Satellite FAQ's

Why should I go with your services while DirecWay and Starband are offering similar service?
"One way" is a faster, more reliable, economical service with better customer care. It's faster and more reliable because "one way" doesn't experience the same time-out delays caused by the "two way" approach of uploading requests to the satellite. Satellites are really designed to broadcast, but not receive information. One way takes advantage of satellite's strengths by using it for downloading of information only. The uploading of information is handled over the telephone line. As you know, when you're using a dial-up service, you are rarely waiting to upload your page requests or e-mails. All the waiting time is based on downloading the information over your telephone line. The use of satellite to download eliminates the problem.

Our customer service is better. The two way companies are notorious for their poor customer service records. We're local. If you have a problem, you'll always know we're right here to help you.

For more details and to check out what "two way" users are saying go to http://www.dslreports.com.

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Is satellite high-speed internet access faster than DSL?
Not necessarily. Our satellite broadband is used mostly in places where DSL isn't available, thereby giving people who live in rural areas a true broadband solution.

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Do I have to buy equipment?
Yes, the equipment costs $120 and up depending on the package you choose. If for some reason it is determined that you do not have a line of sight to the Satellite you can return the equipment. It must be in it's original box, and you will be responsible for the return shipping costs.

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Can I share my connection to the Internet with other computers on my home network?
Yes. If you install the conneciton on a computer that is running Windows XP, you can do this by enabling "Network Sharing". If you do not have a machine that is running Windows XP, you can purchase a program called "WinProxy" which will allow you to share your connection. We do not support the setup or troubleshooting of internet connection sharing.

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Is the satellite dish the same as the one used for TV?
No. The satellite is slightly larger. It is therefore more stable through storms, wind, and cloudy days/nights.

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What if the telephone lines in my area are bad? Won't that affect the one way service?
If your telephone infrustructure is bad, you're probably used to slow dial-up connection rates. The good news is, this won't effect your high-speed surfing experience! Downloading information (in the form of web pages, photos, and music) makes up 80% of internet activity. High-speed surfing only becomes a reality when information from the web can immediately download (or arrive) on your machine. Telephone lines cannot support the immediate delivery of large amounts of information. There's just too much information to fit through that small pipe, so the information trickles through it. It's all made worse if your telephone infrastructure is bad. However, our broadband satellite service only uses your telephone line to upload small amounts of information (for example web page requests). This small amount of information moves quickly and easily through your telephone line directly to the website you're visiting. The website then blasts the page to your computer via the satellite, resulting in downloads up to 400kbps. That is a true web surfing experience!

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What are the advantages of a "one-way" satellite system over a "two-way" satellite system?

• Since "two way" satellite systems are not standards based, FTP and POP e-mail are very unreliable.
• Our "one way" satellite system is less expensive than a "two way" system.
• Severe weather conditions can affect any satellite based system. In fact, the end user of a "two way" satellite system can experience a complete loss of connection. A "one way" satellite system uses both the satellite link and a redundant terrestrial telephone link to the internet. This means that the end user connection may temporarily slow down in the case of very severe weather conditions but will not fail.
• Upload times on a "one way" satellite system are three to six times faster then on a "two way" satellite system.

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Can I use my existing telephone line?
Yes. You will use it the same way that you use your dial-up connection. When you are using the satellite service, your phone line will be connected to the Internet.

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What is the difference between DSL and satellite high-speed/broadband?
DSL operates over special telephone cables, and is distance limited. DSL only covers approximately a three mile radius from the telephone local switch. With satellite broadband, as long as you can point the satellite dish towards the satellite you can receive the signal.

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Why Satellite?
Not every home has access to DSL or Cable broadband internet access services and the costs of setting up this technology throughout the country to each home are in the billions of dollars. Satellite is a lot quicker and less expensive to install because it doesn't have the same expensive infrastructure requirements. The download of information from the Internet to your computer goes from satellite direct to your PC. The upload of information from your computer to the Internet goes first via an existing phone line to The River and then is uploaded to the satellite. So you are using equipment that is already in place.

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How long does the installation process take?
Most installations take an hour and a half. The River will schedule an appointment for you once you receive the equipment. It takes approximately 2-3 weeks from the time you order until the time your service is up and running.

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What can I download?
Everything the web has to offer.

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What are the minimum system requirements?

• Pentium 2 333 MHz (or better)
• 64 MB of RAM
• Windows 98 Second Edition or better
• An available PCI slot or USB port
• CD-Rom drive
• 28.8 kbps modem or faster

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Shouldn't I just wait for Cable/DSL to come to the area?
You could, but you may be waiting a few years. Since the late 90's the cable industry has been slow to upgrade their systems. Did you know that it costs over $100,000 a mile to run fiber optics? There are miles of cable in your town today. If you do not have access, today, it may be at least 3 to 5 years for it to become available.

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If I move can I take the equipment with me?
Yes.

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What is the difference between my dial-up and satellite broadband?
A tremendous time savings to you! Your dial up brings back information from websites into your computer at anywhere from 5 to 56k, while the satellite will bring the same information to your computer at 320-400kbps. The theoretical maximum speed over your telephone line back into your computer is 42kpbs. This is a time saving of 5-20 times, not unlike driving a car 25 MPH versus 125-500 MPH.

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What is high-speed or broadband access?
High-speed/broadband access to the internet typically refers to speeds that meet or exceed 300kbps. As a comparison, typical dial-up speeds are in the range of 28.8kbps or 56kbps. High speed/broadband access, therefore, is a timesaving tool that allows you to work faster while you are using the internet.

Satellite broadband allows you to get what you want, when you want, without the long wait in between. By upgrading to our Satellite Broadband service, your internet experience isn't limited to text and images anymore. Almost all of the most popular (and even the smaller sites) are offering audio and video downloads and streams today. Many people are surfing the internet for their entertainment (sports, movies, etc.) and spending a lot less time with cable and satellite TV because it's available On-Demand. Our Satellite Broadband allows you to download your favorite music, video clips, television shows, and even movies that you can pause and rewind just like a VCR.

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Why would I want to upgrade my dial-up Internet service?
To perform research more quickly in support of schoolwork, business work, or personal development. The faster speed means less waiting time, increasing work efficiency, and making telecommuting or working from home a practical reality. With the decreased time that it takes to download information, you can more effectively manage the time you spend on the Internet.

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Does your service work with Macs?
Only Macs connected to a home network. We are looking into a Mac compatible solution and will let you know when it is available.

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If you need more help with any of our products or services
please contact us at 1.888.Nationwide (628-4669)