Two-Way Satellite Internet Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I choose the two-way service that will best suit me ?

The MacroSat  broadband two-way services differ by download speeds, upload speeds and monthly data usage allowance. All theses aspects of the service will be effectively "split " across the number of users you decide to connect to the two-way service. It is therefore important for you consider the nature of your intended usage and select the service package accordingly (i.e. how much data do I need to receive and/or send out, how long am I prepared to wait for it and how many people will need to access the service at the same time?).

Does the satellite service charge vary each month ?

No. You pay a fixed service charge per month in accordance with the service package chosen.

Can I connect more than one user to the service ?

Yes. The two-way satellite Indoor Unit (IDU) provides an Ethernet 100baseT connection port and MacroSat broadband will allocate you a single static, public IP address. You may directly connect a single computer to the satellite IDU (via a "cross over" UTP cable) or more than one computers via a router [our customers will receive a help script to assist them in making any such connections].

Can I use this equipment with my Apple Mac or Linux computer ?

Yes, no problem.

Can I send emails and keep my existing email addresses ?

Yes. MacroSat broadband provides transport of your outgoing emails using our SMTP server. This means you can continue to use your existing email addresses. In fact, we provide you with a free user@MacroSat.com email address you can use as well.

Do I need to have an ISP ?

You do not need an ISP to connect to the internet using MacroSat broadband's two-way service. We will give you an email account but you will need to keep your existing ISP to keep your current email addresses and any other ISP services you may require / have e.g. such as web hosting, etc (you will no longer need to use a telephone line to connect to the internet though, i.e. so it would be advisable to discuss with your ISP a reduction in any monthly charges).

What connection speeds should I expect ?

In all our lab room tests of the services the maximum burst speeds were obtained. Often, users "perceive" that any reduction in their download / upload speed is due to the satellite connection. This is very rarely ever the case (unless they are under an imposed usage restriction as part of the fair access policy). Download / upload speeds "experienced" by users are governed by the levels of internet activity across the world-wide-web and the every increasing problems caused by virus, spam and other rogue programs, which "infect" users machines and can result in vast amounts of unwanted data being transmitted / received over the connecting network (all of which can take place without the user knowing). Always install and keep up to date any firewall and anti-virus software that is readily available from many reputable suppliers.

What are the contention ratios of the satellite service ?

People are used to hearing and reading about "contention ratios" on ADSL broadband and, not unreasonably, wish to make the same comparisons when it comes to a broadband satellite service. The concept and management of network bandwidth on a two-way satellite service is, however, very different. If people wish to make such "mental" comparisons with ADSL broadband contention ratios, than it is probably reasonable to assume ratios of 50:1 (for the 512/126kbps two-way service) and 20:1(for the 1M/256K two-way service).

Are there limits to how much data I can transfer ?

Yourchosen service package has an associated monthly data usage limit. If you exceed your data usage allocation for the month you will NOT be cut off or charged extra. Speed restrictions will be applied at peak network usage periods so that fair network access can be maintained for all users. Any speed and data usage restrictions, however, will be reduced during defined "night profile" and "happy hours" periods. MacroSat broadband two-way service customers are provided with "special" web access so they can see how much data they have used up in the month and the times of the day when the "night" and "happy" periods apply. In the SCPC connection, however, you do not have any limitation.

Are there any limitations I should be aware of ?

As long as your computer technology can support a proxy then it should be able to connect to the two-way system, e.g. PCs and Macintosh and Linux are fine. There are very few limitations to using satellite communications but due largely to the inherent latency (because of the laws of physics), the following applications are considered unsuitable:

• Voice over IP (VoIP)

• FTP hosting

• Web hosting or other traffic requirements

• Certain Virtual Private Networks (our lab tests showed that SSL & PPTP work at around 3 x dial up speed)

• Peer-to-peer network (works but may incur restricted performance under fair usage policy)

• On-line gaming (because virtually zero latency is required)

Certain of these restrictions can be overcome with higher-end satellite systems but also only with an accompanying significant uplift in product and monthly service pricing.

What does satellite latency mean ?

