General Information:

1. What is the WildBlue service and where is it available?
2. Why should I get WildBlue?
3. How hard is it to use?
4. Who do I call if I have a problem?
5. What equipment is needed to get the WildBlue service?
6. What are my computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
7. Are there any cancellation fees?
8. What kind of speed can I expect?

Services and Prices:

9. What does WildBlue Cost?
10. What email do I get with my WildBlue Account?
11. Do I get web space with my WildBlue account?
12. Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
13. Will WildBlue require a separate account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
14. If I sign up for WildBlue service, can I keep my AOL® account?
15. Will you limit heavy bandwidth users?
16. Do you offer a limited warranty on the equipment?

Availability Information:

17. When and where will the service be available?
18. Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?

Installation Information:

19. What will the installation process be like? Can I install my own dish?
20. Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
21. Do customers have to have a phone line in addition to the satellite connection?
22. Do I need a southern line of sight to receive a signal from your satellite?

Technical Information:

23. How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL
24. What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
25. Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
26. What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?
27. What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on your service?
28. What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
29. Is WildBlue service affected by weather?

General Information

1. What is the WildBlue service and where is it available?
   WildBlue is a high-speed Internet access service for homes, home offices and small offices. It will be available in virtually every location across the continental United States.
   Back to Top
   
   
2. Why should I get WildBlue?
   WildBlue 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 WildBlue, you get an "always on" connection which means no dialing-in or other delays to get high-speed access to the Internet.
   Back to Top
   
   
3. How hard is it to use?
   Not hard at all. Once we professionally install your WildBlue system, 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."
   Back to Top
   
   
4. Who do I call if I have a problem?
   You just call the friendly customer care agents at Winn Internet Technical Support. We'll have a person you can talk to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer Care: 1-888-326-4269 (toll free)
   Back to Top
   
   
5. What equipment is needed to get the WildBlue service?
   It's easy. All you need is a WildBlue mini dish and a WildBlue modem. (See Equipment Information)
   Back to Top
   
   
6. What are my minimum computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
   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.
   Back to Top
   
   
   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 9.x, OS 10.2 or higher operating system. 100 MB of hard drive space and an Ethernet card are required.
   Back to Top
   
   
7. Are there any cancellation fees?
   WildBlue 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. Specific information is covered in the Customer Agreement. 
   Back to Top
   
    
8. What kind of speed can I expect?
   WildBlue will offer different packages that provide you different speed levels. Our core Value Service will offer up to 512 Kbps download speed. We plan to offer other services with up to 1.5 Mbps download speeds.
   Back to Top
   
   

Services and Prices

9. What does WildBlue cost?
   There are two costs - an up front fee to pay for the equipment and professional installation, and a monthly service fee for the high-speed Internet access. The up-front fee for equipment and professional installation is $299.00. We will offer a variety of packages at different monthly fees, including a Value Service at $49.95 per month.
   Back to Top
   
   

10. What types of email options do I get with my WildBlue account?
    WildBlue offers an advanced suite of Internet services including the commonly used POP3 (like Outlook or Outlook Express) and web-based email options. WildBlue customers will receive between 5 and 10 email addresses (each with at least 10 MB capacity depending on the package chosen). More email addresses and additional capacity will be available for a minimal extra charge.
    Back to Top
    
    

11. Do I get web space with my WildBlue account?
    Yes. WildBlue provides customers with between 10 and 20 MB of web space as part of their WildBlue service package. The exact storage space depends on which package you choose to buy.
    Back to Top
     

12. Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
    Yes. WildBlue will offer a remote-access dial-up service to its WildBlue customers, allowing customers to access their email when they are not at home or out of the office. Instructions for remote access will be included with your installation.
    Back to Top
    
    

13. If I have WildBlue, do I need an additional account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
    No. The WildBlue 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 WildBlue service for your broadband Internet access. See your current ISP for details as separate ISP charges may apply.
    Back to Top
    
     

14. If I sign up for WildBlue service, can I keep my AOL® account?
    Yes, if you prefer. You can use WildBlue for high-speed broadband Internet access and keep your AOL® service if, for example, you want to retain your current email account. You will need to pay a separate fee directly to AOL® beyond your monthly WildBlue fee. Please contact AOL® directly for more information.
    Back to Top
    
