Frequent Questions

The Agristar Network is the premier high-speed communications network for agriculture and rural America. The Network utilizes world-class, high-speed satellite technology to give you a secure, always-on, super-fast Internet connection that is available anywhere in the 48 contiguous states of the U.S. Agristar combines this broadband connection with leading agricultural information services and then supports it all with a team of friendly folks who know both technology AND agriculture. Whether you are a family looking to access the Internet at your home or farm, or a major multi-national company needing to provide Internet access to hundreds of employees at remote locations, there is an Agristar Network service plan for you.

The Agristar Network is dedicated to agriculture. Our state-of-the-art high-speed Internet service enables families, farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses to access everything the Internet has to offer. Our farm friendly customer service representatives mean when you have a question, you'll be talking to someone who knows technology and agriculture. And our universal coverage area means that we can deliver high-speed connectivity EVERYWHERE, no matter where you live and work.

But the Agristar Network is much more than just broadband. We also provide subscribers access to a wide array of exclusive agricultural services -- global agricultural news, market analyses, weather information, and more -- providing farm and ranch managers the critical business information and services they need to maximize productivity.

Equally important: you are joining a nationwide network of leading producers, ag businesses and industry decision makers. Agristar Global Networks is a high-speed communications system that enables subscribers to interact with the best minds in agriculture today. can i use

ONLY Agristar is focused on connecting leading agricultural operations worldwide. And ONLY Agristar provides a high-speed communications system specifically designed to deliver the types innovative business programs and services that farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses need to excel in today's agricultural industry."

In order to have a satellite Internet connection in your home, you will need to have a satellite dish attached to the roof of your home and a satellite modem connected to your home computer. The satellite equipment is provided to you by Agristar and is installed by a certified installer at a time that is convenient for you. Inside your home, the installer will connect the satellite modem to your personal computer and to the satellite dish.

When you make a request for a page from your favorite Web site using your computer, your computer sends that message through your satellite modem to the satellite dish attached to your home. This message is they relayed up to the satellite and then back down to the satellite Network Operations Center (NOC), which contacts your favorite Web site deliver the page request. The Web site then sends that Web page information back to the NOC and over the satellite down to your home computer, following exactly the same path it used to send the data in the first place. And it's all done at the speed of light.

Broadband satellite has been around for almost 10 years and is an extremely reliable way to access the Internet. If you're ready for high-speed, signing up is easy! Just choose your Agristar Network plan and call one of our friendly sales team members today at 1-888-777-0440.

The Agristar Network is available EVERYWHERE in the continental U.S. To subscribe, contact a sales team member by calling 1-888-777-0440.

If you need rural high-speed Internet access, just call Agristar Global Networks at 1-888-777-0440. A certified satellite installer will visit your home in less than 14 days and install the Internet service. Installation includes affixing a satellite dish (antenna) to the roof of your home in a south-facing direction and connecting your computer to a satellite modem. If your roof is not suitable for the satellite dish, the installer can mount the dish on a pole mount for an additional fee. Choosing the right Agristar Network service plan and signing up for rural Internet access is simple. Order online or call us today so you can begin surfing at high speeds!

The Agristar Network's requirements are:
1) Site:

You need to have a clear, unobstructed view of the southern sky from your property so that your system can communicate with the satellite. (The satellite dish needs to face south because most satellites are positioned in space near the earth's equator.)

You need to own the building or land which where the satellite dish will be installed, or if you rent, you need to have owner approval for the satellite dish.

2) Computer:

Windows 2000 PE operating system or higher (including Windows XP and VISTA); Mac OS 10.1 or higher;
Ethernet port (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped)

Linux-based systems will work with Agristar, but troubleshooting support is not included as there is no central company providing support for Linux. It is therefore recommended that you do not use a Linux-based machine with Agristar.

Myth #1 - When it is cloudy, satellite Internet doesn't work.
Your satellite Internet connection is not affected by most clouds. Satellite Internet from the Agristar Network is only affected by weather in extreme circumstances such as heavy storms or unusually dense clouds.

