Some of the questions most often asked when considering ordering the Digiweb Satellite Broadband service are outlined below for your assistance. If you have any other queries please don’t hesitate to contact us on freefone 0800 169 64 36 or broadband@digiweb.co.uk
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Is the service right for me ?
Digiweb Satellite Broadband is ideal for:
 Small to Medium sized Office, Teleworker, or Home usage
Schools and Community Groups
Multi-site interconnectivity
Fast file downloads and streaming audio/video
Avoiding dial-up delays and disconnects
High-speed Internet access at an affordable cost
Software-based Internet connection sharing
Web surfing, e-mail, instant messaging
Certain VPN applications
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Are there any limitations I should be aware of ?
Satellite communication introduces a latency which means some applications may not work optimally or perhaps not all. We recommend that the service not be used for:
Heavy uplink traffic, such as Web or FTP hosting
Remote control software, and video & voice over IP (VOIP)
Frequent large file and e-mail uploads
Online gaming and peer-to-peer networking
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I have an existing service with BT/Tiscali. Can I transfer to Digiweb ?
Yes. The Digiweb satellite service uses the Eurobird 28.5 E satellite. This means we can accept transfers of service from existing users with other operators. Your current service provider must however also operate from the Eurobird satellite |
Can I connect more than one user to the service ?
Yes. Using appropriate connection sharing software (such as utilities included in Windows, or WinProxy/Wingate or others), or using an appropriate Broadband Router (not an ISDN Router) the connection may be shared with other computers on your network. Please note it is not permitted to share the connection with any Third Party. We provide a number of short guides relating to connection sharing but can only offer limited telephone support due to the huge variation of network configurations and equipment. |
Can I use this equipment with my Apple Mac or Linux computer ?
Yes. The new SkyStar 360E platform is Ethernet based and will support Apple Mac and Linux computers and networks. Please note that only limited support is available for these platforms. |
What connection speeds should I expect ?
Digiweb Satellite Broadband will operate up to a download speed of 512kbps, and a maximum burst uplink connection of 128kbps (or 250kbps for SkyStar Plus). These are maximum speeds and average speeds may be lower during peak periods as the network is a shared connection with other users. Speeds experienced will also be governed by levels of Internet usage or congestion outside the satellite network on servers you are visiting or connecting to. Sustained data rates of 200-400kbps during office hours are typical. |
Are there limits to how much data I can transfer ?
Digiweb have designed the service to be as open and flexible as possible, while ensuring fair access for all users. Unlike other services, where hard transfer limits apply over which you are charged per additional MB, Digiweb primarily employ a Fair Access Policy. In summary this means that during peak usage times, heavier users of the service will experience some reduction in their connection speed, ensuring an equitable access for all users throughout the day. There are no hard download caps nor any hidden charges.
In 2005 we will refine this policy to provide priority traffic level to users with less than 2000 MB traffic, and lower priority to users over this threshold – this prioritisation should only have effect during peak hours. |
Are email and other services included ?
Yes. Digiweb's Broadband Satellite service is one of the most fully featured Broadband Services available. Your flat monthly fee includes all of the following features absolutely FREE!!:
50 MB Web Site Hosting - host your site and save further costs
Domain name - free .com or .co.uk domain if you need one
1 IP Address
50 Email Accounts - give email addresses at your domain to colleagues and friends
Web-based Email Service - collect email no matter where you are
Account control panel - manage email accounts and hosting options
Web Site Designer - online web site design and maintenance suite
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I've heard of latency issues with satellite - whats that all about ?
Due to the distance travelled by the signal between your computer and the Internet Hub, via the satellite, older satellite technologies exhibited a noticeable lag between communications. The Digiweb Satellite Broadband service employs software techniques to minimise this lag, including protocol accelerators. In use, when a web page is requested for example, the accelerator strips out surplus protocol data and requests and retrieves the page in fewer larger 'pieces' than a typical dialup connection, which for example assembles the page piece by piece. Similarly this technique is ideal for handling large file or email downloads. You will still notice the latency effect though, may make the service unsuitable for certain uses, as noted earlier on this page. |
Can I make phone or fax calls over the service ?
No. The service is intended solely for Internet Access, freeing up your existing phone lines for regular calls, and saving on dialup internet and ISP call costs. |
Is the equipment/service mobile - can I use it at different locations ?
