West Florida Electric

WFECA.net is proud to be offering Wildblue to our customers

WildBlue is a leading satellite Internet company, providing high-speed, broadband data services to customers and businesses in underserved or unserved communities. WildBlue is launching the most affordable satellite Internet service available, with lower monthly fees, lower upfront equipment costs and a wide variety of features at no additional cost to customers.

The following are answers to commonly asked questions about WildBlue. Feel free to contact us if you need more information.

General Information:

What is the WildBlue service and where is it available?
Why should I get WildBlue?
How hard is it to use?
Who do I call if I have a problem?
What equipment is needed to get the WildBlue service?
What are my computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
Are there any cancellation fees?
What kind of speed can I expect?
Can I be a WildBlue installer?

Services and Prices:

What does WildBlue cost?
What email do I get with my WildBlue account?
Do I get web space with my WildBlue account?
Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
Will WildBlue require a separate account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
If I sign up for WildBlue service, can I keep my AOL® account?
Will you limit heavy bandwidth users?

Availability Information:

When and where will the service be available?
Where can I get WildBlue?
Will your service be available in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat?

Installation Information:

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

Technical Information:

How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?
Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with WildBlue service?
What is the impact of latency? Can I play real-time Internet games or make Internet phone calls on your service?
What if my computer did not come with a Network Interface Card (NIC)? What can I do?
Is WildBlue service affected by weather?

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 continental United States.
Why should I get WildBlue?
WildBlue provides access to the Internet at much higher speeds than dial-up access: up to 1.5 Mbps which is more than 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 or other delays to get high-speed access to the Internet.
How hard is it to use?
Not hard at all. Once we professionally install your WildBlue system, 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."
Who do I call if I have a problem?
You just call the friendly customer care agents at WildBlue. We'll have a person you can talk to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer Care: 1-866-543-3405 (toll free)
What equipment is needed to get the WildBlue service?
It's easy. All you need is a WildBlue mini dish and a WildBlue modem.
What are my minimum computer system requirements to get WildBlue?
Most computers in use today will meet our minimum system requirements.

PC/ Windows: 300 MHz or faster processing speed, minimum 128 MB Random Access Memory (RAM), and Windows 2000 and XP Home or XP Professional operating system. 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 9.x, OS 10.2 or higher operating system. 100 MB of hard drive space and an ethernet card are required.
Are there any cancellation fees?
WFECA.net WildBlue customers are required to sign a contract when they initiate service. If you disconnect your service before the contract expires, there will be a cancellation fee equal to the price of your monthly service multiplied by the remaining number of months in your contract.
What kind of speed can I expect?
WildBlue will offer different packages that provide you different speed levels. Our Value Service will offer up to 512 Kbps download speed. Our Pro Service will offer 1.5 Mbps download speeds.
Can I be a WildBlue installer?
WildBlue installers must go through a special class to be certified to install the system. WFECA.net currently has installers, however, if you are interested in submitting your information, we will keep it on file if ever a need for further installers arise. Click here to submit your contact information.

What does WildBlue cost?
There are two costs - an up front fee to pay for the equipment and professional installation, and a monthly service fee for the high-speed Internet access.

The up front fee includes equipment and professional installation and is priced at $299.00 + tax.

We will offer a variety of packages at different monthly fees, including a Value Service at $49.95 per month, a Select Service at $69.95, and a Pro Service at $79.95.
What types of email options do I get with my WildBlue account?
WFECA.net offers an advanced suite of Internet services including the commonly used POP3 (like Outlook or Outlook Express) and web-based email options. WildBlue service customers will receive between 5 and 10 email addresses. More email addresses and additional capacity will be available for a minimal extra charge.
Do I get web space with my WildBlue account?
Yes. WFECA.net provides customers with between 10 and 20 MB of web space as part of their WildBlue service package. The exact storage space depends on which package you choose to buy.
Do I get dial-up service with my WildBlue account?
Yes. WFECA.net will offer a remote-access backup dial-up service to its local WildBlue customers, allowing customers to access their email when they are not at home or out of the office. Instructions for remote access will be included with your installation.
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, all through WFECA.net. Your email addresses will still be wfeca.net addesses.
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.
Will you limit heavy bandwidth users?
As is standard with other Internet Service Providers, WildBlue will ensure that its service operates at optimum speeds for all of its customers. Since WildBlue is a shared network, we will have a Fair Access Policy (FAP) to ensure 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 will have no effect on their usage. For a few very heavy bandwidth users, the system may restrict their bandwidth and therefore their speed. WildBlue's Fair Access Policy is located at http://www.wildblue.com/legal/fair.jsp. WildBlue reserves the right to change their FAP without any advance notice by changing it on the website listed. We plan to offer multiple service levels that should accommodate most users' needs.

