WildBlue FAQs

The following are answers to commonly asked questions about WildBlue. Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact Baja Satellite, or call 530 903 4257

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

10. What does WildBlue cost?
11. What email do I get with my WildBlue account?
12. Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
13. If I have WildBlue, do I need an additional account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
14. If I sign up for WildBlue service, can I keep my AOL® account?
15. Does WildBlue limit heavy bandwidth users?
16. Does WildBlue offer a limited warranty on the equipment?

Availability Information

17. Where can I get WildBlue?
18. Will WildBlue service be available in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
19. Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?

Installation Information

20. What is the WildBlue installation process like? Can I install my own dish?
21. Will my Home Owners Association allow mounting the WildBlue dish?
22. Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
23. Do WildBlue customers need to have to have a phone line in addition to the satellite connection?
24. Do I need a southern line of sight to receive a signal from your satellite?

Technical Information

25. How fast is WildBlue service?
26. What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
27. Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
28. What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?
29. What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on WildBlue's service?
30. Does WildBlue support VoIP?
31. What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
32. Is the WildBlue service affected by weather?

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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 is available in virtually every location across the contiguous United States, including the Placerville area and throughout El Dorado County.
   
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. For file downloads, such as photos and music files, this can be as much as 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 to get high-speed access to the Internet.
   
3. How hard is it to use?
   Not hard at all. Once we professionally install your WildBlue system which will take 2 to 3 hours, 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."
   
4. Who do I call if I have a problem?
   If your system has been installed by Baja Satellite, you can call us at 530 903 4257. You can also call the friendly customer care agents at WildBlue. They'll have a person you can talk to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. WildBlue Customer Care: 1-866-WildBlue (945-3258) (toll free)
   
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. Learn more about WildBlue equipment.
   
6. What are my minimum computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
   Most computers in use today will meet WildBlue's minimum system requirements. If you don't know if you meet them, please contact Baja Satellite and we can help you figure it out.
   
   PC/ Windows: 300 MHz or faster processing speed, minimum 128 MB Random Access Memory (RAM), and Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating systems. At least 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 10.4 or higher operating system. 100 MB of hard drive space and an ethernet card are required.
   
7. Are there any cancellation fees?
   WildBlue customers are required to sign a 24 month contract when they initiate service. If you cancel the Service before completion of the Minimum Service Term or Extension Term, the Termination Fee is equal to the number of months left in your Minimum Service Term multiplied by $15.00.
   
8. What kind of speed can I expect?
   WildBlue offers packages that provide different speed levels. Their core Value Pak offers up to 512 Kbps download speed and up to 128 Kbps upload speed. Their Select Pak features download speeds up to 1.0 Mbps and upload speeds up to 200 Kbps. Their Pro Pak offers download speeds up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds up to 256 Kbps.

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Services and Prices

10. What does WildBlue cost?
    The WildBlue equipment is leased to you for the length of the time you're a WildBlue customer. There is a one-time activation fee of $149.95.Customers pay a low monthly lease fee of $9.95, similar to most cable and satellite television pricing models. During the entire period the equipment is leased, it is covered under WildBlue's worry-free equipment replacement warranty. As an added savings, customers have the option to prepay their first 24 months of lease fees for just $99.95, getting more than 7 months free. Professional installation is free. Please check out WildBlue's current offers.
    
    The monthly fee varies depending on the plan you choose. WildBlue offers a variety of service packages, including a Value Service at $49.95 per month. Learn more about the packages and prices WildBlue offer.
    
11. What types of email options do I get with my WildBlue account?
    WildBlue offers an advanced suite of Internet services powered through our partnership with Google.WildBlue customers will receive between 5 and 10 email addresses (each with at least 7 GB capacity). More email addresses are available for a minimal extra charge. Learn more about the packages we offer.
    
12. Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
    WildBlue offers an optional remote-access dial-up service, allowing you to access your email and the Internet when you're not at home or out of the office. Dial up service costs $7.95 / month for 10 hours of use per month. This is an optional service that is available to all customers.
    
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.
    
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.
    
