Phone over the  Internet...

What is broadband ?

Broadband means, very simply, a high-speed connection to the Internet that is 'always on'. It is up to 10 times faster than a 56K modem enabling you to view web content and download files more quickly. It's called broadband because it has a much larger capacity to receive (and send) data.

How do I choose the service that's right for me ?

This will depend on what you will be using broadband for. If you are using it from home or a small office, choosing a service that offers a speed of 512Kbs is ideal for general surfing and emailing. However, if you are downloading lots of videos or sending very large files, it may be better to choose a broadband service with even higher capacity. Please contact us further advice.

Am I charged for the time my broadband modem or computer is online ?

No, with our broadband packages you'll pay a fixed amount each month, no matter how often you use it.

Are there any limitations I should be aware of ?

Very few, but satellite technology introduces limitations in certain applications. Unlike some of our competitors, our packages accept direct connection to Macintosh, Linux, Unix or Windows NT operating systems. Our smaller Satellite Broadband packages are not suitable for:

Some remote control software and video & voice over IP (VOIP)
Heavy uplink traffic, such as Web or FTP hosting
Certain VPN applications
Online gaming and peer-to-peer networking
Some of these issues can be overcome in our high end products and we are happy to advise on such matters.

Can I connect more than one user to the service ?

Yes. Unlike several of our competitors it is possible to connect the equipment directly to a router, or other network LAN devices, to share the connection with other users. For a small cost we can supply and install a router that will enable you to share your connection with multiple users.

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

Yes. With all our services connection via non Microsoft Windows platforms is straightforward.

What connection speeds should I expect ?

The speed of connection will vary depending on the package you select. Our cheapest Satellite Broadband system will operate up to a maximum download speed of 512Kbs, and a maximum burst uplink connection of 128Kbs. i Sat500pro and i Sat1000 systems will operate at sustained download speeds of 512Kbs, and uplink speeds of 256Kbs. Speeds may be lower during busy 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.

Are there limits to how much data I can transfer ?

You will get a 'Priority Traffic' allocation per month. Up to this level of traffic you will get data transfer rates as specified. Above this level you will not be 'cut off' but you will share the service with other users. We have designed the service to be as open and flexible as possible, while ensuring fair use for all users. Unlike other services, where hard transfer limits apply over which you are charged per additional MB, Trisat employ a Fair Use 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 caps on download or any hidden changes.

What is a Fair Use Policy?

The Fair Use Policy (FUP) has been defined buy our Satellite Provider (Satlynx) to enable each user to receiver a high quality internet access service via Satellite. The FUP is implemented to prevent un fair use and an unacceptable use of the network.

Does the Fair Use Policy apply to both upload and download?

Yes, traffic volume is measured on both the inbound and outbound connection and is measured over a previous 30 day period. All customers are assigned a priority traffic usage.

What is priority traffic?

Priority traffic is the amount of traffic that can be used (upload and download) before a restriction is applied.

What is my priority traffic usage?

This depends on the monthly service option. Please use the table below to check the services.

Note: The Sat 500 -1000pro system has reached end of life.
 

What happens if I exceed my priority traffic usage, will I be permanently cut off?

 
No, you will not be permanently cut off, only after you have exceeded your four levels of traffic usage, your connection will be suspended. This will be during business hours (7am -7pm GMT) and will last until your traffic usage is reduced. The suspension will be lifted in the evening (7pm-7am GMT). This is to help maintain a quality of service for all users.

Is the Fair Use Policy applied 24 hours a day?

Yes, but there is a night time policy from 7pm – 7am where only 50% of the total transferred data volume is counted in the calculation of the priority traffic usage and all user can download, unrestricted between the above times.

Can I check how much traffic I am using?

Yes, we provide a quality of service (QOS) tool that can be accessed via a web browser (http://217.159.0.81) only when connected to the Satellite broadband system. This will show your traffic usage (upload / download) for the past 24 hours and 30 days.

Can I get more advice on the Fair Use Policy / Quality Of Service manager?

Yes, a member of our technical team will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.

Are outgoing mail services included ?

Yes. an SMTP email server is provided for users to send email because most ISP or hosting companies will not allow email sending from users that do not connect using their system.

I've heard of latency issues with satellite - what does this mean ?

Due to the distance travelled by the signal to/from your computer and the Internet Hub, via the satellite, older satellite technologies exhibited a noticeable lag between communications. The Satellite Broadband service employs software techniques to minimise this lag, including an Internet Protocol Accelerator, IPA. In use, when a web page is requested for example, the IPA strips out surplus protocol data and requests, and retrieves the page in fewer larger 'pieces', than a typical dialup connection for example which assembles the page piece by piece. Similarly this technique is ideal for handling large file or email downloads.

Can I make fax calls over the service ?

No. The service is intended for Internet Access, freeing up your existing phone lines for normal calls and saving on dialup internet and ISP call costs. Similarly, the system does not receive TV signals.

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 an approved installer to remove and re-install the outdoor equipment (dish etc). If you are looking for a transportable system that can fixed to a vehicle please check our mobile system section.

Can I get a connection faster than 512Kbs ?

Yes. Higher-level service for corporate and large educational installations are available from Trisat that support large user networks, direct connection to LANs, and connection speeds of up to 2Mbs downlink and 1Mbs uplink. Pricing is subject to exact configuration required.

Will I need to buy any extra software ?

As your broadband connection is 'always on', it is a good idea to install firewall software to protect you from any attempts by hackers to access the files on your computer. Trisat strongly recommends that you install a suitable Firewall and Antivirus software to protect your computer from unauthorised access from the internet. For example, ZoneAlarm is a handy personal firewall application, free for personal use (see www.zonelabs.com). You will also need software as for any other service such as your Internet Browser and Email Client Software. Commercial and free packages are available and suitable and we're happy to advise you on this subject.