Bentley Walker Satellite Internet News & Information

New Freedomsat Website Launched

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Last week we launched our brand new Freedomsat website, to serve our service of the same name, providing satellite broadband to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Zimbabwe.

Freedomsat allows users to get online utilising Avanti’s HYLAS 2 satellite, which was launched in August last year.

The service runs with the Hughes HN9200, Hughes HX90 or iDirect Evolution X1 hardware dependant on package and location.

Freedomsat can provide speeds of up to 6Mb per second and can get you online no matter where you are in the country.

But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of our customers had to say:

“Freedomsat’s speed is so good I am adding a VoIP phone to my tent area!” - Donald Snavely on his Satellite internet service whilst stationed in Iraq.

“The best thing about Freedomsat is the ability to talk clearly with family at home. The first time I got to talk to my daughter at home and be able to see her was a great day.” – Justin Kundinger from his time serving in Afghanistan.

We use Freedomsat for video chat and other forms of communication. It sucks up a lot of bandwidth but the system handles it with ease. – Jason A Smith, Libya.

Much MUCH better than my "alternate provider" which was costing me huge every month!” – JB, Zimbabwe.

If you are a resident or on duty in any of the areas Freedomsat covers, we’re more than happy to help you get online with satellite internet.

Visit freedomsat.com to find out more.

Freedomsat for Iraq & Afghanistan offers Fastest Satellite Broadband Speeds

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100

We are pleased to unveil our new Freedomsat service to Iraq and Afghanistan, the fastest satellite broadband connection available in both countries to date.

Freedomsat is a Ka-band service operating on the Hylas2 satellite, offering speeds of up to 10Mbps to military personnel and contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Previously the most popular service for Afghanistan and Iraq was our Ku-Band service ran on the HX50 modem at 4Mbps. Freedomsat offers speeds over twice as fast and at a fraction of the cost.

We are honoured to have an ongoing relationship with those serving overseas, keeping military personnel and civilian contractors connected with family & friends back home, as well as helping with essential tasks like rebuilding and installing infrastructure.

We are the first ISP in Afghanistan and Iraq to offer this new high speed service, and we are already seeing fantastic results on smaller 98cm and 74cm size dishes.

The Freedomsat package comes with a unique pin service allowing 24/7 activation and access for users. We are also happy to offer detailed web filtering should it be required.

Bentley Walker can potentially offer existing customers using a HX50, HX90 or iDirect modem a completely FREE upgrade with no equipment or shipping costs. Simply email sales@bentleywalker.com with your ESN to find out if you’re applicable. There are also deals for new customers including free hardware installation.

For more information visit our military satellite internet page. Pricing can be found in our Freedomsat brochure.

Challenges of VPN Over Satellite

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100

As the cost of consumer satellite systems and bandwidth drops lower and lower Internet access becomes more wide spread and the demand for secure connections from remote worker locations to Company headquarters or branches is increasing. The high latency or round trip time (RTT) inherent in commercial communications satellite connections has historically presented a significant obstacle to efficient VPN (virtual private network) connections over satellite.

The Problem with VPN Over Satellite

In order for a two-way satellite service to perform properly in conjunction with traditional terrestrial networks, two-way satellite networks must employ special software to deal with the extra 23000-mile space distance of the connection. Without this software, the increased latency (the time required to traverse the space segment) means that the TCP protocol severely limits link performance.

The Internet relies on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to ensure packet delivery without errors. TCP works by sending a certain amount of data, then waits for the receiver to send an acknowledgment of receipt. With TCP, the sender cannot transmit more data until it has received an acknowledgment. If an acknowledgment does not arrive in a timely manner, TCP assumes the packet was lost (discarded due to a congested network) and resends it. When packets go unacknowledged, TCP also slows the send rate to reduce the perceived congestion and to minimize the need for retransmissions.

TCP/IP sessions start out sending data slowly. Speed builds as the rate of the acknowledgments verifies the network's capacity to carry more traffic. This is known as slow-start, followed by a ramp-up in speed. The speed of the connection builds until the sender detects packet loss from a lack of an acknowledgment.

Ground networks typically have round-trip latencies in the range of 35 to 100 ms. Satellite networks, due to the distance of geo-synchronous satellites above the equator, require 550 ms or more. Some satellite connections have much higher RTT. The TCP protocol interprets the additional satellite RTT as network congestion. If uncorrected, this effect causes the network to send all additional packets at the slow-start rate.