15. Does WildBlue limit heavy bandwidth users?
    Similar to other Internet Service Providers, WildBlue manages its network through a Fair Access Policy so 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 has no effect on their usage. For a few very heavy bandwidth users who exceed the Fair Access Policy’s thresholds, the system will restrict their speeds until their usage falls below the threshold. See WildBlue's Fair Access Policy for details.
    
16. Does WildBlue offer a limited warranty on the equipment?
    Yes. You will receive a 90 day labor/24 months parts limited warranty on all equipment at no charge when you become a customer. View WildBlue's Two-year limited warranty.

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Availability Information

17. Where can I get WildBlue?
    WildBlue provides service and equipment through a variety of distribution channels. Baja Satellite, an authorized, WildBlue Retailer, offers WildBlue equipment and professional installation in the Placerville area and throughout El Dorado County.
    
18. Will WildBlue service be available in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
    WildBlue is planning to start offering high-speed Internet services in Hawaii and southern Alaska (Anchorage and most of the Kenai peninsula) in early 2012. At present, they do not have plans to serve Puerto Rico.
    
19. 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. They do not offer broadband service for mobile vehicles at this time.

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WildBlue Installation Information

20. What is the installation process like? Can I install my own dish?
    WildBlue professional installers 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 connects to a satellite modem (a small box usually placed next to the computer), which connects to your computer via an Ethernet connection. Installation requires a WildBlue-certified 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 offered. See the WildBlue How it Works Demo.
    
21. Will my Home Owners Association allow mounting the WildBlue dish?
    The WildBlue dish is considered under what the FCC calls the "Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule". This means the WildBlue dish is under the same classification as other residential satellite dishes (such as satellite television) and legally permissible for mounting on your home. As always, please check with your HOA for specific rules and covenants that may alter your rights. For additional information on the FCC ruling and dish classification, view the FCC OTARD documentation.
    
22. Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
    Yes. WildBlue is compatible with nearly all major wireless home networking products.
    
23. 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.
    
24. 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.

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Technical Information

25. How fast is WildBlue service?
    WildBlue's always-on Internet connection provides download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps, which can be up to 30 times faster than today's dial-up speeds for file transfers. WildBlue offers upload speeds up to 256 Kbps. WildBlue's high bandwidth opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up modems.
    
26. What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
    Windows/PC: Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
    Mac: OS 10.4 or higher
    
27. Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
    Yes. The WildBlue service is compatible with Macintosh computers.
    
    
28. What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?
    

    Web Browsers:
    Windows/PC:	Internet Explorer 6, 7, and 8. Firefox 3.x and up, Google Chrome
    Mac:	Safari, Firefox 3.x and up
    Email Clients:
    Windows/PC:	WildBlue Webmail (powered by Google), Outlook Express, Outlook 2002 (XP), 2003 and 2007, Thunderbird 1.5 and up
    Mac:	WildBlue Webmail (powered by Google), Entourage, Apple Mail, Thunderbird.

    
    
29. 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 as the signal travels up to the satellite, back down to the gateway, up to the satellite and back down to your modem. 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.
    
30. Does WildBlue support VoIP?
    At this time, WildBlue does not support VoIP. It may work for some users for some VoIP applications but this is not guuaranteed.
    
31. 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. Otherwise you may want to hire Baja Satellite Internet to install it for you. For more information, call us at 530 903 4257.
    
    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. WildBlue recommends that you upgrade your computer to meet all of the requirements listed above to get the most out of your Internet experience.
    
32. Is the WildBlue service affected by weather?
    The WildBlue service is only minimally affected by inclement weather – typically only under severe conditions. You may notice slower WildBlue speeds during rain and snow showers, but this normally only lasts until the rain or snow stops. Total loss of connectivity should not occur unless the storm is unusually severe.
    

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Click on the following to learn more about WildBlue

• New! WildBlue Recovery Act program offering a ultra-low cost Broadband Internet package courtesy of the U.S. Recovery Act
• How WildBlue Works
• WildBlue Packages Starting at $49.95 per month!
• WildBlue High-speed Vs. Dial-up
• WildBlue Rural Internet Service
• WildBlue Installation
• WildBlue FAQs
• All About WildBlue Equipment

Baja Satellite is an authorized WildBlue® Retailer and Installer. Contact Baja Satellite Today to get started with WildBlue High-speed internet Service!