     

15. Will you limit heavy bandwidth users?
    As is standard with other Internet Service Providers, WildBlue will ensure that its service operates at optimum speeds for all of its customers. Since WildBlue is a shared network, we will 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 will have no effect on their usage. For a few very heavy bandwidth users, the system may restrict their bandwidth and therefore their speed. Winn Telecom's Fair Access Policy will be well documented and communicated to you before you become a customer. We plan to offer multiple service levels that should accommodate most users' needs.
    Back to Top
    
     

16. Do you offer a limited warranty on the equipment?
    Yes. You will receive a 90-day labor/12 month parts limited warranty on all equipment at no charge when you become a customer. See our One Year Limited Warranty.
    Back to Top

 

Availability Information

17. When and where will the service be available?
    We expect to begin offering the WildBlue service in the second quarter of 2005 to customers across the continental U.S. We will place your name on the priority waiting list (there is no obligation to purchase the service) or you can sign up on our web site and we'll contact you when WildBlue is available in your area.
    Back to Top
    
18. Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?
    Not at this time. WildBlue service was designed for stationary locations like homes and small businesses. We do not offer broadband service for mobile vehicles at this time.
    Back to Top
    

Installation Information

19. What will the installation process be like? Can I install my own dish?
    Winn Telecom professional installers will quickly and efficiently install equipment and activate WildBlue'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 will connect to a satellite modem (a small box usually placed next to the computer), which will connect to your computer via an Ethernet connection. Installation will require an 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 currently being offered.
    Back to Top
    
    
20. Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
    Yes. WildBlue is compatible with all major wireless home networking products.
    Back to Top
    
     
21. Do customers have to have a phone line in addition to the satellite connection?
    No. WildBlue offers an efficient 2-way broadband connection that requires no phone lines.
    Back to Top
    
    
22. 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 WildBlue satellite.
    Back to Top
    

Technical Information

23. How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
    WildBlue's always-on broadband Internet connection provides a user experience similar to most DSL and cable modem services. At launch, we will offer downstream speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps - more than 30 times faster than today's dial-up speeds. WildBlue's high bandwidth opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up modems.
    Back to Top
    
    
24. What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
    Windows/PC: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP
    Mac: OS 9.x, OS 10.2 or higher
    Back to Top
    
    
25. Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
    Yes. The WildBlue service is compatible with Macintosh computers.
    Back to Top
    
    
26. What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?

Back to Top

27. Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with the WildBlue service?
    Yes. WildBlue recommends the use of SSL-based VPNs as they work well on the WildBlue network because they work efficiently over a satellite connection. Users of IP Sec-based VPNs will find that their VPN will work over the WildBlue network, but it may be slower due to the effects of latency. Winn Telecom's customer care representatives can explain more to you about VPNs.
    Back to Top
    
    
28. What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on your service?
    The WildBlue 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 quarter second as the signal travels up to the satellite and back down to the ground. 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, where latency will have a noticeable effect on performance over the WildBlue network, as it would on any satellite-delivered service.
    Back to Top
    
    
29. 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. 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.
    Back to Top
    
    
30. Is WildBlue service affected by weather?
    The WildBlue service is only minimally affected by weather, and only under extreme conditions. The WildBlue service will offer availability equal to that of satellite TV. Like satellite TV services, during a very heavy rainstorm, you may notice slower WildBlue speeds, but this should normally only last a few minutes
    Back to Top
    
    

Equipment Information

WildBlue Minidish WildBlue’s minidish (28”x 26”) both receives signals from the WildBlue satellite, and sends signals from the customer up to the satellite. Using the latest microwave receive and transmit technologies, WildBlue offers a small, efficient minidish which can be mounted on a roof, wall or via pole mount in the ground. WildBlue provides professional installation of the WildBlue equipment which will take approximately 2-3 hours. WildBlue offers a limited warranty on equipment.

WildBlue Satellite Modem A WildBlue modem is required to connect one or more customer PCs to the WildBlue network. WildBlue uses standardized modem technology based on the DOCSIS cable modem standards to offer a low-cost, small satellite modem. WildBlue provides professional installation of the WildBlue equipment which will take 2-3 hours. WildBlue offers a limited warranty on equipment.

Back to Top