Frequently Asked Questions

Is the service right for me ?
Are there any limitations I should be aware of ?
I have an existing service with BT/Tiscali. Can I transfer to Digiweb ?
Can I connect more than one user to the service ?
Can I use this equipment with my Apple Mac or Linux computer ?
What connection speeds should I expect ?
Are there limits to how much data I can transfer ?
Are email and other services included ?
I've heard of latency issues with satellite - whats that all about ?
Can I make phone or fax calls over the service ?
Is the equipment/service mobile - can I use it at different locations ?
Can I get a connection faster than 512kb ?
Is any extra software required ?
Is the service affected by bad weather ?

Is the service right for me ?
Digiweb Satellite Broadband is ideal for:
    Small to Medium sized Office, Teleworker, or Home usage
    Schools and Community Groups
    Multi-site interconnectivity
    Fast file downloads and streaming audio/video
    Avoiding dial-up delays and disconnects
    High-speed Internet access at an affordable cost
    Software-based Internet connection sharing
    Web surfing, e-mail, instant messaging
    Certain VPN applications
 

Are there any limitations I should be aware of ?
Satellite communication introduces a latency which means some applications may not work optimally or perhaps not all. We recommend that the service not be used for:
    Heavy uplink traffic, such as Web or FTP hosting
    Remote control software, and video & voice over IP (VOIP)
    Frequent large file and e-mail uploads
    Online gaming and peer-to-peer networking
 

I have an existing service with BT/Tiscali. Can I transfer to Digiweb ?
Yes. The Digiweb satellite service uses the Eurobird 39 E satellite and the Hellassat satellite. This means we can accept transfers of service from existing users with other operators. Your current service provider must however also operate from one of these satellites 

Can I connect more than one user to the service ?
Yes. Using appropriate connection sharing software (such as utilities included in Windows, or WinProxy/Wingate or others), or using an appropriate Broadband Router (not an ISDN Router) the connection may be shared with other computers on your network. Please note it is not permitted to share the connection with any Third Party. We provide a number of short guides relating to connection sharing but can only offer limited telephone support due to the huge variation of network configurations and equipment. 

Can I use this equipment with my Apple Mac or Linux computer ?
Yes. The new SkyStar 360E platform is Ethernet based and will support Apple Mac and Linux computers and networks. Please note that only limited support is available for these platforms. 

What connection speeds should I expect ?
The connection speeds will depend on the package you have selected, please refer to our services page (click here)

These are maximum speeds and average speeds may be lower during peak periods as the network is a shared connection with other users. Speeds experienced will also be governed by levels of Internet usage or congestion outside the satellite network on servers you are visiting or connecting to. For example, on the SkyStar package, sustained data rates of 200-400kbps during office hours are typical.
 

Are there limits to how much data I can transfer ?
Digiweb have designed the service to be as open and flexible as possible, while ensuring fair access for all users. Unlike other services, where hard transfer limits apply over which you are charged per additional MB, Digiweb primarily employ a Fair Access Policy. In summary this means that during peak usage times, heavier users of the service will experience some reduction in their connection speed, ensuring an equitable access for all users throughout the day. There are no hard download caps nor any hidden charges.

In 2005 we will refine this policy to provide priority traffic level to users with less than 2000 MB traffic, and lower priority to users over this threshold � this prioritisation should only have effect during peak hours. 

Are email and other services included ?
Yes. Digiweb's Broadband Satellite service is one of the most fully featured Broadband Services available. Your flat monthly fee includes all of the following features absolutely FREE!!:

    50 MB Web Site Hosting - host your site and save further costs
    Domain name - free .com or .co.uk domain if you need one (or .ie for €50 extra)
    1 IP Address - or 5 IP addresses on the SkyStar Plus service
    50 Email Accounts - give email addresses at your domain to colleagues and friends
    Web-based Email Service - collect email no matter where you are
    Account control panel - manage email accounts and hosting options
    Web Site Designer - online web site design and maintenance suite
 

I've heard of latency issues with satellite - whats that all about ?
Due to the distance travelled by the signal between your computer and the Internet Hub, via the satellite, older satellite technologies exhibited a noticeable lag between communications. The Digiweb Satellite Broadband service employs software techniques to minimise this lag, including protocol accelerators. In use, when a web page is requested for example, the accelerator strips out surplus protocol data and requests and retrieves the page in fewer larger 'pieces' than a typical dialup connection, which for example assembles the page piece by piece. Similarly this technique is ideal for handling large file or email downloads. You will still notice the latency effect though, may make the service unsuitable for certain uses, as noted earlier on this page. 

Can I make phone or fax calls over the service ?
No. The service is intended solely for Internet Access, freeing up your existing phone lines for regular calls, and saving on dialup internet and ISP call costs. 

Is the equipment/service mobile - can I use it at different locations ?
As the service is a 2-way link the alignment with the satellite is critical, and thus it is not suitable for mobile applications. If you move premises you will require a Digiweb approved installer to remove and re-install the outdoor equipment (dish etc.) and re-commission it with the Hub. 

Can I get a connection faster than 512kb ?
Digiweb are introducing a higher-level service for corporate and large educational installations which will support large user networks, direct connection to LANs, and connection speeds of up to 4Mb/s downlink and 1Mb/s uplink. Pricing is subject to exact configuration required. For quotation please contact Digiweb, or email . 

Is any extra software required ?
You will need regular software as for any other service such as your Internet Browser and Email Client Software. As this is an Always-On connection, Digiweb strongly recommends that you install a suitable Firewall and Antivirus software to protect your computer or network from unauthorised access from the internet. (WinProxy from Ositis Software includes a Firewall, Antivirus, and Connection Share all in one handy package. ZoneAlarm is a handy personal firewall application, free for personal use.) Other Commercial and free packages are available and suitable, and we're pleased to assist you with same. 

Is the service affected by bad weather ?
The Digiweb Broadband Satellite service will be available over 99.5% of the time, but may be affected only by extremely heavy rain or snow, normally encountered under storm conditions. The service is not affected by fog, regular rain, or wind.