FAQs on ViaSat Service Installation

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Summary

The following frequently asked questions will assist you with questions you may have about the ViaSat service installation process.

Rules

Prerequisites

Content

What is the installation process?

After ordering your new ViaSat service, the installation process follows this basic outline:

  1. A certified technician receives your order for installation that you scheduled with our Customer Service Representative upon ordering ViaSat service.
  2. The technician contacts you to discuss site requirements, such as a clear line of sight to the southern sky, where you may want the equipment located, and whether the proposed installation falls outside the limits of a standard installation. He/she will also confirm your scheduled installation appointment time and date.
  3. The technician arrives and installs the ViaSat equipment, configures your primary computer to connect to the ViaSat service, assists you with any questions on the ViaSat service before you sign your Customer Agreement and establishes your wildblue.net email address.

Can I install the ViaSat equipment myself?

ViaSat does not offer a 'self-service' installation option as the installation and alignment of the satellite dish must be completed by a certified ViaSat technician. ViaSat certified technicians perform all installations, including non-standard installations that involve a pole mount or non-penetrating options. No part of the installation may be performed by a customer, as this will void the warranty on the ViaSat equipment.

Does ViaSat use special equipment?

Yes, ViaSat uses a cutting-edge Ka-band mini dish and a ViaSat modem that are manufactured specifically for ViaSat services. ViaSat certified installers professionally install the equipment after ordering your ViaSat service.

Does ViaSat offer a limited warranty on equipment? 

Yes, we offer a Limited Labor and Equipment warranty for Lease customers.

  • Labor Warranty: All equipment carries a limited 90-day service labor warranty from the date the original Customer Agreement is signed.
  • Equipment Warranty: We offer a limited equipment warranty on the Modem and Transceiver Unit (TRIA) only, as long as the Equipment Lease Fee has been paid and/or is current.  The Limited Equipment Warranty DOES NOT cover damage to the ViaSat equipment caused by the customer or Acts of God.

For more detailed information, click on the link below for both Exede and WildBlue service:

Equipment Limited Warranty

Are there special requirements for the installation site?

A successful installation will have a clear line of sight to the south. Trees, buildings, flags/flag poles, etc. must not come between the dish and the southern sky.  ViaSat offers a variety of different methods of installation, which the technician will review with you after conducting a site survey.

Will my homeowners association or landlord allow me to mount the ViaSat dish?


The ViaSat dish falls under what the FCC calls the "Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule." This means the ViaSat dish has the same classification as other residential satellite dishes (such as satellite television) and legally permissible for mounting on your home.

Check with your HOA for specific rules and covenants that may alter your rights. Renters should check with the property owner and obtain the necessary permission. For additional information on the FCC ruling and dish classification, view the FCC OTARD documentation.

What are the minimum computer requirements for ViaSat service?

Computer Systems Requirements for the WildBlue (Legacy Packages) Network
Operating System Processor RAM Free Hard Drive Space Optimizer Available? Other Requirements
Windows XP Home 500 MHz 512 MB

500 MB

Yes Network card

Windows XP Pro

500 MHz 512 MB 500 MB Yes Network card
Windows Vista Home Premium/Business/Ultimate
32-bit and 64-bit
1 GHz 1 GB 1 GB Yes Network card
Windows 7
32-bit and 64-bit
1 GHz 1 GB (32-bit)

2 GB
(64-bit)
1 GB Yes Network card
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger G3, G4, G5 256 MB 500 MB Yes Network card

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

G4, G5
867 MHz or faster
512 MB 500 MB Yes

Network card

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard  MAC Computer w/Intel Processor 1 GB 1 GB Yes Network card

What is F-Secure?

ViaSat's Security Center is an anti-virus and anti-spyware software provided to all customers free for the first few months of their ViaSat service.

If you have WildBlue services, the Packages page provides pricing on available add-on services such as F-Secure. If you have Exede services, please go here to see all the information on your available services.

Installing F-Secure: 

You can install F-Secure anytime after receiving your Online Welcome Kit or by downloading from our Knowledge Base, at any time.  Since the Customer Agreement requires that customers have an up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software program running on their computer before an installer connects it to the ViaSat network, we recommend that you install it as soon as you receive your Online Welcome Kit.

If you have downloaded the ViaSat Security Center / F-Secure from the Knowledge Base, view your Online Welcome Kit for your subscription key or contact Customer Care to obtain a key.

You can install F-secure on up to 3 computers; however, each installation must have its own key. If you need additional keys, contact Customer Care and a request will be made for an additional key at no additional cost.

What are the minimum computer requirements to run F-Secure?

F-Secure Computer Requirements
Operating System Processor RAM Free
Hard Drive Space
Internet Browser
Windows XP
(Home and Pro)
1 GHz 1 GB 800 MB for installation

Internet Explorer 7.x

Firefox 3.0

Windows Vista
Home Premium/Business/Ultimate
32-bit
2 GHz 1 GB 800 MB for installation

Internet Explorer 7.x

Firefox 3.0

Windows Vista
Home Premium/Business/Ultimate
64-bit
2 GHz 1GB 800 MB for Installation

Internet Explorer 7.x

Firefox 3.0

Note: The ViaSat Security Center does not support Macintosh computers. While Macs are less susceptible to viruses and spyware/malware, we recommend that ViaSat users install a reputable Macintosh virus/spyware checker.

Windows 7 users need F-Secure Anti-virus, version 9. This version is available for download here. F-Secure Anti-virus version 8 or any earlier version will not work with Windows 7. Please note that an unzip utility such as WinZip is required for this file.

What computer operating systems will the installer configure for me?

  • Windows XP Home
  • Windows XP Pro
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 7

Do I need a dedicated phone line for my ViaSat service?

No, the ViaSat service connects to the Internet strictly through the satellite modem connected to your computer.

You may find a dedicated phone line helpful if you order dial-up access with your WildBlue service package, but it is not required.
Note: Dial-up access is not available with Exede service packages.

Where can I find the ViaSat Customer Agreement?

The ViaSat Customer Agreement can be found at http://www.viasatresidential.com/wildblue/legal/customer-agreement or by selecting this link.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions that are not answered in this article?

Contact ViaSat Customer Care and a knowledgeable Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you with any additional questions.

Internal Notes

This article was last modified on 4/24/2013 3:35:32 PM
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