What is the Acceptable Use Policy?

ViaSat's Acceptable Use Policy outlines the terms under which a customer may use the ViaSat network. 

For more detailed information and to read the entire Acceptable Use Policy, click here.

Why does ViaSat have an Acceptable Use Policy?

ViaSat sets rules for permissible activities as a part of providing the best satellite internet experience possible for all ViaSat cusotmers.

In brief, the Acceptable Use Policy states that customers cannot resell the service or engage in illegal activities, such as spamming or copyright infringement. Customers must comply with the law and not attempt to do anything that might compromise the network or its security. It holds customers responsible for any damage caused by their activities and allows ViaSat to take preventative and corrective actions, including blocking emails. It also provides information about who to contact if a customer believes copyright infringement occurred.

For more detailed information and to read the entire Acceptable Use Policy, click here.

Will the ViaSat service work with a wireless network or router?

Yes, however, ViaSat does not offer any installation or troubleshooting assistance with anything associated with the 3rd-party wireless network including the connection to the router and network cards.

Do internet-based games work well on the ViaSat network?

ViaSat makes every effort to overcome the inherent delay (latency) of the signals that travel to and from our satellites. Many online games will experience a noticeable lag or delayed effect, which is normal and expected with any satellite internet network.

Additionally, online games often use a lot of bandwidth, and may cause you to exceed the usage thresholds under our Data Allowance Policy.

Will Voice-over-IP solutions work with my ViaSat service?

At this time, ViaSat does not transport VoIP traffic on the ViaSat network. This includes internet-based phone systems or voice connections over an instant messenger application.

WildBlue service will not work well with VoIP.

VOIP services should work fairly well on Exede service, but we don't guarantee any quality of service levels for customers. This is also a "best effort" service. We recommend that customers keep a landline or cell phone available in their home, especially in the case they need to call 911 in an emergency.

Do VPN connections work well on the ViaSat network?

Some VPN solutions, generally those based on SSL, may work over the ViaSat service, as they incur no significant performance degradation.  However, ViaSat does not recommend or support any VPN solutions.  Additionally, using a VPN connection may increase your bandwidth usage, and run the risk of violating the Data Allowance Policy.

ViaSat Customer Care will not provide any technical assistance for VPN issues.

May customers use a webcam on the ViaSat network?

ViaSat customers may use a web camera over the ViaSat network for person-to-person interactive communications (such as instant messengers) but not as web or video server.

Will streaming audio/video technology work over the ViaSat network?

Yes, ViaSat customers can receive streaming video or audio through their satellite modem. However, ViaSat customers cannot place a streaming video or audio server behind their ViaSat satellite modem.

ViaSat considers any type of server behind the ViaSat satellite modem a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy. ViaSat Customer Care does not provide any technical assistance with streaming video/audio applications or servers.

May customers run web servers on the ViaSat network?

No, ViaSat considers any type of server behind the ViaSat satellite modem a violation of the Acceptable Use policy.

How does ViaSat define server?

A server is any application, program or service that runs on a customer's computer and provides another person, computer or software application access to information or data from a remote location through the satellite modem.

If ViaSat terminates service due to Acceptable Use Policy violations, is the customer still responsible for termination fees?

Repeated violations of the Acceptable Use Policy allow ViaSat to terminate the Customer Agreement for breach of contract. If the minimum term of the contract is not satisfied at that time, the customer must pay Early Termination Fees.

Will video conferencing technology work over the ViaSat network?

Typically, video conferencing solutions will not work over the ViaSat network. They upload video and audio streams from behind a satellite modem and currently ViaSat Customer Care cannot provide any technical assistance with these applications. We consider any type of server behind the ViaSat satellite modem a violation of the Acceptable Use policy.

Do VNC's (Remote Desktop Applications) work with the ViaSat service?

A computer configured to allow a VNC (remote desktop connections) behind a ViaSat satellite modem will function.  However, VNC modem-to-modem connections may not work if the satellite modems are not provisioned in the same carrier.

ViaSat will not provide any technical assistance for this application.