Current two-way satellite networks employ a technique referred to as TCP spoofing to compensate for the extra time required to pass through the space segment. Special software on the satellite modem appears to terminate the TCP session, so it appears to the sender as the remote location. In reality the satellite modem is acting as a forwarder between the originating PC or host and the remote site. When the modem receives Internet traffic destined for a location, it immediately acknowledges receipt of the packet to the sender so more data packets will follow quickly. This way the sender never experiences the actual higher satellite latency to the remote site because acknowledgments return to the sender at LAN speed. As a result, TCP moves out of slow-start mode quickly and builds to the highest link send speed.

IPsec VPNs not only encrypt the data portion of packets, they also encrypt the TCP packet header. Popular IPsec VPNs, therefore, defeat the modem TCP acceleration software because the modem cannot detect the TCP packet and will consequently pass the unrecognised packet over the space link as a "raw" packet. This situation requires that acknowledgments transit the space segment twice (over and back) and results in substantial performance degradation. The impact on performance increases as the latency rises.

There are many products in the market to overcome this issue. They use many techniques but a common approach is to convert the TCP packet to UDP before the packet is presented to the satellite modem. UDP packets do not require acknowledgments’ and are therefore “pushed” over the satellite link at full throughput. These solutions are generally end to end solutions with a hardware device or software at both ends of the connection that will unpack the received UDP packet and reconvert to TCP before passing onto the LAN.

A new form of VPN connection has recently appeared on the market: SSL VPNs. These new VPNs are based on the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the protocol that safeguards the world of e-commerce; the VPNs are quickly becoming a leading option for remote access. Using HTTPS ports the application can be recognised by the TCP spoofing software and therefore spoofed to full data throughput.

For further details and advice concerning satellite VPN connectivity please contact our sales team on sales@bentleywalker.com detailing your requirements and we will be pleased to offer our recommendations.

Bentley Walker Supply Free Tooway to Cumbria

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Bentley Walker are pleased to announce we have provided residents of broadband-stricken Cumbria with free Tooway satellite broadband installation and activation.

Areas of Cumbria including Duddon Valley and Branthwaite recently had their broadband services cut when funding became impossible to continue based on the small population and outweighing costs. By helping affected residents get back online ASAP for nothing more than the monthly subscription fee, we hope that normal life can continue unaffected for business owners and home users.

Most notified have already taken us up on the deal, however if you live in the affected areas and have not please get in touch and we will happily talk you through the process and have your system working as quickly as possible.

Rural Broadband - Customer Feedback

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We love hearing from our customers and how satellite internet can really solve problems for them. Here is some recent feedback from a happy Tooway customer.

I live in one of the "not" spots with no TV, radio, nor mobile signal (the
constabulary use satellite phones). The position is further exacerbated by
the fact that the nearest exchange is some 17 kilometres away and Broadband
but a dream - my dial up gave me 15 kbs.

I did try to get satellite Broadband several years ago with - yes , you've
guessed it with ****** A week after my cheque for 1400 GBP cleared
(installation and first month up front) the company went into liquidation.

Though Bentley Walker was around at the time it was for business purposes
only.

With my retirement as a GP in the NHS I found that I no longer had the
facilities of the surgery. Though because of the ****** scenario I was
extremely reticent to have anything to do with Satellite Broadband for
years.

Not only was I surprised that how the fees had decreased but that instead of
the glib sales spiel of ****** I actually had a person (Chris Martin) whom
was thoroughly conversant with the product, answered my many queries by
return , and has always been extremely pleasant and helpful.

In my experience I have found the true worth of a company is not so much
when things are going right but rather when problems arise. To this point
all the minor issues - have been resolved in an efficient and prompt manner
by your technical staff.

Accordingly, I simply wish to extend my sincere thanks to all those members
of the Bentley Walker team whom maintain both a efficient and professional
manner that Bentley Walker can be proud of.

With regards,

Dr W J Thomas

Billboard advert for Tooway at London Waterloo Station

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Here's our billboard advert for Tooway at London Waterloo Station, which
will be up for the next month.

Whilst London is the capital of the UK and may have quality broadband
connections for the most part, many commuters passing through take the train within the commuter belt to rural areas with poor or unreliable internet access.

Tooway uses Satellite Internet to ensure that you can enjoy fast, reliable internet access even in the most rural and remote of get-aways.

Broadband Support Scheme throughout Wales is extended!

