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Frequently Asked Questions


What are the different types of plans?

The main differences between these plans are the Download Speed and monthly High-Speed Data. All plans come with Unlimited Standard Data. Here are the details:


Choice 75-150  Download speeds up to 75 Mbps with 150 GB of monthly High-Speed Data.

GOOD FOR: Everyone! Families with many connected devices; people who want the best quality regardless of the device they use; people who watch video on big-screen TVs.


Choice 25-60   Download speeds up to 25 Mbps with 60 GB of monthly High-Speed Data.  

GOOD FOR: Smaller households that don’t use many connected devices; people who mostly tend to stream videos on their phone or tablet. Think more YouTube than Netflix.


Or, in the north part of our service area…


Choice 30-150  Download speeds up to 30 Mbps with 150 GB of monthly High-Speed Data.  

GOOD FOR: Everyone! Families with many connected devices; people who want the best quality regardless of the device they use; people who watch video on big-screen TVs.


Choice 12-60   Download speeds up to 12 Mbps with 60 GB of monthly High-Speed Data.  

GOOD FOR: Smaller households that don’t use many connected devices; people who mostly tend to stream videos on their phone or tablet. Think more YouTube than Netflix.

    

How can I add more High-Speed Data to my plan?

Viasat Internet service plans come with a set monthly amount of High-Speed Data, and also come with Unlimited Standard Data. Unlimited Standard data may be slower during network congestion. You can “Buy More” High-Speed Data for your plan at the Rural Portal at any time during the month, but remember your High-Speed Data resets on the first day of each new data usage month.


If I need more download speed can I change my Viasat service plan?

Yes. If you need higher download speed or more monthly High-Speed Data you can change your plan by simply calling our office during regular business hours. CTESC Internet Services customers can change plans, up or down, once a calendar month. Customers can also place their account on "Vacation Suspend" for a maximum of six months consecutive, at a reduced monthly charge. Vacation Suspend months do not count toward the 24 month term of the lease agreement.


Does my data usage ever affect the speed of my Internet service, especially if I use a lot of data?

After you’ve used up your monthly High-Speed Data, you have the option to “Buy More” High-Speed Data for use during the remainder of your monthly data usage period. If you choose not to Buy More High-Speed Data  in the Rural Portaland your plan has Unlimited Standard Data, the Standard Data will automatically kick in. Unlimited Standard Data is prioritized behind other customers during times of network congestion resulting in slower speeds. On Viasat service plans, there’s no limit to the amount of Standard Data you can use during your monthly measurement period.


Is there a Free Zone?

The Free Zone was created to give additional data to our customers on our older plans during the wee hours. With our new plans, you don’t have to wait until 3 a.m. to download files.


For our older Exede plans there is 100% FREE download and upload data usage every night from 12 midnight – 5 a.m. (local time) on our Classic Plans and 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. (local time) on our Liberty Plans.


Note: Some Liberty Plans do not include the Late Night Free Zone and 100% of monthly data usage counts toward the Liberty Data total usage.


Will my Viasat service work with a Wi-Fi wireless router?

Yes. You get the Viasat Wi-Fi Modem with built-in Wi-Fi, or you can use your own. If you don’t have the Viasat Wi-Fi Modem or would prefer to use a different router, any modern router will work with Viasat.


Already a customer? You can upgrade your older Exede modem to an Viasat Wi-Fi Modem by calling our business office. Additional monthly charges and a new two-year commitment will be required.


Here’s a short video that explains a bit about how Wi-Fi works in your home.


What about Satellite Internet latency?

Viasat Internet service incorporates ground breaking web acceleration technology which speeds up page load times, minimizing the effect of latency. In addition to higher speeds enabled by our high capacity satellite, you will experience a snappier web browsing experience.


Can I use VoIP on the Viasat service?

Yes. VoIP (Voice over IP) services work fairly well on Viasat. Since there are dozens of VoIP solutions out there, we can’t recommend a particular solution, but our customers have reported good results with many of the most well-known VoIP services, including Skype. We do recommend that you keep a landline or cell phone available in your home in the case you need to call 911 in an emergency.


Can I use VPN (virtual private network) on the Viasat service?

Some VPNs work well with Viasat, while others run slowly or don't work at all. "SSL"-based VPNs -- which work off a web browser and not special software -- often work just fine. If you need to use a VPN on Viasat, you should consult with your company's IT department before ordering. Better yet, visit the main Central Texas Electric Co-op office in Fredericksburg and test it out yourself.


What about gaming with the Viasat service?

As a general rule, online multiplayer action games tend not to work well with Viasat, while turn-based multiplayer or single-player games with fewer online elements may work better. Your physical location, gaming platform, and many other factors can impact games’ performance. If a game requires you to play “real time” it probably won’t work well on Viasat. Most other games will be just fine.


Gamers should also bear in mind that software updates and downloadable content do count toward your data allowance, and can add up quickly.


Can a current Exede customer get the Viasat service?

Yes. As a valued current customer, we want to offer you an opportunity to upgrade to our new Viasat service. We are offering a FREE Upgrade Program for our current customers. The upgrade may require a brand new satellite dish and modem which will be installed and configured by a certified technician. Please call us at (830) 992-2240 or 888-297-1340 for specific details.


What if I choose to stay with my current Exede?

We remain dedicated to providing high quality service for customers who wish to continue their Exede service. Even if you choose to remain on your existing service, improving your service experience remains a priority for us. Viasat implemented technology upgrades for our Exede customers as the new levels of service became available.