Myth #2 - Satellite Internet equipment is big and complicated.
The big satellite dishes are a thing of the past, at least when it comes to the satellite dishes needed for the Agristar Network. Subscribers need only a computer, modem, two coaxial cables and the satellite dish that measures just 2 ½ feet wide (.74m). (Some users near the Canadian board may require a 4 foot wide dish (1.2m) if their signal is not strong enough.)

Myth #3 - The satellite dish must be attached to a roof.
Although 97% of the time satellite antennas are attached to the roof of a home, satellite Internet service providers don't require it. A certified high-speed satellite installer is able to determine where on (or near) your home the satellite should be mounted. Non-roof installations do incur a higher fee as it is considered a non-standard installation.

Myth #4 - Using Satellite Internet ties up your phone line.
The Agristar Network requires no phone line. So you can talk on the phone and surf the Web at the same time. And there's no need for a second phone line, which can save you money.

Yes, the Agristar is compatible with Mac OS 10.1 or higher. 10/100 Ethernet connectivity is also required.

Yes, you can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single Agristar Network connection. Home networking equipment will be required and is not included with your Agristar system. For network setup, support, and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer (Agristar does not provide, and is not responsible for, home network configuration or management).

It is important to understand that when connecting multiple computers to a single Agristar Network connection, simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed and an increased likelihood of reaching the Fair Access Policy download threshold.

Yes. All you need to connect your computer to the satellite modem is either a 10/100 Ethernet Network Interface Card or a PCMCIA adapter with an Ethernet connector. The Agristar Network system includes an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the satellite modem.

The Star100 plan is not compatible with VPNs. You may use a VPN with higher-level plans, but you will likely experience reduced speeds as much as 50-75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over.

Note: Agristar Technical Support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients.

The Agristar Network uses sophisticated acceleration techniques to enable high-speed performance over satellite. These acceleration techniques require access to data packet header information, which is blocked when IPSec-based VPNs are used. These VPNs encrypt the data and create a secure tunnel through the Agristar Network network. The encrypted data cannot be processed by the acceleration techniques, therefore resulting in slower performance.

Yes, the Agristar Network requires a unique dish in order to send and receive information via satellite. You cannot use your DIRECTV or DISH network dish for the Agristar Network high-speed Internet service.

A typical dial-up Internet connection in rural areas is about 20 kilobits a second. This is a very slow data transfer rate. The Agristar Network's connection speed is much faster. With maximum download speeds from 1 megabit per second to 5 megabits per second, depending on service plan, it's up to 50 to 250 times faster than typical rural dial up. That means Web pages, photos, music files and software downloads all can be accessed in just a fraction of the time it takes over a dial-up connection.

Please note: the Agristar Network's fastest speeds are available only through the new Spaceway3 satellite. The majority of subscribers will have access to these speeds. However, approximately 3% will not be able to receive these speeds as a result of trees or other obstacles that block the signal from the satellite to the home. In these cases, Agristar can offer slightly slower Internet access via another satellite with download speeds up to 700 Kbps, 1.0 Mbps, and 1.5 Mbps; and upload speeds up to 128 Kbps, 200 Kbps and 200 Kbps.

Additionally, when you connect to the Internet using the Agristar Network, the upload and download speeds you experience will vary based on a variety of factors including the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the Internet connections of the Web site servers you are accessing, and other factors. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed. In all cases, actual upload speed will likely be lower than speed indicated during peak hours. See our FAQs for more information on typical speeds. Download speeds may also be temporarily slowed in cases when patterns of system usage exceed the download threshold for an extended period of time. See the Agristar Network Fair Access Policy for more information.

Our satellite transmissions are extremely secure. Hughes Network Systems, Agristar Global Networks' satellite partner, is one of the leading suppliers of satellite technology to the U.S. Department of Defense and also provides many of the systems used by ATM kiosks and retail franchises that need to send highly sensitive data, such as bank account and credit card information. The satellite transmission itself is encrypted with a 56-bit encryption key and this, in turn, is transferred via an encoded satellite signal which can only be decoded by a key embedded in the satellite terminal during the manufacturing process.

