[su_accordion]

StarBand High Speed Internet Questions

[su_spoiler title=”What Is StarBand High-Speed Internet?”]StarBand High Speed Internet is a high-speed Internet connection using radio waves and satellites. The system work similar to your satellite tv, expect that you receive and transmit your information. While it works like other high speed Internet solutions, it does have its limitations, but these are the same for all satellite based Internet solutions. See other FAQ’s below for more information.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Is StarBand Affected By The Weather?”]Generally, your service will be running at greater then 99.5%, but like satellite TV, there are times that the weather will affect your service. During normal weather events, you should have no problem using your system. During extremely heavy down-pours and heavy snow events you may lose some or all of your connection, similar to your satellite TV.

Due to the nature of how StarBand systems are installed (usually) and the high specifications required by the FCC, you will usually have your Internet service longer than your satellite TV service during a storm. There is no guarantee that your system will or will not work during weather events.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Are There Any Applications That Will Work Differently Over StarBand?”]Yes. Certain applications do not perform efficiently in a satellite-delivered environment, such as voice/video over IP (VoIP), VPN and remote access applications, certain online interactive games (particularly “shooter” games that depend on split-second responsiveness for the “survival” of the player), and applications that use non-TCP/IP protocols (such as IPX/SPX).

VPN client software bypasses TCP Acceleration and Web Page Acceleration and as a result speeds are similar to that of a dial-up connection. Real-time gaming applications rely on instantaneous feedback and even when using the accelerator software performance the remaining latency is still often too much for satisfactory performance.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”How Fast Is StarBand Internet Service?”]It compares to slower speeds of DSL. At this time (subject to change), the highest speed available is up-to 1.5 Mbps (download) and 256 Kbps (upload). This is great for checking your emails, browsing the internet, watching videos (not streaming in cases) and other basic online operations.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Can I Use StarBand For VoIP Service, Such As Service Name?”]I use MgicJack, Vonage, RingCentral or some other VoIP (Voice of Internet Protocol) phone service, will I be able to use it with StarBand? While the answer from StarBand is no, there have been some customers (through information we have found online) that have been able to make these types of phone service work, but just as the same issue with games, for the most part you will not be able to use StarBand with these types of services.

Chris Hodgdon’s Computer Service LLC can not advice as to whether you can get away with using a VoIP application on your system. If you ask us, we will tell you know that it can not be used do to system limitations. We will not assist is setting up a VoIP system on your StarBand system.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What Does The Installation Cost?”]It depends on what program you order through StarBand. If you purchase the StarBundle package (subject to qualification), standard installation (only) is free. If you do not qualify for the StarBundle option, the installation cost is $225 (subject to change) + tax. This includes all materials for a Standard Installation only. Non-Standard Installations have extra expenses, regardless of your system purchase options, this means, even if you qualify for the StarBundle and your installation does not qualify as standard, there will be additional cost.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What Does A Standard Installation Include?”]The definition of a Standard Installation as provided by StarBand is the following:

• Installation within 50 miles of a Spacenet Installation Facility. In our case, Kaufman, Texas.
• A standard 24″ x 35″ elliptical dish installation and associated hardware.
• Installation of standard roof/wall mount hardware.
• 2 feeds of 75 feet of cable* (totaling 150 feet) between the dish and the indoor equipment. Interior cables will be exposed (not pulled within the walls).
• Pointing and fine tuning the StarBand system.
• Creating or using one existing point of entry into the home for the two cables that will be used for your StarBand system.
• Installing a wall plate on the interior side of the point of entry (similar to those used in the cable TV industry.)
• Configuration of the StarBand satellite modem
• Ensuring your StarBand service is up and running on one PC (no network setup).
• 90-day installation warranty.

* Generally we use dual RG-6 satellite cable for our runs, as it is cleaner than running two separate pieces of wire. This type of cable counts as 2 separate feeds, since it is actually 2 cables connected side by side.[/su_spoiler]
[/su_accordion]