I see that the launch of the new KA-SAT satellite will be on the 26th December.

If the launch is a success, how long will it be before they start using it?

Most of the offers I can see for tooway on internet have Ku hardware. Are there any KA-SAT packages being offered pointing at the new satellite?

I am being tortured again by a slow 3G connection. What would be the best advice for someone right now?
Is it best to wait until the new Ka system is up and running?

Suposedly the new KA-SAT system will be better than the existing Ku system?

Will the KA-SAT system be easier to self install?

Is there a piece of hardware or kit (even if it is expensive) that makes a self install easy?

Hi Granadainfo,

Visit our site regularly and you will find all requested info as soon it is available.

https://www.europe-satellite.com/EMS/images/ka-sat_system.jpg
KA-SAT Tooway Ka system.

Frits Blomsma

Europe-Satellite/El Molino will be providing KA-SAT service as soon as it becomes available.  The company themselves provide experienced, expert and professional installation, with vehicle, ladders, test equipment etc.  Here is a picture:

https://www.europe-satellite.com/projects/cdls02.jpg

Many of their successful installations are featured at https://www.satsig.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=dish.

If requested, Europe-Satellite/El Molino will sell “equipment only”. Collect or arrange for collection from their premises and attempt self-install.  This is suitable for technically competent customers with their own transport to remote/inaccessible locations.  Technical help and advice is often provided in this forum to help such self-installers.   Inexperienced prospective self-installers should be warned that installation involves hazards and the skills required may mean that the installation may take several days work.  In the event that the installation is unsatisfactory or fails to pass satellite acceptance testing, it may be necessary to pay for expert help.

Alternative, long standing, reputable company is Bentley Walker ( https://www.bentley-walker.com/ )

Best regards and Happy Christmas, Eric

Press release:
EUTELSAT’S KA-SAT SATELLITE SUCCESSFULLY ON STATION AT 9° EAST AND UNDERGOING IN-ORBIT TESTS
Paris, 13 January 2011

Following the successful completion of all scheduled manoeuvres since launch, the KA-SAT satellite of Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) is now positioned at its definitive location in geostationary orbit at 9° East.

On January 8 the satellite’s payload was switched on, enabling Europe’s first High Throughput Satellite to begin a series of in-orbit tests, which will be followed by the final phase of integrated validation of the satellite with the network of ground stations that will connect to the Internet backbone.

Commercial entry into service is on track for end May 2011.

The operations centralised at Eutelsat’s Rambouillet teleport since KA-SAT’s launch on December 26, have included full deployment of the solar panels - giving a total wing span of almost 40 metres - and the deployment of the four antennas which will deliver reach of Europe and the Mediterranean Basin via 82 spotbeams.

Built for Eutelsat by Astrium, KA-SAT ushers in a new generation of high capacity multispotbeam satellites for broadband and data services.