Our local Placerville and El Dorado County WildBlue satellite Internet Service area includes:

Baja Satellite Internet is an Authorized WildBlue Satellite Internet Service Reseller and Certified WildBlue Installer. We provide professional WildBlue satellite Internet Systems installation, parts and service. We're located in Placerville in the El Dorado County Foothils of the Sierra Nevadas in Northern California. The Chief Technical Consultant of Baja Satellite Internet, Alan Thompson, has over 20 years of satellite communications experience, and has lived and worked in Placerville most of his life. We're local to the Placerville area and we service what we sell.

For a FREE consultation about WildBlue High-speed Broadband Satellite Internet Service for your home or office,
please call (530) 903 4257. Or Contact Baja Satellite Internet today!

TEL (U.S.): (001) 530 903 4257
CEL (U.S.): (001) 530 417 1451
TEL (MEX.): 01 55 535 10882
Skype Name: AlanRThompson

Baja Satellite Internet and TV, Placerville, California
and Baja California Sur, Mexico
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Useful Links to Other Satellite TV and Internet Service Providers:

Note: Clicking on the links below will open a new browser window containing other sites not associated or affiliated with Baja Satellite Internet and TV services. We are not responsible for the content on these external sites.

Skycasters® Broadband Satellite Internet Services - Mobile and VSAT Satellite Broadband Internet for Businesses and has 24/7 tech support and customer service. Platinum and Gold Voice Over IP (VoIP) Satellite Communications service plans for Residential and Business Customers.

WildBlue® Satellite Internet Service - WildBlue offers you high-speed Internet access via satellite in every corner of El Dorado County! Imagine "always on," fast connections to the Internet. No more dialing in. No more delays. No more wondering if high-speed Internet will arrive in the Placerville, California area. Click hare for more information about WildBlue High-Speed Broadband Satellite Internet Service.

HughesNet® Satellite Internet Service - Satellite Internet Provider also known as Direcway and DirecPC is America's best choice for Cheap Satellite Internet Service. Featuring Home, Pro, Pro-Plus, Elite, Elite Plus service plans, speeds up to 5.0 Mbps. Click here for more information about Hughesnet High-Speed Broadband Satellite Internet Service


StarBand® Satellite Internet Service - Services for Small office and Small Business Customers Provides a two-way, always-on Best Satellite Internet Service. Starband Nova and Nova Plus available in select areas throughout the US and Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Dish Network® Satellite TV Service - DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides more than 14 million satellite TV customers with the best High-definition satellite TV service, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, including Local Networks NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and PBS, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology.

Shaw Direct® Satellite TV Service From Canada - Formerly know as StarChoice, Shaw Direct Satellite TV out of Canada provides quality satellite television for the whole family, including US local networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and PBS) from Detroit, Michigan, Rochester New York, Spokane, and Seattle Washington. Also, Shaw Direct offers HBO, NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA League Pass, along with 70 other sports and movie channels. For a list of available channels, go here: Shaw Direct Satellite TV Programs

VT iDirect® (iDirect) Satellite Internet Systems - VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company's satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments.. iDirect’s satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in any environment.

All product names used on this site, including but not limited to Local Networks NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox and PBS, VT iDirect®, HughesNet®, Starband®, DirecTV®, Direct TV®, Dish Network®, Skycasters®, Shaw Direct®, and DirecPC®, are registered trademarks belonging to their respective companies and owners. Baja Satellite Internet and TV is not directly affiliated or in partnership with any of these companies.

WildBlue is sometimes referred to as Wild Blue, wild blue satellite, satellite internet, direct tv satellite internet, wild blue satellite internet, satelite internet, wildblue.com, or directv wildblue. In the context of this site, these terms and others such as wildblue internet, high-speed satellite internet, satelite internet, wildblue satellite, and internet satellite all refer to WildBlue.