The Agristar Network has 6 connection plan options with increasing connection speeds. They are:

PLAN DOWNLOAD/UPLOAD SPEED PRICE
Star100 1.0 Mbps / 128 Kbps $59.99
Star200 1.2 Mbps / 200 Kbps $69.99
Star200Plus 1.6 Mbps / 250 Kbps $79.99
Star300 2.0 Mbps / 300 Kbps $119.99
Star400 3.0 Mbps / 300 Kbps $189.99
Star500 5.0 Mbps / 300 Kbps $349.99

To sign up for the Agristar Network, simply choose the package that fits your needs, call Agristar at 1-888-777-0440 and you'll be installed in no time!

We recommend that if you use the Internet mainly for visiting news sites, shopping online, and using email, the Star100 plan probably meets your needs. If you like to watch a little video and download some music, then a mid-level plan such as the Star200, Star200plus is likely a good choice for you. And if you think you'll be downloading quite a bit of information and visiting data-rich multimedia sites often, then the high plans (Star300, Star400 or Star500) are probably best. For more details on satellite Agristar Network pricing and plans, visit the Service Plans page. Once you've decided what meets your high-speed Internet connection needs, sign up to the Agristar Network and get online at high speed today!

Please note: Listed speeds are available only through the new Spaceway3 satellite. The majority of subscribers will have access to these speeds. However, approximately 3% will not be able to receive these speeds as a result of trees or other obstacles that block the signal from the satellite to the home. In these cases, Agristar can offer slightly slower Internet access via another satellite with download speeds up to 700 Kbps, 1.0 Mbps, and 1.5 Mbps; and upload speeds up to 128 Kbps, 200 Kbps and 200 Kbps.

When you connect to the Internet using the Agristar Network, the upload and download speeds you experience will vary based on a variety of factors including the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the Internet connections of the Web site servers you are accessing, and other factors. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed. In all cases, actual upload speed will likely be lower than speed indicated during peak hours. See our FAQs for more information on typical speeds. Download speeds may also be temporarily slowed in cases when patterns of system usage exceed the download threshold for an extended period of time. See the Agristar Network Fair Access Policy for more information.

Yes. All subscribers sign a 15 month initial subscriber agreement, but receive a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee with their satellite Internet service. If you are not happy with the service, cancel within 30 days and return your equipment (it must be in good condition) for a $200 equipment refund and no termination fee. If you cancel after the first 30 days, you will receive a $200 equipment refund. If you cancel after 30 days while still under the service agreement, there is a $300 early termination fee.

When you connect to the Internet using the Agristar Network, the upload and download speeds you experience will vary based on a variety of factors including the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the speed of the Websites you are accessing, and other factors. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed. During peak hours, actual upload and download speed will likely be lower than speeds indicated.

· With the Star100 service plan, you can connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds up to 1.0 Mbps, with typical speeds about 550 Kbps to 650 Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 128 Kbps, are typically 70 Kbps to 80 Kbps during peak hours.

· With the Star200 plan, connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 1.2 Mbps, with typical speeds about 700 Kbps to 800 Kbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 200 Kbps, are typically 100 Kbps to 120 Kbps during peak hours.

· With the StarPlus plan, connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 1.6 Mbps, with typical speeds about 800 Kbps to 1.0 Mbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 250 Kbps, are typically 130 Kbps to 150 Kbps during peak hours.

· With the Star300 plan, connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 2.0 Mbps, with typical speeds about 1.0 Mbps to 1.2 Mbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 300 Kbps, are typically 165 Kbps to 180 Kbps during peak hours.

· With the Star400 plan, connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 3.0 Mbps, with typical speeds about 1.6 Mbps to 1.8 Mbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 300 Kbps, are typically 165 Kbps to 180 Kbps during peak hours.

· With the Star500 plan, connect to the Internet with maximum download speeds of up to 5.0 Mbps, with typical speeds about 2.7 Mbps to 3.0 Mbps during peak times. Upload speeds, which are capable of reaching 300 Kbps, are typically 165 Kbps to 180 Kbps during peak hours.

