FAQ
The following are answers to commonly asked questions about WildBlue. Feel free to contact us for more information.

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General Information:
1. What is the WildBlue service and where is it available?
2. Why should I get WildBlue?
3. How hard is it to use?
4. Who do I call if I have a problem?
5. What equipment is needed to get the WildBlue service?
6. What are my computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
7. Are there any cancellation fees? Is there a commitment?
8. What kind of speed can I expect?

Services & Prices:
9. What does WildBlue cost?
10. What email do I get with my WildBlue account?
11. Do I get web space with my WildBlue account?
12. Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
13. If I have WildBlue, do I need an additional account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
14. If I sign up for WildBlue service, can I keep my AOL® account?
15. Do you limit heavy bandwidth users?
16. Do you offer a Satisfaction Guarantee?
17. Do you offer a limited warranty on the equipment?

Availability Information:
18. Where can I get WildBlue?
19. Will WildBlue service be available in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
20. Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?

Installation Information:
21. What is the installation process like? Can I install my own dish?
22. Will my Home Owners Association allow mounting the WildBlue dish?
23. Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
24. Do customers have to have a phone line in addition to the satellite connection?
25. Do I need a southern line of sight to receive a signal from your satellite?

Technical Information:
26. How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
27. What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
28. Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
29. What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?
30. Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with WildBlue service?
31. What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on your service?
32. Does WildBlue support VoIP?
33. What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
34. Is the WildBlue service affected by weather?


Answers

1. What is the WildBlue service and where is it available?
WildBlue is a high-speed Internet access service for homes, home offices and small offices. It is available almost everywhere throughout the contiguous United States.
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2. Why should I get WildBlue?
WildBlue provides 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. Also with WildBlue, you get an "always on" connection meaning no dialing-in or delays to get high-speed access to the Internet.

3. How hard is it to use?
Not hard at all. After we professionally install your WildBlue 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...only much faster! And it's always on so no more dialing-in delays, or getting "bumped off."
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4. Who do I call if I have a problem?
You just call the friendly customer care agents at WildBlue. We'll have a person you can talk to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer Care: 1-888-278-6858 (toll free)

5. What equipment is needed to get the WildBlue service?
It's easy. All you need is a WildBlue mini dish and a WildBlue modem, which is brought to you. Learn more about the equipment.
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6. What are my minimum computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
Most computers in use today will meet 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 10.2 or higher operating system. 100 MB of hard drive space and an Ethernet card are required.

7. Are there any cancellation fees? Is there a commitment?
WildBlue customers sign a 12 month commitment when initiating service. If you disconnect your service prior to the 12 month commitment, the cancellation fee will be equal to the price of your monthly service multiplied by the remaining number of months in your commitment.
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8. What kind of speed can I expect?
WildBlue offers packages that provide different speed levels to best fit your needs. Our most popular Value Pak offers up to 512 Kbps download speed and up to 128 Kbps upload speed. Our Select Pak features download speeds up to 1.0 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 Kbps. Our Pro Pak offers download speeds up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds up to 256 Kbps. Services and Prices:

9. What does WildBlue cost?
The WildBlue equipment price is $299.00 (MSRP) and professional installation is $179.95 (MSRP) plus taxes. Check the promotions page for extra discounts. We offer a variety of service packages to fit your needs. Learn more about the packages and prices we offer for your home and small office.
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10. What types of email options do I get with my WildBlue account?
WildBlue offers an advanced array of Internet services including the commonly used POP3 (i.e. Outlook or Outlook Express) and web-based email options. WildBlue customers receive 5 or 10 email addresses (each with a minimum 25 MB capacity) depending on the package chosen. More email addresses and additional capacity are available as Add-Ons for a minimal extra charge.

11. Do I get web space with my WildBlue account?
Yes. WildBlue provides customers with 10 or 20 MB of web space as part of each WildBlue service package. The exact storage space depends on which package you choose.
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12. Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
Yes. WildBlue offer the dial-up access option. WildBlue includes a remote-access dial-up service with its WildBlue Pro Pak, allowing customers to access their email when not at home or out of the office. Value or Select Pak customers can Add-On dial up service for only $7.95 / month. Instructions for remote access will be included with your installation.

13. If I have WildBlue, do I need an additional account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
No. The WildBlue 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 WildBlue service for your broadband Internet access. See your current ISP for details as separate ISP charges may apply.
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14. If 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 access and keep your AOL® service if, for example, you want to retain your current email account. Keep in mind AOL® is separate and AOL® service fees still apply beyond your monthly WildBlue fee. Please contact AOL® directly for more information.

