Consumer High Speed Internet
Satellite Broadband Internet FAQ's
Better than ever!! Our broadband service will offer 2-way high-speed Internet access with no phone lines, no dial-up modem. It's always on, available virtually anywhere, and affordable.
Look below for answers to some of the more frequently asked questions regarding broadband service.
Where is the service available?
The service is available everywhere in Canada, click here for service map, and the lower 48 states.
U.S. customers should view Wildblue, our service partner’s website, by clicking here for service details.
Why is two-way wireless communication important?
Wireless service provides high-speed data in both directions, upstream and downstream. The two-way capability means customers do not need an additional phone or cable line or the expense of a traditional dial-up ISP in order to receive broadband Internet access.
Can I get High speed internet service in a mobile vehicle like a truck or RV?
No - this service is currently designed for stationary locations, such as homes and businesses.
What kind of equipment is needed to connect to the service?
Customers require a small antenna (about 0.67m), which can be installed on a roof or wall, cables, and a small indoor unit which is connected to your computer. The antenna, cables and indoor unit are sold as a package at extremely competitive prices.
What is the installation process? Can I install my own dish?
Professional installation specialists can quickly install equipment and activate your broadband service. The satellite dish is less than 0.67m in size and is easily mountable on a roof or outside wall. A cable from the dish will connect to a satellite modem (a small box placed next to the PC), which will connect to your PC via Ethernet. Installation requires trained and certified installation professionals to make sure that the dish is pointed at the satellite accurately and that all connections are made properly.
Do customers need a phone line in addition to the satellite service?
No - this is a 2-way, high-speed Internet service that requires no phone line connection.
If someone has satellite TV, do they need to have 2 dishes?
Yes, the current service offering requires an additional antenna. In order for customers to receive both Anik F2 broadband and satellite TV service, the antenna would need to be considerably larger (and more expensive) than customers would find acceptable.
How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
The two-way satellite service provides an always-on connection to the Internet with various data transfer speeds and price points to satisfy a wide range of user requirements. Service tiers range as high as 2 Mbps download and 0.5 Mbps upload. However, the average consumer may be satisfied with much lower speeds and lower monthly rates.
What are the minimum system requirements?
PC/ Windows: 166 MHz or faster, minimum 128 MB, Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, NT or XP. Ethernet support required. Macintosh: 300 MHz or faster, minimum of 128 MB, OS 9, OS 10.1 or higher, Ethernet support required.
Am I be able to attach more than one computer or user to the service?
Yes - the service supports a number of concurrent computers/users. However, a broadband router is needed (D-Link, Linksys, SMC, or similar consumer cable router). Telesat also recommends such a router to provide enhanced computer protection while surfing on the Internet.
What is the service cost?
This service is one of the most affordable satellite Internet services available, with low monthly fees and lower upfront equipment costs than most competitors offer today. Please contact Telesat's authorized Ka-band service provider for more information.
If I'm a business customer will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN)?
Yes, Telesat's Internet service does support IPSec transport. However, please contact your VPN provider and/or IT department to see if they have implemented solutions to accelerate traffic over a satellite link. Without specific solutions implemented, VPN IPSec would typically reduce the network access performance over satellite