increasing work efficiency making telecommuting or working from home a practical reality. To decrease the time it takes to download materials from the Internet. To significantly shorten your time spent waiting for downloads and to more effectively manage your time spent on the Internet. It is simple, easy and reliable.

Shouldn’t I just wait for CABLE/DSL to come to the area?

You could, but you may be waiting a few years. Since the late 90’s cable systems have been slow to upgrade their systems. Did you know that it costs over $100,000 a mile to run fiber optics? There are miles and miles of cable in your town today. If you do not have access today, it may take at least 3 to 5 years for it to come to this area.

What are the advantages of a “One-way” satellite system over a “Two-way” satellite system?

Our “one way” satellite system is less expensive and more reliable than current “two way” systems. Severe weather conditions can affect any satellite based system. In fact, the end-user of a “two way” satellite system can experience a complete loss of connection. A “one way” satellite system uses both the satellite link and a redundant terrestrial telephone link to the internet. This means that the end-user connection may temporarily slow down in the case of very severe weather conditions but will not fail.

  Why should I go with your services while DirecWay and Starband are offering similar services?

“One-way” is a faster, more reliable, economical service with better customer care. It’s faster and more reliable because “one-way” doesn’t experience the same time-out delays caused by “two-way” approach of uploading requests to the satellite. Satellites are really designed to broadcast not receive information. One-way takes advantage of satellite’s strengths by using it for downloading of information only. The uploading of information is handled over the telephone line. As you know, when you’re using a dial­up service, you are rarely waiting to upload your page requests or emails. All the waiting time is based on downloading the information over your telephone line. The use of satellite to download eliminates the problem.   For more details check out what “two-way” users are saying http://www.dslreports.com/comments/1678.

What if the telephone lines in my area are bad? Won’t that affect the one-way service?

If your telephone infrastructure is bad, you’re probably used to slow dial-up connection rates. The good news is, this won’t effect your high-speed surfing experience! 80% of Internet activity involves downloading information (in the form of web pages, photos and music). High-speed surfing only becomes a reality when information from the web can immediately download (or arrive) on your machine. Telephone lines cannot support the immediate delivery of large amounts of information. There’s just too much information to fit through that small pipe, so the information ‘trickles’ through it. It’s all made worse if your telephone infrastructure is bad. However, our broadband satellite service only uses your telephone line to upload small amounts of information (for example web page requests). This small amount of information moves quickly and easily through your telephone line directly to the website you’re visiting. The website then blasts the page to your computer, photos and all, via the satellite. Downloads up to 400Kbps resulting in true web surfing experience.

Is the satellite dish the same as the one used for TV?

No. The satellite dish is slightly larger. 

What is the cost?

We offer two different plans; the first plan requires an up-front fee of $195.00 for installation and then $50.00 per month. The second plan requires an up-front fee of only $0.00 for installation and then $80.00 per month for the first 12 months and $50.00 per month thereafter.

Do I have to buy the equipment?

Yes, the basic equipment package cost $125.00. (unless available promotion)

How long will it take for the equipment to be installed?

It takes about an hour and a half for most installations.  Appointment required. Contact sales@datastar.net for an appointment.