15. Do you limit heavy bandwidth users?
WildBlue ensures that its service operates at optimum speeds for all of its customers, as is standard with other Internet Service Providers. Since WildBlue 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 usage. For a few very heavy bandwidth users, the system may restrict their bandwidth and therefore their speed. WildBlue's Fair Access Policy is well-documented and communicated to you before you become a customer.
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16. Do you offer a Satisfaction Guarantee?
If you aren't completely satisfied with your new WildBlue Satellite High Speed Internet service, just call us within 30 days of your installation to receive a refund of your monthly service fee and the cost of your equipment. Once we receive your equipment in good working condition we will provide a refund. You will not be charged a cancellation fee for your 12 month customer agreement. The cost for installation is non-refundable.

17. Do you offer a limited warranty on the equipment?
Yes. You will receive a 90 day labor/12 months parts limited warranty on all equipment at no charge when you become a customer. View our one-year limited warranty. Availability Information:
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18. Where can I get WildBlue?
Satellite Solutions is offering WildBlue throughout the contiguous United States. If you are interested please contact us.

19. Will WildBlue service be available in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
Not at this time. The WildBlue service will be available only in the 48 contiguous United States due to the reach of the WildBlue satellite signals. At present, there are no plans to serve Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
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20. Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?
Not at this time. WildBlue service was designed for stationary locations like homes and small businesses. We do not offer broadband service for mobile vehicles at this time. Installation Information:

21. What is the installation process like? Can I install my own dish?
WildBlue professional installers quickly and efficiently install equipment and activate WildBlue's broadband service at your chosen location. The satellite mini-dish is about 26 inches x 28 inches (DirecWay satellite's are 20% larger) and can be nicely mounted on a roof, outside wall or in the ground. A cable from the dish connects to a satellite modem (a small box usually placed next to the main computer), which connects to your computer via an Ethernet connection. Installation requires an installation professional to make sure that the dish is pointed accurately at the satellite and to verify that all connections are made properly. Self-installation is not offered.
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22. Will my Home Owners Association allow mounting the WildBlue dish?
The WildBlue dish is considered under what the FCC calls the "Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule". This means the WildBlue dish is under the same classification as other residential satellite dishes (such as satellite television) and legally permissible 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.

23. Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
Yes. WildBlue is compatible with all major wireless home networking products.
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24. Do customers have to have a phone line in addition to the satellite connection?
No. WildBlue offers an efficient 2-way broadband connection that requires no phone lines.

25. 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 WildBlue satellite. Technical Information:
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26. How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
WildBlue's "always-on" broadband Internet connection provides a user experience similar to most DSL and cable modem services. We offer download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps - more than 30 times faster than today's dial-up speeds. We offer upload speeds up to 256 Kbps. WildBlue's high bandwidth opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up modems.

27. What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
Windows/PC: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP Mac: OS 10.2 or higher
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28. Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
Yes. The WildBlue service is compatible with Macintosh computers OS 10.2 or higher.

29. What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?
Web Browsers Windows/PC: Internet Explorer 5.5 & 6, Netscape 6 & 7.x, Firefox 1.x Mac: Netscape 7.x, Safari 1.x, Firefox 1.x Email Clients Windows/PC: WildBlue Webmail, Outlook Express 5 & 6, Outlook XP & 2003, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Thunderbird Mac: WildBlue Webmail, Outlook Express 5, Outlook 2001, Outlook 2004, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Apple Mail, Thunderbird
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30. Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with the WildBlue service?
Yes. WildBlue recommends the use of SSL-based VPNs. They work well on the WildBlue network because they work efficiently over a satellite connection. IP Sec-based VPNs may work over the WildBlue network, but will likely be much slower (and perhaps not useable) due to the effects of latency.

31. What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on WildBlue service?
The WildBlue 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 half second as the signal travels up to the satellite, back down to the gateway, up to the satellite and back down to your modem. 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.
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32. Does WildBlue support VoIP?
At this time, WildBlue does not support VoIP.
NOTICE FROM DEALER: Some customers have bought 3rd party equipment and have had some success running VoIP, it is possible but has not been perfected yet.

33. 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 anywhere. If you are comfortable with opening your computer and installing hardware, most Ethernet NICs can be self-installed. Otherwise you may want to hire a computer professional. 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 almost anywhere consumer electronics are sold). 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.
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34. Is the WildBlue service affected by weather?
The WildBlue service is only minimally affected by weather, and only under extreme conditions. The WildBlue 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.