Frequently Asked Questions - Mobile Satellite Systems

Who manufactures the MSS?
Ground Control is both the satellite Internet/data provider and the manufacturer of the MSS (Mobile Satellite System). We know this product top to bottom and will support you 24-7 with our U.S. based technical support department as well as our nationwide field support team. Ground Control also supports the AVL line of mobile satellite systems that includes several different sizes.

What is the difference between a HughesNet MSS and the Galileo MSS?
The main differences are cost and performance. Most RV owners and small businesses choose the less expensive HughesNet system with a smaller .74 meter dish to mount of their roof. The monthly HughesNet access fees are very affordable and start at $79 a month. The Galileo MSS is a larger dish supporting access to our high performance network that allows a multitude of applications such as VPN, VOIP and other private networking solutions.

What is the difference between the MSS and the BGAN Satellite Terminals?
BGAN, short for Braodband Global Area Network, is world wide connectivity with a smaller portable or in-motion antenna that can transmit and receive up to 492 Kbps. While BGAN terminals are small, the fees for using the service can add up quickly if you are a heavy user of the serivice, more so than the MSS service.

Who do I buy my monthly access from?
Ground Control direct. Ground Control is a leader in mobile satellite internet access of Galileo and HughesNet. If there is a problem, we are your point of contact 24x7.

Can I connect any kind of computer to the MSS?
Yes, both Windows and Macintosh users, as well as any TCP-IP based computer or device may connect to the MSS. If your computer has a wireless card, then it may access the MMS via a wireless "G" Access Point.

I'm concerned about security with wireless access. Is it secure and can I turn Wi-Fi off?
Yes, absolutely. You may use 64 or 128 bit encrypted WEP security or you may at any time disable the access point and only allow network traffic connected by an ethernet cable.

Can anyone physically install the mobile dish?
No. A certified mobile system installer must install the system at your location. Ground Control has professional mobile satellite Installers in the U.S. and Canada. You do have the option of becoming certified online for a nominal fee. For more information about certification, please email training@groundcontrol.com

Do you make a case-based portable system?
Yes. Ground Control makes a flyaway system that you can ship a .74 or .95 meter MSS system anywhere. Larger sizes are available with our AvL product line.

How does the dish find the satellite?
The dish is completely motorized and controlled by onboard electronics. No external controller equipment is needed, except for the remote button pad that you can mount anywhere inside the vehicle. You may also control the dish from any wi-fi or ethernet connected computer. Press one button on the MSS remote button pad and the dish deploys and locks to the satellite automatically in about 3 to 7 minutes. The MSS is completely self-contained and does not require any kind of computer to connect to the satellite and create a local area network. There is no physical labor involved in setting up the dish. Once the satellite is found, you are online. Simply run your web browser or e-mail program.

Can I be traveling down the road and be online at the same time?
No. The rig must be parked in order to connect on the satellite. In-Motion satellite systems can be found on this page.

How does weather affect the dish?
It would have to be a heavy wind or rain to affect usability of the system. Transmission will be suspended if signal quality dips, which is rare and happens only in a downpour.

What is AutoStow and how does this features work?
The AutoStow is for when you accidentally drive off and leave the dish up. For it to work, the MSS must be turned on. If the vehicle moves a significant distance, the onboard GPS will recognize the vehicle is moving and automatically stow the dish. If the dish is online, and the vehicle is moved, the dish will stow in 10 seconds after being off signal. While these autostow features are not a guarantee on your hardware's safety, they are a line of defense to protect your investment.

May I also use the service off the vehicle?
Yes. Many who own a mobile system move the satellite modem from the rig to a second installed dish on a home/office and continue using the monthly satellite service. Obviously, for those that park the rig nearby, a wireless connection to a building is possible if the satellite system is turned on. .

Would the MSS fit on a small trailer?
The system can fit on any mobile platform that gives it room to turn around in place. The bottom of the dish rim must be at least six feet off the ground to legally transmit.

How difficult is it to use the system?
Press the "Power Button" and wait for the panel lights stop blinking, and then press the "Find Satellite" button. The system will automatically go up and lock onto the correct satellite between 3 to 7 minutes. Once that happens, your network will light up, and you may immediately connect to the Internet at high-speed. To stow the dish, simply press the "Stow" button. The dish will stow in about 2 minutes, and you may then drive away.

Is it easy to stow and reconnect the satellite dish when one moves from one location to another?
Yes. Just press the Stow button on the front panel and the dish will stow automatically. When you arrive at the new location, simply press on the Find Satellite button.

Can the dish be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
No. If you require TV, we highly recommend the purchase an inexpensive mobile TV system separate from your Internet/Data connection.

Can the dish be used as a telephone?
Yes many of our customers use VOIP software telephone service. We recommend skype at www.skype.com with the HughesNet MSS. With the Galileo MSS, you may use a host of VOIP solutions on the market today. The Galileo system will support multiple VOIP connections simultaneously.

How fast are the upload and download speeds?
There a numerous speed packages to choose from. Please contact a Ground Control representative to find out what package is best for you.

Can I get a Static IP address?
Yes. One or more Public Routable IP addresses are available from Ground Control.

Does the system support VPN?
Yes. However we recommend using the Galileo platform because of its excellent performance characteristics.

How often can I use the dish?
If the dish is locked on satellite, and your computer is turned on, you are online. Services charges are a flat fee per month.

Does the system work anywhere in North America?
Take a look at the coverage maps that are located on this web site. These maps show the "footprints" of the Galileo or HushesNet satellites on North America which includes Canada and Mexico. You must have an unobstructed view of the southern sky. If there are objects between the dish and the satellite, it will not find the satellite.

Galileo Coverage Area
HughesNet Coverage Area

Can I have the system installed where I'm located?
Ground Control will send an  installer to your location for installation.

What about dish software upgrades?
From time to time, Ground Control makes available new software releases that "Flash" your MSS system memory with a new-improved version of code. This code can automatically be downloaded and installed on your system from the MSS main screen.

Don't see your question here?
Ground Control desires to make the FAQ as complete as possible. Please email the web administrator at webmaster@groundcontrol.com and please let us know your mobile question was not answered on this web page. Also, please feel free to contact a Ground Control sales representative at 800-773-7168 or 805-783-4600 or you may email us at sales@groundcontrol.com

Back to main Mobile Page