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Bentley Walker Ltd a worldwide reputable satellite internet service provider is pleased to hear the successful broadband support scheme is to be extended.

We encourage those who are eligible , having premises in Wales to apply for support with this grant up to £1,000 for the installation, set up and required equipment to deliver fast broadband.

The simple case is if you cannot receive basic broadband connectivity (2Mbps or above) and you haven't received publicly funded broadband assistance then your very own satellite broadband system can be installed, making fast broadband available.

Please remember no telephone lines are required , just a clear line of sight to the sky!

To receive this support simply evidence by printing a broadband speed test or the broadband availability checker if no current connection exists and attach a quotation from Bentley Walker Ltd.

You will be pleased to see our pricing will be at a minimum cost to the Welsh Government broadband support mechanism , this we believe will allow many more to take advantage of the funds available and receive fast broadband connection.

In fact through this tremendous scheme the complete satellite system , professional installed by our experienced installation partners would be completely FREE! to each successful applicant , you only pay for the chosen monthly subscription which can start from as little as £20.82/mth!

Please examine our website ; www.bentley-walker.com/tooway/ or give us a call at Bentley Walker to receive a quotation 02392 311103.

You can then choose how to claim the funding by calling 03000 60 3000 or visiting www.wales.gov.uk/broadband , a form will then be sent to you.

Choose the payment method as part of the offer letter you receive.

Please include your Bentley Walker satellite internet quotation with a printed speed test or broadband availability checker result.

Please remember you can elect to pay Bentley Walker yourself or elect for the Welsh Government to make this payment to us on your behalf.

We are confident your internet experience will be a pleasure to use and our service exceptional.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Feedback from Afghanistan

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

One area where we have had great demand in recent years in providing satellite internet services for troops in Afghanistan. Military personnel serving away from home rely on our connectivity to stay in touch with home, wherever they may find themselves stationed.

It's always great to get feedback from customers, but especially so from those serving around the world. Here is some recent feedback we received from US servicemen in Afghanistan:

"The base here offers internet for $100 a month that is 128kbps / 32kbps (but never reaches half that).

For that same price per month, a small number of us were able to purchase your Dual 4000 setup and have, what we call "the fastest internet this side of the Euphrates

I will be recommending your service to everyone I see that is tired of the service available to us; do not be surprised if you see me ordering multiple systems in the very near future!!!".

- Lonny W. Koons

Stock Image (C) The U.S. Army

Feedback from Baghdad

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In addition to providing satellite Internet services to residential and business clients all across Europe we also provide vital services to many operations across the Middle East. One of our Iraqi based clients recently shared their experience with us.

“Thanks to your system and your support we have been successful.” Northrop Grumman

Douglas T works for Northrop Grumman who provide field engineering and services to the US Military based in Iraq. They are the fourth-largest defence contractor in the world and provide a range of services to the military including the construction of aircraft carriers, missile defence systems and IT services.

Their first task in Iraq was set up operations in the Al Faw Palace in Baghdad. Getting online is essential to their operations however there was no infrastructure in place in Baghdad at the time. They ordered a Bentley Walker satellite Internet and installed it on the Al Faw Palace roof.

“We relied on your Internet service to keep our systems running. Parts were ordered, software patches down-loaded, and critical information was passed to keep a family of high-tech, complex systems running“ Douglas T, Northrop Grumman.

Bentley Walker provided all the hardware that was required for the Internet connection to be set up. Northrop Grumman have been so impressed with the service that they are taking all the hardware back to the US now that their work in Iraq has finished. They hope to be able to put it to use again soon though.

This satellite link was vital not only to keep their business running but it also provided a link with friends and families all around the world.

Northrop Grumman accredits their success in Iraq to Bentley Walker. Without a reliable, secure and fast Internet connection Northrop Grumman would have struggled to fully serve the needs of their clients in Iraq. Also the ability to call home every day boosted the morale of all staff.

It always brings us great pleasure to hear how our satellite Internet services are helping businesses to operate in the most remote and often hostile conditions. Not only have our services provided Northrop Grumman with vital communications support in the last decade but it has meant that all those working in the field were able to stay in touch with family and friends. We look forward to working with Northrop Grumman again in the future.

Delivering Internet to Indigenous Communities in Venezuela

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

One of the greatest pleasures in running Bentley Walker is knowing that the services we provide are making a real difference in the world. From small kayak businesses in the remote Norwegian Fjords to defence operations in war zones, our services reach far and wide.