The satellite is positioned approximately 22,300 miles from the earth and therefore by the laws of physics the distance your data "travels" up-to and down-from the satellite is significant, effectively creating a latency. The MacroSat broadband by satellite service, however, uses what is termed an Internet Protocol Accelerator (IPA) to overcome the effects of this timing delay. The IPA effectively removes surplus protocol data and effectively retrieves the web page in fewer larger 'pieces' i.e. as opposed to a typical dial-up connection for example where the web pages are assembled and displayed "piece by piece". This IPA technique is also ideal for handling large file or email downloads.

Can I receive satellite TV and make phone calls over the service ?

No. MacroSat broadband's two-way satellite service provides "always-on" high-speed connectivity to the internet. But you can use of internet TV.

Does the satellite service get affected by weather ?

The service is designed to cope with most weather conditions and wind speeds up to 100mph. During periods of extremely heavy rain the laws of physics result in radio signals getting attenuated (reduced) and you may experience a slight "slowing" of the service for such a period. There are, however, sophisticated and automatic measures to effectively increase the power of your system to compensate for any attenuation.

Do I require planning permission or other permits ?

The two-way dish used is classed as 75cm and typically dish sizes less than 90cm do not require planning permission. There are exceptions, e.g. if your site is near historic or natural beauty areas, etc. The MacroSat broadband installers will take due regard when agreeing the dish position but it is the customer's responsibility to determine and obtain planning if required and we recommend customers contact their local authority.

What happens if/when I move ?

Simply contact MacroSat broadband and we will arrange for the de-installation of the equipment and its re-installation at your new location. Obviously charges will apply for these activities and which can be advised when the details of the move are made known to us. No additional charges would be made to restore you monthly satellite service.

Must I purchase the equipment ?

The equipment is required to be purchased by customers.

How long will it take to get installed and operational ?

Under normal circumstances you should be installed & operating within 5 days from providing payment details to MacroSat broadband.

Is there anything that could prevent the two-way system being installed ?

As you will be transmitting a radio signal your site must firstly be given approval from Ofcom to be installed. MacroSat undertakes this process with Ofcom on your behalf and the approval is normally given within minutes. In some instances where a customer's site may be located close to an airport, MOD facility or other area considered by Ofcom to be "sensitive", then the approval process can take a couple of weeks. Extremely rarely is ever a customer site refused "clearance" by Ofcom to be installed. But should such an instance arise, MacroSat broadband will refund in full the money paid by that customer for the two-way service.

How do I know if the satellite can be "seen" from my site ?

From the desired and accessible point on your building, the dish would need to point due South (in fact approx 30 degrees towards the East from exactly due South) and tilt up (elevate) at approximately 20 degrees. Nothing can obstruct this effective" window" to the Southern Sky (i.e. what is termed the satellite "Line of Sight"). A simple compass would of course help you confirm this but equally if you can see a satellite TV dish on a building, your dish would need to point (i.e. see the sky) in a very similar direction.

What does a "Standard" installation consist of ?

A standard installation applies to sites on and comprises of the outdoor & indoor satellite equipment, up to 50 meters of connecting cable from the dish, a right angled wall mount and earthen to a suitable point within 2 meters of the indoor unit location.

What are non-standard installation charges ?

MacroSat broadband does not seek to make more money by charging customers for additional non-standard equipment and/or services. It is a fact, however, that by the physical nature/orientation of certain sites the dish cannot always achieve a line of sight using a right-angled wall mount and an alternative mount may be needed. Equally, some customers have particular requirements where additional time, services or other materials may be required e.g. false ceilings, high roof/access areas, etc. In all instances the MacroSat broadband installation engineers will attend site equipped with the aim to complete all installations on the single site visit. Any non-standard elements presented by the particular site and/or customer requirements will be advised and explained to that customer on the day of installation together with the associated charges. Customers are required to call MacroSat broadband at that time and pay these non-standard charges using a credit/debit card and before the installation works commence at the site. In any such instances, MacroSat broadband will not charge customers ant more than 10% on top of the actual costs incurred in meeting the non-standard requirements for that customer.