FAQ’s
How do I know what the usage policies on my plan are? You can view the usage policies on your plan by clicking on the Your Traffic Management Policy tab in the Usage Tracker.
What is Recovery Mode? Some of our plans feature a 24-hour usage allowance and Recovery Mode. With these plans, if you exceed your plan’s daily usage allowance, your service will be placed in Recovery Mode and your speed will be reduced for a period of time. At the end of that period, the system will re-evaluate your usage to see if you are within the allowance for the preceding 24 hours. If the system finds you are below your 24-hour allowance, Recovery Mode will end and your speed will no longer be restricted.
Will I be billed for usage? You will only be billed for usage if you are on a plan that includes a monthly usage allowance and your monthly usage exceeds that allowance.
When will I be billed for usage? If you are on a plan that includes a monthly usage allowance and your usage exceeds the monthly allowance, you will be billed for your incremental usage on the same day you are billed for your monthly service fee.
How can I avoid being surprised by a bill for usage? Not sure if you’re getting close to your usage allowance limit? Using our Usage Tracker tool will help you stay on top of your daily and monthly Internet usage.
What is Traffic Management? Traffic Management is the practice of implementing policies to control and allocate network bandwidth, reduce delay, and minimize congestion on a network.
Glossary of Usage-Related Terms: There are a lot of words and abbreviations that are unique to the online world – some of them you may be familiar with, while others might have you scratching your head. We thought we’d make it easy for you and put together a glossary of some of the more common terms you’ll find on our site.
Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be sent through a network or modem connection. It is typically measured in Mbps or “millions of bits per second”. When you have more bandwidth, you’re able to transfer more data in shorter periods of time.
Downloading: When you’re downloading, you’re receiving files from the Internet. This is what happens when you buy music or movies online and then transfer – or download – them to your computer. Downloading applies to your Internet usage.
GB(Gigabyte): A gigabyte, or GB, is a unit of measure that’s used when describing the size of a file or amount of storage space on your computer. A GB is 1,024 megabytes (MB). To use up 1 GB of data, you’d need to send around 2,000 e-mails, view 1500 web pages, download 250 photos and spend about 2 hours streaming standard-definition videos.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): This is a company that provides Internet service – like Xplornet!
Kbps (Kilobits per second) is an abbreviation for “kilobits per second”, which refers to your data transfer speed. Kilobits are smaller than megabits.
MB (Megabyte): A megabyte (MB) is a unit of measure that’s used when describing the size of a file or amount of storage space on your computer. It’s smaller than a gigabyte (GB) and is made up of 1,024 kilobytes. There’s not a lot you can do with just 1 MB – downloading a typical song uses about 1 MB per minute. You could also send about 100 really short e-mails or view 20 web pages.
Mbps (Megabits per second) is an abbreviation for “megabits per second”, which refers to data transfer speeds measured in megabits (not to be confused with megabytes which are bigger) . Your Internet download speed is measured in Mbps. An example of a high download speed would be 5.0 Mbps. A high upload speed would be 800 Kbps (kilobits per second – kilobits are smaller than megabits).
Modem: Short for “modulator/demodulator”, a modem is an electronic device (either contained within the antenna unit on the side of your house or in a unit where the wire enters the house) that allows your computer to connect to the Xplornet system and, in turn, the Internet. Data is then transferred either over satellite signal, or wirelessly via radio waves.
P2P (peer-to-peer): When you’re part of a P2P (peer-to-peer) network, you’re connected to other users’ computers via the Internet. With P2P, you can share files directly without using a central server.
Uploading: When you’re uploading, you’re sending files from your computer to another system. Most people tend to download files more often than they upload. Uploading applies to your Internet usage.
Usage: All of your online activity – uploading and downloading – using a PC, laptop, smart-phone, tablet or other device connected to the Xplornet system is considered to be “usage”. Sending e-mails, streaming videos, downloading music or movies, even just surfing websites… this is all part of your Internet usage.
FAQ’s
How does satellite TV work? Shaw Direct has a number of transmitters that collect signals from TV stations across North America. We compress all the signals into a digital feed and then transmit it to our three satellites, Anik F1, Anik F2 and Anik G1. These satellites are in a stationary orbit 23,000 miles above the earth. The signal is then picked up by the satellite dish on your house, apartment or RV and sent to your TV through your receiver. Simply turn on your TV and receiver to enjoy an amazing satellite TV experience.
What if I have more than one TV? The best way to enjoy Shaw Direct programming is to purchase a receiver for each TV in your home. To choose the receiver that’s right for you call us at Total Telecom.
You can run up to four lines from your Shaw Direct satellite dish. If more lines are required, a Multi-Switch can be installed however extra charges may apply.
How long do I have to wait before I get my dish installed? If you purchase your system from Total Telecom, you can start enjoying Shaw Direct within three to 10 days. Installation times may vary depending on the weather or if you live in a remote region where we may not have as many installers.
Do I have to be home when the installer comes? Yes, an authorized person over the age of 18 needs to be present to authorize on any work that needs to be done.
Can anyone get satellite TV? Almost anyone can get satellite TV. You’ll need a clear line-of-sight (where the Shaw Direct dish from your house is aimed at the satellite in space). If you live in a high-rise with other buildings in your way, it’s sometimes difficult to get that clear line-of-sight.
If you live in a condo or apartment building, you’ll need to check the building regulations or by-laws to see if they allow satellite dishes on your balcony.
Otherwise, it’s a perfect alternative for those who live in rural areas where cable isn’t an option. Why not get it installed at the cottage? Or get Shaw Direct for your RV? You can “rough it” with all the comforts of home.
How much is a receiver? We have HD receivers to suit every budget. To choose the receiver that’s right for you visit us at Total Telecom.
Do I have to sign a contract? You don’t need to sign a long-term contract like you do with other satellite or cell phone providers. Our programming and hardware options are flexible to ensure that our customers get exactly what they want.
What is the monthly cost? The monthly cost depends on the programming package you choose. Our most popular package is Digital Favourites with over 290 channels and lots of HD, including English Essentials and a selection of our customers’ favourite specialty channels. You can also customize your programming with our bundles, HD packages and à la carte channel options. The programming options are as unique as you are.
What is HD? HD stands for High-Definition and is fast becoming the preferred format for all TVs and TV programs. HD takes your TV picture to the next level with quality up to six-times clearer and sharper than Standard-Definition.
Do you have sports programming?
Absolutely! Watch every goal on over 100 sports channels including TSN, TSN2, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet, SPEED, Golf Channel and many more. Plus, with over 40 sports channels in crystal-clear HD, you’ll feel like you’re cheering from the sidelines!
Do you have movies? Enjoy over 2,000 movies every month with our movies packages. Subscribe to Super Écran, Super Channel, Movies West or Movies East (depending on where you live in Canada).
Let’s not forget our Pay Per View/VOD movies. It’s like having a video store right in your living room. There’s a great selection of new releases every month.
What is Pay Per View?
With Pay Per View, you can order a variety of movies and live events in the comfort of your own home – no need to go to the video store.
Do you have music stations?
Yes. Experience a vast musical universe at your fingertips with Galaxie. With everything from classical to rock and country to pop, Galaxie has got it all.
Do you have children’s programming?
Yes. If you have little ones, you’ll love our selection of fun and educational programming.