One of the most rewarding stories for us is seeing how our satellite Internet services have helped to improve the quality of schooling in one of the most remote areas of the world.

Bentley Walker was chosen by the Wayuu Taya Foundation to provide satellite Internet to the Los Lechosos school in a remote area of Venezuela. The Wayuu Taya Foundation is a charity that works to improve the lives of Latin-American indigenous communities. Its president is Patricia Velásquez, the Venezuelan actress and super-model.

We provided and shipped all the equipment to the school free or charge and worked with a local technical support team to get the systems up and running. The school had already received free computers from HP with the help of the Wayuu Taya Foundation so they were ready to get online as soon as our satellite dish and network was set up.

“We are really happy with the service, it is the first time that we have had Internet in the school”.

We were put in contact with the school via the Row6.com Project. Row6.com is a campaign set up by June Sarpong to get the world talking through story telling. The goal of Row6.com is to record and archive stories from around the global, ideally capturing stories from every community on the planet.

We love the work that June has been doing to help connect the people of the world. Her work has not gone unnoticed either. In 2007 she was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity. An ambassador for The Prince's Trust and campaigner for the Make Poverty History, her work reaches almost as far as our Internet services.

New Funding for Broadband in England and Scotland

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has announced details of their Broadband Delivery Programme for the UK. The aim is to improve Internet access to all areas by working with the private sector. Subsidies will be provided to reduce the costs of installing broadband services.

£530 million has been allocated for investment into rural broadband in the UK. The funding is specifically for areas where commercial investments are currently failing to meet demand.

English counties have now been allocated £294.8 million and Scotland the remaining £68.8 million. The Welsh Assembly have already created their own programme for Wales. The investment is to ensure that the UK has the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015, with 90% of all homes and businesses having access to at least 20Mbps and all the UK having 2Mpbs.

This scheme is only available to homes and business with a current maximum speed of less than 512kbps. In some areas the subsidies will still fall a long way short of the cost of laying broadband fibre optic cables so alternative solutions are being sought, one of which is satellite Internet.

The Broadband Delivery Programme is also in talks with the Department of Health and the Department of Education. Broadband access is no longer just a luxury, it is fast becoming a necessity and the only way to access vital health information and educational resources.

Immediate solutions available from Bentley Walker Tooway™

Bentley Walker provide a fast satellite Internet service to all areas of the UK already. The new government initiative may provide funding for Tooway installations. Tooway currently provides speeds from 6 Mpbs. Learn more about our Tooway™ service on our Tooway microsite.

Further Information

BDUK Funding Allocation
Broadband Delivery Programme: Delivery Model
UK Fixed Broadband Map 2011
Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG)
BBC Internet Speed Checker- are you getting less than 512kbps?

Get in touch

If you would like to learn how we can help please call us on (0) 2392 311 103 or make a "General Enquiry" via our contact form here and mention the government funding.

iDX 3.0 Upgrades

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Bentley Walker have upgraded their satellite Internet platform to the latest software, iDirect’s iDX 3.0. This upgrade makes significant improvements to Internet speed across its global VSAT network which means that Bentley Walker now provides faster satellite Internet across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

The software upgrade allows Bentley Walker to use its current hardware to improve its services by allowing two Internet protocols, SCPC and TDMA, to operate simultaneously which essentially doubles the speed at which information to be processed by using previously untapped SCPC bandwidth. In addition to this, iDX 3.0’s multi-channel demodulation technology has further enhanced performance by allowing more inbound channels to be processed by a single satellite receiver.

“Though shared TDMA networks use bandwidth more efficiently, in our market it’s still important to offer dedicated SCPC connections for specific customer applications that require them. iDX 3.0 therefore is the ideal software since it gives us the flexibility to deliver service over a large, shared TDMA outbound channel and offer dedicated SCPC bandwidth on the inbound channel. What’s more, our upgrade to iDX 3.0 was relatively simple and seamless, with virtually no interruption in service or impact to customers.” - Anthony WALKER, CEO, Bentley Walker Ltd.

Bentley Walker has managed to improve the service it provides to it current clients without any disruption. Bentley Walker has clients all over the UK and Europe and its Middle East and Africa business is expanding rapidly. One of the fastest growing areas is Afganistan where Bentley Walker are helping businesses and homes to connect online for the first time, and servicemen stay in touch when on tour.