As the service is a 2-way link the alignment with the satellite is critical, and thus it is not suitable for mobile applications. If you move premises you will require a Digiweb approved installer to remove and re-install the outdoor equipment (dish etc.) and re-commission it with the Hub. |
Can I get a connection faster than 512kb ?
Digiweb are introducing a higher-level service for corporate and large educational installations which will support large user networks, direct connection to LANs, and connection speeds of up to 4Mb/s downlink and 1Mb/s uplink. Pricing is subject to exact configuration required. For quotation please contact Digiweb, or email
corporate@digiweb.co.uk. |
Is any extra software required ?
You will need regular software as for any other service such as your Internet Browser and Email Client Software. As this is an Always-On connection, Digiweb strongly recommends that you install a suitable Firewall and Antivirus software to protect your computer or network from unauthorised access from the internet. (WinProxy from Ositis Software includes a Firewall, Antivirus, and Connection Share all in one handy package. ZoneAlarm is a handy personal firewall application, free for personal use.) Other Commercial and free packages are available and suitable, and we're pleased to assist you with same. |
Is the service affected by bad weather ?
The Digiweb Broadband Satellite service will be available over 99.5% of the time, but may be affected only by extremely heavy rain or snow, normally encountered under storm conditions. The service is not affected by fog, regular rain, or wind. |
Do I require planning permission or other permits ?
Though conditions may vary slightly, normally planning permission is not required for the 75cm dish provided you do not have other dishes on your building. If your building is a protected historical building official permits will be required. If your location is within a short distance of an airfield, or similar, special conditions may apply. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the rules and regulations regarding the placement of equipment on the building you occupy. We will try to guide you where possible but final responsibility rests with you. |
Do I need my landlord's permission ?
If you do not own the building where the equipment is to be installed, you must receive written authorisation from the landlord approving the installation. Digiweb may require a copy of same prior to installation. |
What happens if/when I move ?
Moving the antenna/dish to another location, whether on the same building or otherwise, must be undertaken by a Digiweb approved installer, and the full costs of removal and re-installation are borne by the customer. Please give careful consideration to the location of your dish to minimise the likelihood of requiring a move. On subscribing to the service you are required to contract the service for a minimum of 12 months - such term must be completed even in the case where you move to another location. |
Must I purchase the equipment ?
The equipment is required to receive the service, and to ensure we can deliver the lowest possible recurring costs to you and maximum savings, we require customers to purchase the equipment at the start of the contract. We do not offer a Lease option as we have found that for the sums involved (e.g. £560 for SkyStar) that a straight payment or short-term loan is much more appropriate. Some companies don't have this initial purchase requirement, but you'll quickly see from their much higher monthly fees that they quickly recoup these costs (and more!) from the customer. |
I have the equipment from another operator, can I use this ?
Yes. As Digiweb use the Eurobird 28.5 E satellite for the delivery of our broadband service you can continue to use your existing equipment. A small change to your modem will be necessary to allow a smooth transition and this may require an engineer visit. |
How long will it take to get installed and operational ?
Not long ! Soon after we receive your Subscription Agreement, Direct Debit Mandate, and Initial Payment, we will be in touch by phone for a Pre-Installation Survey and to arrange an installation date, and installation will normally occur within 1 to 4 weeks. We normally install systems in the same order as they have been received to be fair to everyone, so the sooner your order is in our system the sooner we get to you. |
How do I know if I have line of sight for the satellite ?
At approximately midday the Satellite is in the same general direction as the Sun. Your chosen installation location should provide clear line of sight without obstruction, at an elevation of approximately 20º. Alternatively (and better!) look out for a Sky dish nearby - Sky service points in the same general direction. |
What does a "Standard Installation" consist of ?
The standard installation allowed for in Installation Fee is as follows: mounting on a standard brick or block wall at a height reachable on a standard double extension ladder, and not more than 30m from the proposed location of the modem. In cases where this is not possible or safe, our Installer will provide one or more options and associated additional costs (usually less than £100). |
What equipment is included in my initial purchase ?
Gilat Skyblaster 360E Satellite Modem
Outdoor Unit (comprising a satellite dish and receive/transmit units)
Dual Satellite Cable between Outdoor Unit and Modem
Crossover Ethernet cable
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Generally Digiweb will provide a 75cm dish, however in some locations a larger dish (96cm) may be required. |
What Satellite does the service use ?
The service uses the Eurobird satellite, located at 28.5º East. |
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