Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does 2-way Satellite Internet work?

Clients using 2-way Satellite Broadband service connect to the Internet via an earth station consisting of a parabolic microwave antenna - a satellite dish with receiving and transmitting capabilities. The earth station sends and receives signals to a satellite in geostationary orbit around the Earth. The satellite communicates with another earth station which is connected to the Internet. 2-way satellite communication means no other terrestrial links are required - no phone line is needed, allowing access to broadband anywhere.

What areas are covered?

Satellite Broadband coverage is dependent on the satellite footprint and signal strength. Broadband Wherever covers the UK from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

Will I need a large dish?

The size of dish required is dependent on your location within the satellite footprint (the closer you are to the centre of the footprint, the smaller the dish).

Can I use my existing satellite TV dish?

No - satellite TV systems are 1-way, which means that they simply receive a signal. Our Satellite Broadband systems are 2-way: they both receive a signal and send one back to the satellite. This means that the type of dish is different to that used for receiving satellite TV.

Do I need a dedicated phone line?

The satellite system looks after both reception and transmission, so works completely independently of phone system. A phone line may be temporarily required during the initial installation.

Can I install it myself?

No - professional installation of the Satellite Internet dish is required. Since the satellite dish can transmit to any satellite in space, it is important to position it properly. It is possible to disrupt the wrong satellite by an improperly aligned satellite dish - therefore it must be installed professionally. We are happy to arrange installation of Satellite Broadband anywhere within the UK.

Am I always connected?

Yes - extreme weather conditions can temporarily disrupt satellite communications, but often do not last long.

Is data unlimited / what is Fair Use Policy?

To ensure the highest level of service, each tariff is allocated a priority threshold. For all data transferred below this threshold you will receive the data rates at the specified levels. Above this level your Satellite Internet service will not be terminated, hence allowing unlimited data transfer, but you will share your allocated bandwidth with other users. This means heavy users may see a reduction in Satellite Broadband connection speed during peak periods. This is referred to as our Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Do I need a license?

Yes - you do require a license since you are operating a 2-way radio antenna. Broadband Wherever applies for this on your behalf during the sales procedure.

What is RoHS compliant?

The RoHS Directive stands for ‘the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment’. This Directive bans the placing on the EU market of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.