Availability Information:

When and where will the service be available?
WildBlue is available NOW! If you are located within the state of Florida and want WildBlue, please sign up on our Commitment List and one of our CSRs will contact you about the service.
Where can I get WildBlue?
You can sign up at any of West Florida Electric's district offices or call our toll free number at 866-543-4305 to speak with a CSR. You can also sign up on our commitment list and one of our CSRs will contact you about the service. To get the $299.00 equipment charge with free installation, you must contact WFECA.net directly at 866-543-3405.
Will your service be available in Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
Not at this time. The WildBlue service will be available only in the 48 continental United States due to the reach of our satellite signals. At present, we do not have plans to serve Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.
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. We do not offer broadband service for mobile vehicles at this time.

What will the installation process be like? Can I install my own dish?
WildBlue professional installers will 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 will connect to a satellite modem (a small box usually placed next to the computer), which will connect to your computer via an Ethernet connection. Installation will require an 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 currently being offered.
Will my Home Owners Association allow mounting the WildBlue dish?
The WildBlue dish is considered under what the FCC calls "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 permittable 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.
Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue?
Yes. WildBlue is compatible with all major wireless home networking products.
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 during installation or for operation of the service.
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 western sky to receive a signal from the WildBlue satellite.

How fast is this service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL?
WildBlue's always-on broadband Internet connection provides a user experience similar to most DSL and cable modem services. At launch, we will offer downstream speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps - more than 30 times faster than today's dial-up speeds. WildBlue's high bandwidth opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up modems.
What operating systems are compatible with the WildBlue service?
Windows/PC: Windows 2000 or XP
Mac: OS 9.x, OS 10.2 or higher
Will WildBlue work with Macintosh computers?
Yes. The WildBlue service is compatible with Macintosh computers.

What Web browsers and email clients does WildBlue support?

Web Browsers:
Windows/PC:	Internet Explorer 5.5 & 6, Netscape 6 & 7.x, Firefox 1.x
Mac:	Netscape 7.x, Safari 1.x, Firefox 1.x

Email Clients:
Windows/PC:	WFECA.net Webmail, Outlook Express 5 & 6, Outlook XP & 2003, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Thunderbird
Mac:	WFECA.net Webmail, Outlook Express 5, Outlook 2001, Outlook 2004, Netscape Mail 6 & 7, Apple Mail, Thunderbird

Will I be able to use a virtual private network (VPN) with the WildBlue service?
Yes. WildBlue recommends the use of SSL-based VPNs as they work well on the WildBlue network because they work efficiently over a satellite connection. Users of IP Sec-based VPNs will find that their VPN will work over the WildBlue network, but it may be slower due to the effects of latency.
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 of about a quarter second as the signal travels up to the satellite and back down to the ground. 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.
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. Check with your computer manufacturer for more information on the right Ethernet NIC for your system.

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. We recommend that you upgrade your computer to meet all of the requirements listed above to get the most out of your Internet experience.
Is WildBlue service affected by weather?
The WildBlue service is only minimally affected by weather, and only under extreme conditions. The WildBlue service will offer availability equal to that of satellite TV. Like satellite TV services, during a very heavy rainstorm, you may notice slower WildBlue speeds, but this should normally only last a few minutes.