· If you choose to run a VPN over your satellite service, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50-75%. In addition, we do not recommend using the Agristar Network to run time-sensitive applications that require split-second user input (such as fast-twitch game play or real-time equities trading).

Yes. The main activities are:

1. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs do not work well over satellite. You may use a VPN with Agristar Network plans, but you will likely experience speeds that are reduced by as much as 50-75%. You can restore your connection to full speed by simply disabling your VPN client when your session is over. Note: Agristar Technical Support does not provide help with configuring or troubleshooting problems associated with VPN clients.

2. Fast-Reaction Applications. Applications that require split-second user response, such as multi-player "twitch" games or real-time equities trading, are not recommended with the Agristar Network due to latency issues. (Latency refers to the amount of time it takes a packet of data to travel across a network.) With satellite service, that data must travel up to the satellite and back, which adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Website or host server.

3. Heavy downloading. The Agristar Network Star100 plan is not recommended for heavy downloading. The Star300 and 400 plans are faster and can handle heavier downloads. However the Fair Access Policy (FAP) applies to all plans, but greater download thresholds apply to higher-level plans.

4. VoIP. Voice over IP does not work well with satellite due to the latency issues mentioned above.

5. Video Streaming. Large volume of video streaming is not recommended with satellite due to the increased likelihood of hitting the FAP limit.

To ensure fair Internet access for all subscribers, the Agristar Network, like all satellite broadband providers, maintains a Fair Access Policy (FAP). Based on an analysis of customer usage data, Agristar has established a download threshold for each service plan in order to establish equitable access to network resources for all subscribers.

Download thresholds are well above typical usage rates, so only a small percentage of subscribers will experience reduced download speeds as a result of exceeding the download threshold. Online activities such as viewing Websites, checking email, watching short streaming media presentations, or automatic software and anti-virus updates are unlikely to exceed the download threshold. (Note: there is a daily Download Period during in which the FAP policy does not apply.

Subscribers who exceed the threshold will experience reduced download speeds for approximately 24 hours. During this recovery period, the service may still be used, but speeds will be slower. Web browsing, for example, will be significantly slower than subscribers' normal browsing experience. Subscribers will return to normal download speeds after the recovery period as long as they minimize their bandwidth-intensive activities.

Fair Access Policy Thresholds:
STAR100 200 MB
STAR200 375 MB
STAR200Plus 425 MB
STAR300 500 MB
STAR400 500 MB
STAR500 500 MB

Yes, several examples are listed below:
1. Full-length movie downloads
2. Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs such as Napster, Kazaa or LimeWire
3. Continuous downloading or viewing streaming media content such as audio or video programming
4. Hosting of server devices such as email, FTP or Web servers
5. Hosting computer applications such as Web camera feeds
6. Automated computer to computer connections used for archiving of local computer content
7. Extensive downloading of Usenet Newsgroups (NNTP)
8. Use of BitTorrent applications
9. Simultaneous file downloads
10. Downloading large files (i.e., file sizes that are close in size to the download threshold of your service plan)

Minimize your bandwidth-intensive activities in order to return to normal download speeds after the recovery period. If you continue these activities during the recovery period, you may experience reduced download speeds beyond the 24-hour recovery period. If you find that your download threshold is too small for your needs, you should consider upgrading your service to a plan that offers a greater download threshold.

Go to www.myhughesnet.com, click on Customer Care, then click on the Check My Usage link in the Resources section.

The Download Period is a FAP-free time when you can use your Agristar Network service for several hours during the middle of the night with relaxed application of the Fair Access Policy. It is provided for Agristar Network subscribers to schedule the downloading of automated updates or download of other large files. The hours of unrestricted use shall begin no later than 2:00 AM and end no earlier than 7:00 AM eastern time.

Latency refers to the amount of time it takes a packet of data to travel across a network. With satellite service, that data must travel up to the satellite and back (about 45,000 miles). This round trip adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Web site or host server. For typical Internet use this fraction-of-a-second delay is not noticed. But time-sensitive applications that require quick, repeated user inputs (such as multi-player "twitch" games or real-time equities trading) are not recommended with the Agristar Network.

