Broadband by Satellite - information you need to know

If you belong to one of the millions of households and businesses in France without access to a broadband connection, you can now do something about it!

Two-way (bi-directional) satellite connectivity means you have a permanent 2-way connection to the Internet via the satellite dish. The ‘2-way’ allows for sending and receiving (e.g. emails).This will save hours in downloading and sending large files, e-mails, surfing the web or waiting for your connection to respond. Because the system uses no telephone lines you need never worry about missed telephone calls when you are on line, escalating telephone call charges or the telephone system failing.

It is possible to connect multiple computers, laptops and printers to the system either via cables, Wi-Fi or using your existing house wiring to send the signals. To do this you may need some additional network equipment.

Our broadband by satellite partner is NordNet, a subsidary of France Telecom. In conjunction with Astra2Connect, they support a two-way satellite Internet system within France. Orbit have been appointed as registered installers by NordNet.

Orbit have a technical consultant with whom potential clients can discuss their requirements. Together we will help you achieve a system that does what you need it to do. Our consultant has the NordNet Satellite Internet System himself so can speak from personal experience.

There are now 2 Nordnet contract options available.

Option 1 -This option includes the free supply of the satellite equipment (you need to pay for the installation) and is designed for light users of the Internet with a fixed monthly fee. On average you would be able to receive 10,000 web pages and 2,000 emails without attachments per month. However, once your monthly quota has been used, you would not be able to connect to the Internet until you monthly quota is re-instated.

Option 2 - This option is designed for users that need to maintain an Internet connection at all times, who can accept running at slower speeds if they hit their download limit. The system still remains very usable at the slowest speed.

With both options its possible to connect either a single computer or a number of computers to the Internet at the same time.

With both options its possible to have up to 6 email addresses.

For option 1, the basic satellite equipment is supplied free of charge. For option 2, NordNet charge 399€ TTC for the basic equipment and it is possible to pay this charge in 3 monthly installments directly to NordNet.

For option 1, the monthly tariff is fixed at 34.90€ TTC, paid directly to Nordnet. For option 2, the entry-level tariff starts @ 29.90€ TTC per month, paid directly to NordNet.

Nordnet have recently introduced a range of new tariffs. However, the only top of the range tariff that does not stop your Internet connection during the month is the en Trafic Regule, with costs 69.90€ TTC per month. All the other Prestige contracts on offer will stop you downloading once your quota has been reached and therefore are not recommended by Orbit for the professional user.

For option 1, the contract period is for 24 months. For option 2, the contract period with NordNet is monthly for the supply of the service.

For option 1, NordNet charge a one-off connection fee of 50€

Additional New Services from NordNet
Nordnet are now offering a telephone service (VOIP) via the broadband satellite system, which covers Europe (incl the UK). The Confort option now includes one hours worth of calls to UK landlines and French mobiles, along with unlimited calls to French landlines, all included in the 29€ per month fixed tariff. It’s expensive if you go over your allocation and we would suggest that there are other contract telephone providers that offer better unlimited packages via a fixed land line. However, this may be an option for users who wish to stop using their FT land line or for those who are unable to have telephone by any other means. There are pro’s and con’s associated with this type of contract but it may help those who have no other telephone access.

For a fixed fee of 10€ per month, Nordnet have introduced Overnight Internet usage between 23.00 and 07.00. This is for unlimited uploads and downloads. If you are a light user, there is little benefit to be had. Users that will really benefit are those that can schedule the upload and download of large quantities of data between these times, i.e. people who work for USA based companies.

Until recently, Option 1 users who reached their monthly quota could not download web pages or e-mails until the end of the month when their quota was re-instated. However, Option 1 users can now top-up their account with an extra 1 GB of upload/download at any time during the month. It cost 15€ but if its not used, it will not be carried forward. At the moment, this does not apply to Option 2 users.

Over the last few weeks Nordnet have added to their services by offering access to French TV and British TV. It is now possible to order an off-set LNB which allows you to watch either the French TV channels at Astra 19.2 or the British TV channels at Astra 28 from the same dish you use for the broadband Internet service, removing the need for an additional satellite dish on your property. You will of course still need a decoder to access the programmes. Please see our shop pages for decoders and LNB's.

For more information please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.