WildBlue Beams Worth the Wait

Often when our agents assist customers with Wild Blue orders there is what is referred to as a beam closing or “WildBlue Unavailable”. This may be a little confusing so I would like to explain how the beams work. WildBlue has three satellites in orbit. On each of these satellites there are separate spot beams for varying sections of the United States

Beams 101-136
Beams 12-45
Beams 209-211

Spot beams or KA bands are more efficient and enable WildBlue to provide better technology to its customers with less crowding. Other Satellite Internet providers us traditional KU band technology which works well, but does not afford those companies and more importantly there customers, the advancements to make their Internet use a better experience. KU bands allow more users to access the Internet, but the increased traffic slows everyone down, therefore Fair Access Policies are in place to limit usage on a daily basis. WildBlue is able to provide its customers a monthly threshold that is so great; it only affects 3% of all its users. Even now cable and DSL becomes slower as the more people are using the Internet at the same time impairs that areas services. WildBlue has seemingly found the solution to this with their spot beam technology.

With a spot beam WildBlue enables frequency sharing to maximize bandwidth usage. There are roughly 70 separate beams using a KA Band resulting in a faster connection. There is less crowding on a beam when the provider has the option of utilizing additional beams to place Internet users on. This results in higher bandwidth, lower costs, and a FAP threshold greater than that of other Satellite Providers.

Let’s use Northeast Ohio for an example, as this is a very busy area. This Beam is referred to as Beam 115. Beam 115 has a select number of current customers in that area that can use the service and use it effectively. If too many people utilize that beam the signal would be weakened, therefore Wildblue takes precautionary steps to ensure this doesn’t happen to its customers.

So a beam may go down for a week or so to rework the beam and expand capacity, but these steps are taken to ensure when you do have the service you will not be affected by over usage. When you do activate your Wildblue Satellite Internet have no worries. Current customers do not experience delays or are even aware these steps and precautions are taking place.

This is why when you call in to order service there will be a quick check of Wildblue’s ability to add you as a new customer. There will be existing promotions for that area or it will reveal the beam down for maintenance. This as always is done to ensure that WildBlue Satellite Internet users have the very best technology, service and experience.