ANSWERS: 1
  • Due to the unique logistics of satellite Internet, with data traveling to orbit and then back again, many satellite providers have implemented fair access policies (FAPs), designed to limit excessive downloaders and keep use of the connection fair.

    Reason for FAPs

    Because most satellite providers take on more subscribers than their satellite infrastructure can handle, they must set usage criteria in the form of upload and download limitations per subscriber if they are to ensure broadband speeds for every user.

    HughesNet

    HughesNet's FAP limits subscribers on a daily basis based on the subscription plan. Daily download limits range from 200MB for the cheapest plan up to 500MB for the most expensive elite plan. If exceeded, download speeds could be lowered to dial-up-like speeds for a full 24 hours.

    WildBlue

    WildBlue's FAP limits subscribers based on a rolling 30-day "usage threshold." Usage thresholds are set to 7,500 MB for the Value plan, 12,000 MB for the Select plan, and 17,000 MB for the Pro plan. Upon reaching 80 percent of the usage threshold limit, download speeds will be lowered to 128 kbps until the usage threshold returns below 80 percent.

    Starband

    Starband's FAP limits subscribers on a rolling seven-day basis. Download thresholds are set to 1,000 MB to 4,000 MB per week. If exceeded, a further constricting threshold will be enacted and speeds will be slowed significantly based on the quality of the subscribed-to plan until the subscriber has returned to acceptable usage of the Internet.

    Results

    Subscribers will find that heavy downloading, such as from P2P file sharing, streaming video or audio, or multiple simultaneous downloads, will quickly trigger the daily, weekly or monthly limitations of satellite providers' FAPs.

    Source:

    Nationwide Satellite: HughesNet FAP

    Uncool Central: Satellite Internet

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