General Information:
Velasat, Inc. offering discounts on the Extend Service line. VelaSat's premier product. Extend is powered by the WildBlue Enterprise Solutions, the nation's only commercial KA Band Satellite service. The increased quality and efficiency of this network allows us to bring you services that outperform other networks and at a reduced cost.
- What is the VelaSat service and where is it available?
VelaSat is a high-speed Internet access service for home offices and small offices. It is available in virtually every location across the contiguous United States.
- Why should I get VelaSat?
VelaSat 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. And with VelaSat, 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 VelaSat system which will take 2 to 3 hours, 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 the friendly customer care agents at VelaSat.
What equipment is needed to get the VelaSat service?
It's easy. All you need is a VelaSat mini dish and a VelaSat modem.
Learn more about the equipment.
- What are my minimum computer system requirements to get VelaSat?
Most computers in use today will meet our minimum system requirements. If you don't know if you meet them, please contact us and we can help you figure it out.
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.
- Are there any cancellation fees?
VelaSat customers are required to sign a 12 month contract when they initiate service. If you disconnect your service before the 12 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?
VelaSat offers packages that provide different speed levels. Our Extend 128 package offers up to 512 Kbps download speed and up to 128 Kbps upload speed. Our Extend 200 package features download speeds up to 1.0 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 Kbps. Our Extend 256 offers download speeds up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds up to 256 Kbps.
- Can I be a VelaSat installer?
Yes, if you qualify. Please call for more information.
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Services and Prices:
- What does VelaSat cost?
The VelaSat equipment price is $550.00 (MSRP) and professional installation is $300.95 (MSRP) plus taxes. However, at VelaSat, we try to keep costs down for the customer, so we often run specials.
We offer a variety of service packages, including our Extend 64 service at $45.95 per month. Learn more about the packages and prices we offer for your home and small office.
- What types of email options do I get with my VelaSat account?
VelaSat offers an advanced suite of Internet services including the commonly used POP3 (like Outlook or Outlook Express) and web-based email options. VelaSat customers will receive between 5 and 10 email addresses (each with at least 25 MB capacity depending on the package chosen). More email addresses and additional capacity are available for a minimal extra charge. Learn more about the packages we offer for your home or small office.
- Do I get web space with my VelaSat account?
Yes. VelaSat provides customers with between 10 and 20 MB of web space as part of their VelaSat service package. The exact storage space depends on which package you choose to buy. Learn more about the packages we offer for your home and small office.
- Do I get dial-up service with my VelaSat account?
No, we don't offer dial up service at this time.
- If I have VelaSat, do I need an additional account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
No. The VelaSat 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 VelaSat service for your broadband Internet access. See your current ISP for details as separate ISP charges may apply.
- If I sign up for VelaSat service, can I keep my AOLŪ account?
Yes, if you prefer. You can use VelaSat for high-speed broadband Internet access and keep your AOLŪ service if, for example, you want to retain your current email account. You will need to pay a separate fee directly to AOLŪ beyond your monthly VelaSat fee. Please contact AOLŪ directly for more information.
- Do you limit heavy bandwidth users?
As is standard with other Internet Service Providers, VelaSat ensures that its service operates at optimum speeds for all of its customers. Since VelaSat 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. VelaSat's Fair Access Policy is well-documented and communicated to you before you become a customer. See VelaSat's Fair Access Policy.
- Do you offer a Satisfaction Guarantee?
If you aren't completely satisfied with your new VelaSat Satellite 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.
- Do you offer a limited warranty on the equipment?
Yes. See our Assurance section for more information on our Extended warranty.
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Availability Information:
- Where can I get VelaSat?
We are selling VelaSat services and equipment only through this web site.
- Will your service be available in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
Not at this time. The VelaSat service will be available only in the 48 contiguous 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 VelaSat service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?
Not at this time. VelaSat service was designed for stationary locations like homes and small businesses. We do not offer broadband service for mobile vehicles at this time.
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Installation Information:
- What is the installation process like? Can I install my own dish?
VelaSat professional installers quickly and efficiently install equipment and activate VelaSat's broadband service at your chosen location. The satellite mini-dish is about 26 inches x 28 inches and can be easily 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 computer), which connects to your computer via an Ethernet connection. Installation requires a certified installation professional to make sure that the dish is pointed at the satellite accurately and to verify that all connections are made properly. Self-installation is not offered.
See our How it Works Demo.
- Will my Home Owners Association allow mounting the VelaSat dish?
The VelaSat dish is considered under what the FCC calls the "Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule". This means the VelaSat 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.
- Can I use wireless home networking with VelaSat?
Yes. VelaSat is compatible with all major wireless home networking products.
- Do customers have to have a phone line in addition to the satellite connection?
No. VelaSat offers an efficient 2-way broadband connection that requires no phone lines. This is part of what sets us apart from our competitiors.
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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 VelaSat satellite.
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Technical Information:
- How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
VelaSat's always-on true 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. VelaSat's high bandwidth opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up modems.
- What operating systems are compatible with the VelaSat service?
Windows/PC: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP
Mac: OS 10.2 or higher
- Will VelaSat work with Macintosh computers?
Yes. The VelaSat service is compatible with Macintosh computers.
- What Web browsers and email clients does VelaSat support?
Supported 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
Supported Email Clients:
Windows/PC: VelaSat Webmail, Outlook Express 5 & 6, Outlook XP & 2003, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Thunderbird
Mac: VelaSat Webmail, Outlook Express 5, Outlook 2001, Outlook 2004, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Apple Mail, Thunderbird
- Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with the VelaSat service?
Yes. VelaSat recommends the use of SSL-based VPNs. They work well on the VelaSat network because they work efficiently over a satellite connection. IP Sec-based VPNs may work over the VelaSat network, but will likely be much slower (and perhaps not useable) due to the effects of latency.
- What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on your service?
The VelaSat 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 (this will cause some lag), where latency will have a noticeable effect on performance over the VelaSat network, as it would on any satellite-delivered service.
- Does VelaSat support VoIP?
At this time, VelaSat does not support VoIP.
- 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. 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 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 VelaSat service affected by weather?
The VelaSat service is only minimally affected by weather, and only under extreme conditions. The VelaSat service will offer availability greater to or equal to that of satellite TV. Like satellite TV services, during a very heavy rainstorm, you may notice slower VelaSat speeds, but this should normally only last a few minutes.