Once you sign up for the Agristar Network, a certified installer will contact you within 3 days to set up a time to come to your home and install your satellite Internet system.

On the agreed-upon date and time, the installer will arrive with all of the equipment needed to get your Agristar Network service connected. He will complete your installation and make sure you are up and running before he leaves your home. (Note: your service includes a standard installation; non-standard installations will incur additional charges (see below).

The equipment consists of a satellite dish, modem, cabling and mounting brackets. The satellite dish is small enough to be attached to your home and will be placed in a south-facing direction. The dish needs to face south because most satellites are positioned in space near the earth's equator.

Before the installer arrives, it is recommended that you think about where you want the modem installed in your house (generally next to your computer). Also you should verify that your computer is compatible. Minimum requirements are: Windows 2000 PE or higher (including Windows XP and VISTA) or Mac OS 10.1 or higher; and have an Ethernet port (10/100 Ethernet pre-equipped).

On average, most customers are installed within 2 weeks of the order. When you place your order today, your name will be provided to a certified high-speed satellite installer, who will contact you within 3 days. You and the installer will then work out a mutually agreeable date and time for your installation.

No. The FCC mandates that all installations are completed by a certified professional installer.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained, certified professionals install any two-way satellite system - meaning one that both sends and receives signals.

Your standard installation includes:
A Satellite modem with power supply - installed near your computer

A Satellite dish (antenna), radio, and mounting brackets - installed on the roof or side of your house one story in height

Two 100-ft. coaxial cables - these connect the satellite dish outside to the satellite modem inside

Any custom work beyond a standard installation will incur additional charges that will need to be paid directly to the installer at time of installation. Speak with your installer about pricing for these items. Costs may vary by region and amount of work required. The most common reason for incurring a non-standard installation charge is when a pole mount is needed. A pole mount usually costs around $125 and is needed in the following instances:

No clear view of the Southern sky (line-of-sight issue): this means that trees or other obstructions make it necessary for the installer to use a free-standing pole for the dish, rather than attaching the dish directly to your roof. There is an additional charge for the installation of a pole mount, usually around $125. Installers will not trim trees.

Tile or other non-penetrable roofing: If the shingles on your roof are made of tile or slate, or if you have a metal roof, your dish cannot be installed there. Instead, it will need to be installed on a pole nearby.

Other situations that may cause a non-standard installation include:

Chimney mount: Mounting a dish onto your chimney is not considered to be part of a standard installation.
High structure: Mounting the dish to a surface that exceeds one story in height (not accessible with a 25-foot ladder) is not considered to be part of a standard installation.

On the roof or wall of your house. In the case of a non-standard installation (see circumstances requiring non-standard installation above), a pole mount may be used.

Yes.

Approximately 3-4 hours.

The satellite dish mounted at your home must be able to "see" the satellite that's positioned in the southern sky without trees, buildings or barriers in the way. This 'clear view' is needed so that you can send and receive information.

The installer may be able to mount the satellite dish on a pole on your property (additional cost), or may use a different modem and dish that communicates with an alternative satellite. Most new customers will have a Ka dish installed. The Ka dishes point to a specific satellite that has the fastest speeds. However, approximately 3% of Agristar Network customers will not be able to access this satellite as a result of trees or other obstacles that block the signal from the satellite to the home. In these cases, Agristar can offer slightly slower Internet access via another satellite with download speeds up to 700 Kbps, 1.0 Mbps, and 1.5 Mbps; and upload speeds up to 128 Kbps, 200 Kbps and 200 Kbps. If this is acceptable to you, a Ku dish will be installed. The decision to use the Ku satellite, if necessary, will be made by the installer when they are at your home. They will inform you if this is the case.

Possibly. You can inquire if this option is available through your installer when you set your installation appointment. However, home networks are not included or supported by Agristar technical support. Multiple simultaneous users may degrade the individual user experience as all users are sharing the same incoming connection. Multiple users are recommend to select a higher-level service plan. Uninterrupted service and stated speeds not guaranteed.