Wild Blue Satellite Internet Access

Why should I get WildBlue satellite high speed internet?
We provide access to the Internet at much higher speeds than dial-up access: up to 1.5 Mbps which is more than 30 times faster than dial-up. A whole new world of content will open up to you with your broadband connection. And with WildBlue, you get an "always on" connection which means no dialing-in or other delays to get high-speed access to the Internet.

 

How hard is it to use?
Not hard at all. Once we professionally install your satellite Internet system, you are ready to surf the Internet at lightning fast speeds. You can use your same web-browser, go to the same sites, use your email, etc. just like you always have...but a lot faster! And it's always on so no more dialing-in delays, or getting "bumped off."

 

Who do I call if I have a problem?
You just call our friendly customer care agents. We'll have a person you can talk to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

What equipment is needed to get the WildBlue satellite dish high speed Internet service?
It's easy. All you need is our minidish and modem.

 

What are my minimum computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
 

Most computers in use today will meet our minimum system requirements. 

PC/ Windows: 300 MHz or faster processing speed, minimum 128 MB Random Access Memory (RAM), and Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP Home or XP Professional operating system. 100 MB of hard drive space and an Ethernet card are required.

Macintosh: 300 MHz or faster processing speed, 128MB Random Access Memory (RAM), and OS 9.x, OS 10.2 or higher operating system. 100 MB of hard drive space and an Ethernet card are required.

 

Are there any cancellation fees?
You are required to sign a 24 month contract when they initiate service. If you disconnect your service before the 24 months expire, there will be a cancellation fee equal to the price of your monthly service multiplied by the remaining number of months in your contract.

 

What kind of speed can I expect?
We offer different packages that provide you different speed levels. Our core Value Service offers up to 512 kbps download speed. Our Select Pack features download speeds up to 1.0 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 Kbps. Our Pro Pack offers download speeds up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds up to 256 Kbps.

What types of email options do I get with my WildBlue account?
We offer an advanced suite of Internet services including the commonly used POP3 (like Outlook or Outlook Express) and web-based email options. Our customers receive between 5 and 10 email addresses (each with at least 10 MB capacity depending on the package chosen). More email addresses and additional capacity will be available for a minimal extra charge.

 

Do I get web space with my WildBlue account?
Yes. We provide customers with between 10 and 20 MB of web space as part of their service package. The exact storage space depends on which package you choose to buy.

 

Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue satellite account?
Yes. We offer a remote-access dial-up service to our customers, allowing customers to access their email when they are not at home or out of the office. If you are a Value or Select Pack customer, dial up service costs $7.95 / month. Instructions for remote access will be included with your installation.

 

If I have WildBlue, do I need an additional account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
No. The service includes all key ISP features like email, web space, etc. If you prefer, you can continue to use your current ISP for email and use the Wild Blue service for your broadband Internet access.

 

When I sign up for WildBlue service, can I keep my AOL® account?
Yes, if you prefer. You can use WildBlue for high-speed broadband Internet dish access and keep your AOL® service if, for example, you want to retain your current email account. You will need to pay a separate fee directly to AOL® beyond your monthly Wild Blue fee. Please contact AOL® directly for more information.

 

Do you limit heavy bandwidth users?
As is standard with other Internet Service Providers, We will ensure that its service operates at optimum speeds for all of its customers. Since Wild Blue is a shared network, we have a Fair Access Policy to ensure that extraordinary usage by a few customers doesn't negatively affect the normal usage of other customers. For the vast majority of users, the Fair Access Policy has no effect on their usage. For a few very heavy bandwidth users, the system may restrict their bandwidth and therefore their speed. Wildblue's Fair Access Policy will be well-documented and communicated to you before you become a customer. We plan to offer multiple service levels that should accommodate most users' needs.

 

Do you offer a warranty on the equipment?
Yes. You will receive a 90 day labor/12 months parts warranty on all equipment at no charge when you become a customer.
 

Where can I get WildBlue?

The Wild Blue service will be available only in the 48 continental United States due to the reach of our satellite signals. At present, we do not have plans to serve Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?
Not at this time. WildBlue internet satellite system was designed for stationary locations like homes and small businesses. We do not offer broadband service for mobile vehicles at this time.
 

Will my Home Owners Association allow mounting the WildBlue dish?
The WildBlue satellite dish is considered under what the FCC calls the "Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule". This means the WildBlue satellite dish is under the same classification as other residential satellite dishes (such as satellite television) and legally permittable for mounting on your home. As always, please check with your HOA for specific rules and covenants that may alter your rights. For additional information on the FCC ruling and dish classification, view the FCC OTARD documentation at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
Yes. WildBlue high speed satellite is compatible with all major wireless home networking products.

Do customers have to have a phone line in addition to the satellite connection?
No. Wildblue 2 way satellite internet broadband is better than one way satellite internet because you don't need a phone line.

Do I need a southern line of sight to receive a signal from your satellite?
Yes. You will need a clear view of the southern sky to receive a signal from the Wild Blue satellite.
 

What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
Windows/PC: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP
Mac: OS9, OS 10.2 or higher

 

Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
Yes. The WildBlue service is compatible with Macintosh computers.

 

What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?
 

Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with the WildBlue service?
Yes. we recommend the use of SSL-based VPNs as they work well on the WildBlue satellite network because they work efficiently over a satellite connection. Users of IP Sec-based VPNs will find that their VPN will work over the WildBlue network, but it may be slower due to the effects of latency. WildBlue's customer care representatives can explain more to you about VPNs.

What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on your service?
The system is engineered to help offset the impact of latency, which is the delay caused by sending signals from the earth to the satellite and back again. However, there is a delay of about a second as the signal travels up to the satellite and back down to the ground. For most applications this latency does not affect performance, however, there are some applications like voice over IP (telephone service delivered over the Internet, also known as VoIP), or real-time interactive gaming, where latency will have a noticeable effect on performance over the WildBlue network, as it would on any satellite-delivered service.

What 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) - which you can find at almost any consumer electronics store, or at an online store. 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.
Also, if you have an available USB port on your computer, you can purchase a USB Ethernet adapter (available at almost any consumer electronics store, or online) 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.

Is the service affected by weather?
The service is only minimally affected by weather, and only under extreme conditions. The Wild Blue service will offer availability equal to that of satellite TV. Like satellite TV services, during a very heavy rainstorm, you may notice slower WildBlue speeds, but this should normally only last a few minutes.