Frequently Asked Questions

What is satellite broadband internet access?

It allows you to have a high speed two way broadband connection to the internet via a satellite link.

Who's systems do you supply?

We provide satellite broadband systems from two manufacturers, Tooway and Avanti.

How does it work?

Clients using 2-way Satellite Broadband Service connect to the Internet via a satellite dish with receiving and transmitting capabilities. The satellite dish 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.

I've heard that some people in Scotland are unhappy with Avanti systems?

This is true. Several years a go the Scottish Government rolled out an initiative with Avanti. Unfortunately in some cases the hype far exceeded the reality; the systems installed were early models on minimum tariff's and there were some teething problems with the service.

Isn't the government going to do something?

Yes, the UK government has announced its Broadband Strategy however you will have to decide if it it is going to meet your needs in the foreseeable future. Business publications have been lukewarm about the announcement and it appears that If you live in the only house five mile up the glen you may have to wait a while.

How much does Satellite Broadband Internet cost?

The cost of the satellite modem, antenna and two way RF package could be as low as £199 (inc VAT). Installation and hardware costs vary according to location, additional hardware items required etc, from £120 (inc VAT) A basic monthly tariff can cost £25 per month (inc VAT) with a Fair Use Policy allowance of 4Gb. On some services there is a one off connection fee of £30 (inc VAT) If the installation varies from standard additional charges may apply however these charges will be explained to you prior to work commencing.

Most installations will require a site survey; the cost of the survey is £40 (ex VAT). There will also be a mileage charge and the costs of an overnight stay in a hotel, tolls and ferry fares if required. You can see more detailed pricing information on our Satellite Broadband Pricing page (all prices quoted are subject to change and exclude VAT except where stated which will be charged at the prevailing rate).

It looks expensive; how can I justify this?

Satellite broadband internet technology is not cheap however the good news is that the prices have been steadily falling over the past few years. And, depending on how important the internet is to you, it could make the difference when deciding where to have your home or base your business. For example, the cost of the fuel used in say a forty mile round trip to your office in town every day for a week could pay for a monthly subscription (at the lowest data rates and volumes) whilst the cost of the equipment could be covered in as little as thirty weeks.

Let's look at the figures:

Assuming that your round trip journey distance is 40 miles, your car averages 30mpg and petrol costs 117.9p/ltr (price at WM Morrison Supermarkets PLC Inverurie 15/10/10)
40 miles @ 30mpg = 1.33 galls/journey
1.33 galls x 5 days/week = 6.66 galls/week
Petrol costs 117.9p/ltr = £5.36/gall
6.66 galls x £5.36 = £35.69

For a home based business this could also represent up to 8 extra working hours (or a day off if you prefer!) each week with savings on office rent, fuel, vehicle wear and tear and so on.  (This is a simplistic calculation and should be used as a guide only)

Are there any grants?

From time to time grants are available from sources such as:
We will be happy to advise you if we know of any grants that are available.

Why should I have a site survey?

Initially we will look at Ordnance Survey maps, satellite images and client supplied photographs to determine if there are any nearby hills or buildings that may get in the way; often this is all that is required. However if there is any doubt we will recommend that a survey is carried out to determine which satellites can be seen from the premises, possible obstructions such as trees or outhouses, the best location for the antenna and the type of mounting to be employed. Site surveys cost £48 inc VAT and are payable in advance.

What if I decide that I do not want a survey and instruct you to come and fit the equipment?

We will agree an installation date with you however if the installation cannot proceed because the satellite cannot be seen from your location we will charge you for the full installation fee, mileage and any costs incurred.

Are there any hidden costs?

Absolutely not! As no two installations will be the same we will carry out a detailed survey prior to submitting our quotation. You will know exactly how much you will be spending. There will be no surprises!

Is there a contract?

Yes, there is a minimum 12 month contract for Avanti and Tooway services.

Can I get it in Scotland?

Yes you can. Some areas in the north and west west of Scotland may need a slightly larger dish.

Can we get it on our oil rig?

If you are on a fixed installation it may be possible if you are located on the coverage areas. Please email us with your latitude and Longitude and we'll see if it can be done. Please bear in mind that these system were envisaged by the manufacturer for small business and home use on land; they may not be suitable for use at sea or in hazardous areas.

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. Also, the TV and broadband services are carried on different satellites. However, we can attach a satellite TV Low Noise Block (the part that sits out on a boom in front of the dish) for Sky® or Freesat® on to a Tooway antenna. We have trialled this arrangement and it does work.

Can I get Sky® or Freesat® on a satellite internet dish?

Tooway dishes can be fitted with a bracket and LNB (Low Noise Block) to enable satellite TV to be received from Sky® or Freesat®.

Do I need a dedicated phone line?

The satellite system looks after reception and transmission, so works completely independently of phone system.

Can I install it myself?

Avanti systems have to be installed by a trained and authorised installer. Tooway systems can be self installed and we will be happy to advise you. We can arrange installation of Satellite Broadband Internet anywhere in Scotland.

Can you supply a Tooway for self install in Brittany?

Yes, we can supply Tooway systems for self install in Spain, France, Switzerland and Ireland.  Basically we would make up a kit for you comprising of the Tooway terminal, wall mounting bracket, coach bolts, wall plugs, cables etc and provide a DVD containing an installation video (in English).

Am I always connected?

Yes - extreme weather conditions can temporarily disrupt satellite communications, but often do not last long. From time to time the satellite modem and/or router may need reseting by unplugging the mains for a minute or so then plugging it back in again.

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 the Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Do I need a license?

Yes - you do require a license since you are operating a 2-way radio antenna. This is taken care of on your behalf during the sales procedure.

Can we use this for backup communications?

Yes you can. We can tailor a back up communications system to your requirements. Please see here for further details.

Do you have an environmental policy?

Yes we do; you can read it here. We actively seek to minimize the impact of our business on the environment by sourcing energy efficient product ranges and by meeting or exceeding all the environmental legislation that relate to our personal and business lives.

Do you recycle old packaging?

Yes we do. We liaise closely with our suppliers to ensure that wherever possible packaging is sourced from recycled or sustainable sources. We segregate our waste and recycle all the packaging left over from our installations.

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.

What experience do you have in this field?

When it comes to providing communications in remote areas we know what we are doing; and we've been doing it successfully for more than 25 years, from ships and oil rigs far out at sea to distant desert locations.

Where are you based?

We are a family run Scottish business based in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, placing us in an ideal position to service the needs of our customers in the north and northeast of Scotland (Grampian region) . We can provide satellite broadband internet services elsewhere in Scotland including the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Angus and Dundee, Perthshire, Fife, Argyll and the Scottish borders