Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Why should I consider Aloha Satellites as my alternative communications service provider for my commercial business or property?

A - Aloha Satellites offers an array of competitive communications services including bulk basic analog video packages, bulk basic digital video packages, premium video programming services, access to hundreds of additional a-la-carte digital video services, local network broadcast channels, pay-per-view video programming, HDTV, interactive TV guide, CD quality audio programming, broadband high-speed internet and access to Voice-over-IP (VoIP). The possible combinations of services is endless.

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Q - How do I determine what services or package is right for my situation?

A - There are many factors that must be considered prior to determining the right package for your situation including but not limited to property size, property type (apartment, condo, hotel, etc.) construction type (high-rise or garden style), number of outlets, type and condition of existing wiring, etc.). A representative of Aloha Satellites will meet with you to discuss your needs and desires prior to determining acceptable alternatives that may be available to you. We will then schedule and conduct an in-depth site analysis to gather critical site data that will be used as a basis to estimate system build-out costs and determine the economic feasibility of the proposed system. At Aloha Satellites, we are so confident in our ability to deliver a competitive non-binding proposal that there is never a charge for our site analysis or proposal preparation time.

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Q - Why should I choose Aloha Satellites over the local cable TV company or telephone company?

A - The local cable TV company and telephone company act as though they are monopolies and would have you believe that they are the only game in town. They deliver a "one size fits all" approach to your commercial business or property. At Aloha Satellites, we approach your business not as a number but as an individual entity with its own distinct individual needs. We will make every effort to deliver a solution that is custom fit to your application. Aloha Satellites will deliver the most competitive combination of quality products, service and price.

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Q - I am not familiar with Aloha Satellites or these types of services. Is this something new or experimental in the industry?

A - Private Cable Operators and the delivery of alternative communications services on an individual property basis has been a concept that has enjoyed significant success on the mainland for more than 20 years. This concept has had limited success in Hawaii due to the need for large satellite dishes and the availability of limited real estate. Very few property owners have been willing to install a "dish farm" consisting of multiple 30' to 45' diameter satellite dishes on their property or building in order to receive the necessary video programming. Today, fewer and smaller satellite dishes (approximately 1 meter in diameter) are capable of receiving hundreds of digital video and audio programming services.

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Q - Are satellite delivered services reliable?

A - Absolutely! Satellite delivered digital video services are enjoyed by more than 30 million subscribers daily, more than any single cable TV company or telephone company. In fact, our product of choice, DISH Network™, ranks No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction among Cable/Satellite TV Subscribers by J.D. Power and Associates. Although the local cable TV company may not like to admit it, their video services are also delivered to their headend via satellite. The difference between our system and the local cable TV company is that our video signals are delivered directly from the satellite to your business or property. After receiving and processing the satellite video signals, the cable TV company must then send these signals through a distribution network consisting of hundreds of miles of overhead and underground cable plant, thousands of active and passive electronic devices, thousands of connectors, dozens of power supplies and multiple power grids before finally arriving at your business or property. Outages or compromised service may occur at any time and anywhere in this maze as a result of faulty active or passive devices, loose connectors, water damage, cut cables or fiber, power outages, automobile accidents, rodents, equipment not properly balanced, corrosion, acts of God, and so on. Now really, which delivery system do you think would be more reliable.Furthermore, our commercial delivery systems are designed and built to be even more robust and reliable than our single-family resident installations. We utilize more efficient satellite dishes with one dish dedicated to each satellite in use. Heavy-duty mounting hardware and auto-leveling amplifiers provide consistent and unwavering signal strength to our professionally designed delivery network located at your business or property. In the event of a system problem, our on-call technician will only have to troubleshoot and repair an issue that is limited to the site itself, and not have to drive all over the Island to find a needle in the haystack.

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Q - I understand that Aloha Satellites may be able to save my commercial business, condominium or multi-dwelling unit (MDU) money on a monthly recurring basis when compared against my current costs for comparable services. Are there additional long-term economic benefits to doing business with Aloha Satellites?

A - YES! In addition to offering more bulk services for less money, Aloha Satellites offers additional incentives that will benefit your organization over the long haul. First, Aloha Satellites will offer a revenue share program after the initial build-out costs have been recovered. This typically occurs after an initial five-year term agreement and translates into additional savings for the property owner or homeowners association (HOA). Second, in the spirit of a true partnering relationship, Aloha Satellites will share a significant percentage of net proceeds generated as a result of system acquisition or contract assignment. Ask the cable TV company or telephone company if they are prepared to do the same. Finally, Aloha Satellites will offer a further guarantee of low prices going forward. Although video program suppliers such as ESPN, HBO, and others may continue to raise their programming rates in years ahead, thus increasing our cost of doing business, Aloha Satellites will guarantee that the rate increases that we must pass along to our clients will always be less then the rate increases imposed by the local cable TV company for comparable services. In fact, we will guarantee that our rate increase for comparable services in any given year will be at least 20% less than the than the cable TV company's most recent rate increase for comparable services.

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Q - It is clear that property owners and HOA's can benefit from a business relationship with Aloha Satellites. What type of benefits can Aloha Satellites provide for the individual apartment tenant or condo owner?

A - Aloha Satellites understands that a primary concern of the property owner or HOA is to keep their tenants satisfied. In many cases, Aloha Satellites will be able to offer additional services to the individual tenants that were previously unavailable through the incumbent service provider. In most cases, individual tenants will be able to upgrade beyond the basic level of bulk services provided at a cost significantly less than the previous service provider. In all cases, there will be separate service agreement for upgraded levels of service between Aloha Satellites and the individual tenant and the property owner or HOA will not bear any direct responsibility in regards to this relationship.

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Q - I understand that there will be costs associated with the deployment of a system capable of delivering alternative communications services at my property or business. Who pays for these costs?

A - Aloha Satellites offers several options to satisfy the costs associated with system build-out. In general, a greater financial participation on the part of the property owner or HOA translates into greater revenue share or equity participation. The following primary options are available to the property owner or HOA:

Payment of 100% of the system build-out costs at the outset of the project. This option allows for immediate generation of maximum revenue share and equity share to the property owner or HOA.

Payment of the build-out costs over several years through an equipment lease agreement. This popular option allows for payment of the build-out costs over time (up to five years). The monthly lease payment is typically satisfied by the net operational cash flow generated by the system. In other words, Aloha Satellites will apply its net operating profits towards payment of the lease during the entire term of the lease. This means little to no out-of-pocket capital expense on the part of the property owner or HOA. After the lease obligation has been met, the property owner or HOA will begin enjoying a significant revenue share.

Aloha Satellites will satisfy all or most of the costs associated with the system build-out. This option allows for little to no financial contribution on the part of the property owner or HOA. Of course, this option also results in less opportunity for revenue share and equity participation. In most cases, the property owner or HOA may contribute to the build-out costs in exchange for a subsequent increase in revenue share and equity participation.

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