One-Way Satellite Internet Frequently Asked Questions

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 28.8k or 56k. High-speed broadband access, therefore, is a timesaving tool that allows you to work faster while you are using the Internet. Figure 1 below provides further information.

Satellite broadband allows you to get what you want, when you want, without the long waiting in between. By upgrading to our satellite broadband service, the internet isn’t just composed of text and images anymore. Almost all of the most popular (and even the smaller sites) are offering audio and video downloads and streams today. Many people are surfing the internet for their entertainment (sports, movies, mature, etc.) and spending a lot less time with cable and satellite TV because it’s available on-demand. Daily's satellite broadband allows you to download your favorite music, video clips, television shows, and even movies which you can pause and rewind just like a VCR.

Yes. Because you would have to run new fiber optic and phone lines to each home that wants broadband, the costs of setting up cable and DSL technology throughout the country are in the billions of dollars. Satellite is a lot quicker and less expensive to hook up because it is a wireless connection and available today. 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 via a phone line and is uploaded to the satellite.

What are the advantages of  "one-way" internet satellite system over a "two-way" satellite system?

Since "two-way" satellite systems are not standard based, FTP and POP e-mail is very unreliable.  Our "one-way" satellite system is less expensive than a "two-way" system.  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 rather than lose connection.

Upload speeds on a one-way are two to four times faster than a two-way system. The reason for the speed increase is that we remove the second trip to the satellite that a two-way system uses by using the terrestrial return path. This reduces our latency to 320ms. Also, the dial return is not as susceptible to weather.

Is there any other difference between a One-Way and a Two-Way system?

In practical terms, when you actually use the service, the surfing speed of two-way can be much slower. Satellites were not originally designed for a two-way communication. The original intent for a satellite is one-way broadcasting, not uploading or accepting a transmitted signal. Two-way communication forces the satellite to do something against its fundamental design. Because of this, there are delays in the accepting and forwarding of information (or web page requests). The result is that two-way ends up being a lot slower.

Using satellite to transmit both ways (the process of sending and receiving a signal) can take from up to 700 to 1300 milliseconds (as reported by Hughes). After 700 milliseconds standard IP web protocol considers page requests lost, resulting in a "behind-the-scenes" timeout. The request is automatically resubmitted, sometimes several times. While this process is invisible to you, you'll experience it as waiting time. Not unlike the waiting that you experience with a 56Kbps dial-up. The transmission time for one-way satellite (telephone line plus satellite) is approximately 400 milliseconds. Well below the 700 milliseconds required by web protocol. So page requests make it to their destination immediately, and then the satellite broadcasts them immediately to you. The result is a FASTER surfing experience on one-way.

See diagram on How One-Way Internet Service Works:

Why should I go with your services while MacroSat are offering similar services?

MacroSat is a faster, more reliable, economical service saving you $600-$700. It’s faster and more reliable because MacroSat 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. MacroSat 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 dial-up service, you are rarely waiting to upload your page requests or e-mails. All the waiting time is based on downloading the information over your telephone line. The use of satellite to download eliminates the problem.

Can I use my existing telephone line?

Yes, you can use it just as you are using your telephone line today.

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

DSL operates over a special telephone cable, and is distance-limited. DSL only covers approximately a three-mile radius from where the cable has been laid.  With satellite broadband, as long as you can point the satellite dish towards the geosynchronous orbiting satellite you can receive the signal. The downstream comes into your computer through radio-waves, not back through your telephone line, which is severely limited.

That depends on your local DSL service. Although we probably run faster than most residential DSL services, our satellite broadband is used mostly in places where DSL doesn’t run, thereby giving many people who live in rural and suburban areas high-speed internet access.

To perform research more quickly in support of schoolwork. 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.

I'm in a very rural area, what if my telephone lines are bad?

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.

How can I check to see if satellite is available in my area?

As long as you have a clear view of the southeast sky somewhere on your property and a working telephone line, you are eligible for MacroSat satellite.

Note: Some neighborhoods have restrictions on visible satellite dishes, please check with your community government.

Will I have a local number to dial?

We have an extensive national network of dialup numbers. With our national network of local dial up numbers it is likely that we have a number for you. 

No. The satellite dish is slightly larger. It is therefore more stable through storms,  wind and cloudy days/nights. There’s another good reason: Television dishes do not provide the signal strength needed to sustain a high-speed internet connection.  Television signals do not need to maintain a constant connectivity rate as data signals require.

What is the difference between MacroSat's PCI and USB satellite system?

Our PCI system is an internal modem system. You will need an available PCI slot in your computer to install the PCI card into. Our USB satellite system uses an external modem and requires an available USB port to plug into.

MacroSat does not actually provide the installation service. We utilize a nationwide network of local installers along with national installation companies to set up your system. We will arrange for a qualified installer to set up your system.

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

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 speeds up to 400K. The theoretical maximum speed over your telephone line back into your computer is 42K. What we are speaking of is a time saving increase of 5 to 20 Times, not unlike driving a car 25 MPH versus 125-500 MPH.

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

Will I be able to connect more than one computer to my satellite connection?

Yes! You may have multiple computers networked to use your satellite link as an internet gateway. Yes. If you install the connection on a computer that is running Windows XP or Windows 2000, you can do this by enabling “network sharing”. If you do not have a machine that is running Windows XP or Windows 2000, you can purchase a program called “WinProxy” or "Wingate" which will allow you to share your connection.

Does your service work with Macs?

Yes.

Can I save my files from my current internet service provider?

Yes, you can create a folder for them and save them. Our customer care unit can help you with any questions you have after you have signed up.

How do I let my friends know I have a new e-mail address?

The easiest way is to e-mail everyone in your address book a notice before you change and then again after you change to insure they all know your new address, which will be your username@macrosat.com

Will my existing office network be affected by changing over to satellite?

In most cases no, not at all. Sometimes there are adjustments needed but our customer care representative can help you if needed.

Can I pay by check or credit card?

We currently only accept bank transfer.

How will weather impact my service?

Severe weather can impact your service. While a two-way satellite system will fail during bad weather your one-way satellite system will simply slow down as you use your dial-up connection. Of course, if weather conditions become very severe as with the operation of all electronic equipment, precautions should be taken including those for personal safety.