HughesNet Satellite Internet		Other Satellite Internet

See Some BAD WildBlue Install Photos

 

¹	The WildBlue Fair Access Policy (FAP) is based on a rolling 30 day limit on data usage per customer called a usage threshold. If you exceed the FAP threshold, your bandwidth (speed) will be reduced for the remainder of the 30 day period when your system quota refreshes and you are again within your limits. During this period, your bandwidth will be reduced to 28Kbps until your system refreshes.
²	The HughesNet Fair Access Policy (FAP) is based on cumulative download threshold for a set volume of data and is not based on a 30 day period. While you are using up your allotted bandwidth, your system is also refreshing. If you exceed the FAP threshold, your bandwidth (speed) will be reduced for a period of time until your system quota refreshes and you are again within your limits. During this period, your bandwidth will be reduced to 56-400Kbps until your system refreshes. This typically takes from 12-24 hours depending on your usage.
³	HughesNet offers 3hrs of unlimited/unmetered downloads from 3-6EST on all residential plans
*	HughesNet & WildBlue prices are shown after instant savings and mail-in rebates.

1	Upload Threshold is the volume of data that can be uploaded during the previous 30 days before the Fair Access Policy may restrict the user’s speeds.
2	Download Threshold is the volume of data that can be downloaded during the previous 30 days before the Fair Access Policy may restrict the user’s speeds.

*	Download Threshold is the volume of data that can be downloaded continuously before the Fair Access Policy may restrict the download speed.
**	Recovery Rate is the rate in kilobits per second, at which a service plan recovers the Download Threshold. FAP quotas typically refresh in a relatively short time period (1-8 hours)

HughesNet service and system was compiled from www.hns.com and www.HughesNet.com as of 6/01/07. WildBlue service and system data was compiled from www.wildblue.com as of 6/01/07. For latest information on either service please refer to this website.

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) is the world’s leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for government, business, and consumers. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services and IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the HughesNet brand. HNS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc., which is wholly owned by SkyTerra Communications, Inc.

HNS has over 30 years experience in global operations, with over 325,000 consumer and small business subscribers in the United States and 1,000,000 systems world wide in 85 countries. HughesNet is the secure Internet solution of choice for 36% of convenience stores nationwide with retail installations in over 50,000 gas station/convenience stores. According to the 2005 annual VSAT industry report prepared by Communications Systems Limited (COMSYS), HNS had a worldwide market share of 55% in 2004 based on the number of terminals shipped.

HNS’ invention of small satellite dishes, generally 1.8 meters or less wide, commonly known as very small aperture terminals, or VSATs, over 20 years ago enabled it to provide large enterprises highly reliable, end-to-end communications with guaranteed quality of service regardless of the number of sites or their geographic location. HNS’ networks are used for a variety of applications such as Intranet and Internet access, voice services, connectivity to suppliers, franchisees and customers, credit authorization, inventory management, content delivery and video distribution. HNS often customizes the applications for particular markets.

HNS currently serves more than 200 large companies in the Fortune 1000, mainly in businesses which have numerous widely dispersed operating units like gas service stations, convenience stores, fast food franchises, automotive dealerships and retail stores. HNS leveraged its experience in these areas and adapted its technologies to service growing markets like small business and residential. HNS is currently the largest satellite broadband Internet access provider to consumers in North America, with approximately 300,000 subscribers.

WildBlue was founded as KaSTAR Satellite Communications in Colorado in April 1995. In May 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigned WildBlue fixed-satellite service (FSS) licenses for 2 orbital locations. WildBlue launched its Internet service in June 2005 after gaining access to the U.S. capacity of Telesat Canada's Anik F2 telecommunications satellite which launched in July 2004. WildBlue's second satellite, WildBlue-1, was contracted to be built by Space Systems/Loral and is planned for launch in late 2006 or early 2007. WildBlue-2 is in the process of being built by Hughes Communications and WildBlue-3 is in the process of being procured.

Initial service was offered in areas administered by the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative which services many rural areas of the United States. Service areas will be expanded and are scheduled to be rolled out to selected regions of the US beginning in 2006. WildBlue installed its first customer in June of 2005 and set a goal to have 25,000 customers by the end of 2005.

 

Picture # 1 shows where it came into the house 6 in. above the carpet in a closet/bedroom and then out of that room 12 in. above the carpet..
Picture # 2 shows the cable being ran at an angle down my roof. (what the installer couldn't run a straight line?)
Picture # 3 is where the wire came out into the office 12 in. above the carpet and the modem was plugged in there.
Picture # 4 shows how they ran the cable on the outside of my house between the rain gutter and our front entrance.
Picture # 5&3 shows how they ran a red Cat-5 cable across the room and behind the desk and plugged it into the computer.

Their great deal this month is free installation. I guess you get what you pay for.
I'll never let them back into my house again!