- What is broadband?
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Broadband means very simply, a high-speed connection to the Internet that is 'always on'. Satellite broadband can now deliver up to 22Mbps* download speeds across Europe.
* - Like all UK broadband services, all of the speeds quoted in our website are what is commonly referred to as “up to” speeds. You can access Avonline Fair Access Policy section at the foot of their webpage.
- Can I really get reliable Satellite Broadband anywhere in the UK?
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Yes - satellite broadband is available ANYWHERE in the UK (and mainland Europe as well) – it really is as simple as that. As long as there is electricity and you can see the sky, we can deliver fast broadband wherever you need it today.
- How do I choose the service that's right for me?
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We offer several different satellite broadband services with the widest range of data choices for consumer and business. What service or package you choose depends on what you will be using broadband for and how many people will be using the system. Our standard packages come with monthly data allowances that stretch from 25GB to 500GB. We also offer unlimited (uncapped) overnight options on selected packages. There are different choices for consumer and business alongside specialist industry specific solutions like broadcast and SNG.
If you are still unsure what package to choose and you would like some free, impartial advice, please call us on 07891 216529 during office hours and we shall be happy to help you.
- How much data will I need?
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Data usage really depends upon how many users use the service and what main types of online activity do they enjoy. It doesn’t matter whether you get this right or not at the start as we offer a 90 day no quibble, upgrade or downgrade service that’s free of charge.
Action |
Data used |
Level |
VoIP/Skype |
Voice call = 0.73 MB/min Video call = 2.12 MB/min |
Low |
Software updates |
Up to 5GB |
High |
Catch-Up TV |
Normal 1hr = 0.75GB HD 1hr = 2.75GB |
High |
iCloud/Dropbox back-up |
Depends on amount of data stored |
Very high |
Spotify |
7.25hrs = 1GB |
Medium |
YouTube/Netflix/Online video |
30min = 0.2GB |
Very high |
High Definition movie download |
3.5-4.5GB per movie |
Very high |
Web browsing |
20hrs = 1.5GB |
Low |
Email |
200 email = 70MB (depending on attachments) |
Low |
iTunes music download |
120MB per hour |
Medium |
HD video |
1 hour = 2GB |
Very high |
Low Definition movie download |
0.75GB per movie |
Medium |
- Am I charged for the time my broadband modem or computer is online?
- No. With our packages you pay a set service charge by direct debit each month for a fixed volume of data no matter how often you use it. If you happen to use all of your monthly data you can simply pay to top up with data boosters until the next month (a bit like Pay as You Go Mobile) or alternatively you can simply upgrade to the next package.
- Does Satellite Broadband have any limitations I should be aware of?
-
All satellite services suffer a small (0.7 second) delay known as latency, this has a varying impact upon different internet uses. This means that there are a few specialised uses where it is important to select the correct system for but other than that, there is not much difference between satellite and other broadband services.
In general, no satellite service is ideal for:
- Online gaming and peer-to-peer networking
- Some remote control software
- Certain VPN applications
If you specifically need to do one or more of the above, we recommend that you call us for some advice before you make any decision and we are always happy to advise on such matters. See also the Technical section that has further information on latency.
BigBlu Broadband Plc have a web page dedicated to data management and fair access policies "https://bigblu.co.uk/tooway-fair-use-policy/ (FAP)". The satellite operator may update these policies from time to time so BigBlu Broadband Plc will always hold current and legacy policies on this webpage for customers to access. Some of the more common questions are covered below.
- Are there limits to how much data I can transfer?
-
Yes, each package has a monthly data allowance. Our packages have a fixed data allowance each month. Once you’ve used up your allowance for the month, your system will slow right down until the next month’s data allowance is credited to your account. If you do run out of data, you can buy booster tokens or upgrade to the next package – see below. You can check your usage level at any time via the Customer Portal. You will see 7 blocks greyed out representing 1 month’s usage. As you use data the block will change to blue, representing a seventh of your Data allocation.
Some packages also offer unlimited (or uncapped) data downloads during the overnight period (e.g. 00:00 to 06:00). If you have this feature, the data used during the qualifying period does not count towards your fixed monthly data allowance.
- What is a Fair Access Policy?
-
If it applies to your service, the "https://bigblu.co.uk/tooway-fair-use-policy/ (FAP)" sets out how the Satellite Operator controls the data passing through their satellite to allow the fairest access to all users. The FAP is implemented to prevent unfair use by a small minority of customers or for anything considered to be an unacceptable use of the network by the Satellite Operator.
The Fair Access Policy may change from time to time at the discretion of the Satellite Operator. Any customer whose usage exceeds the limits set by the Satellite Operator will be classed as a Heavy User and will see their speeds reduced during periods of high network usage until their usage drops back to average levels.
Usually the FAP applies to both upload and download traffic i.e. traffic volume is measured on both the inbound and outbound connection.
- What happens if I exceed my traffic usage, will I be cut off?
- No, you will not be cut off, but your bandwidth will be severely reduced until you start the next monthly cycle. This is to help maintain a consistent quality of service for all users.
- Can I buy more data if I exceed my traffic usage?
- Yes – you have two choices. If you think that you would be better suited with the data allowance on the next package, we can upgrade you quickly, usually on the same day that you ask us to. You will then benefit from the additional data (on a pro-rata basis for the upgrade month). Alternatively, if you need additional data for a one-off purpose, you can purchase booster tokens, starting at 10GB, which can be added to your account at anytime.
- Is the Fair Access Policy applied 24 hours a day?
- Yes it is, if it applies to your service.
- Can I check how much traffic I am using?
- Yes, you can check this easily via the Customer Portal. You will see 7 blocks greyed out representing 1 month’s usage. As you use data the block will change to blue, representing a seventh of your Data allocation. We can also arrange to message you when you are close to your monthly limit during any cycle.
- How can I check what download or upload performance I am getting?
- You can check the download and upload speeds of Tooway installations by using the following link:
http://speedprobe.skylogicnet.com