FAQ

FAQs
What is WiMAX and how does it work?
Basically, the new technology in Worldwide Interoperability Mobile Access is similar to Wi-Fi but provides faster download speeds and wider coverage, for cheaper than broadband, wireless or dial-up services. You can learn in more detail by watching a video on our website here: http://www.italia-wifi.com/
 
How is it different from dongle or landline?
The WiMAX router is faster and more reliable than dongle. You don't have to wait to start up as the router is always connected. You can download at speeds up to 50Mbps which means better and more useful connectivity. Landlines are slow and landlords are understandably reluctant to pay to improve them. Universities, language-school programs, hostels and hotels can provide the fastest internet connection for a convenient monthly subscription rather than passing the problem (and the expense) on to the students.
 
What does 10, 30 or 50Mbps mean?
This means the speed at which you can down- or upload information to the internet in Mega Bits Per Second. You can check your connection's speed by running a speedtest through Speedtest.net here: http://www.speedtest.net/
The average speed for most landlines will be 2Mbps. Dongles might be a little better in larger cities but are notorously unreliable.
 
What is the Fair Use Policy?
Sometimes, a lot of customers use the Student Wi-Fi Italia shared network bandwidth at the same time. A very small number of our customers use their Student Wi-Fi Italia service inappropriately, for example when sending or downloading very large files, or using 'peer to peer' and file sharing software (which may be frequently sending and receiving video and other large files). This means that service quality for all Student Wi-Fi Italia users on that router is affected, making it slower for everyone to access the internet or send and receive emails. Most of our customers' usage levels don't affect their network capacity.  Our Fair Use Policy manages inappropriate use and makes sure the service can be used fairly by everyone.
 
How does the Fair Use Policy work?
If you regularly use the service inappropriately, or your usage is in excess of  your contract limits (10, 15 or 20 GBs per month), and we believe this is unfairly affecting other customers' use of the service, we'll write to you, at your registered email address, to let you know that your usage is likely to result in reduced service speeds for other users. If you continue to use your service inappropriately, or in excess of 20 GBs per month, we reserve the right to end your agreement with us and we will give you notice before doing so. If you don't use peer to peer, file sharing or other inappropriate software and you're not, for example, frequently downloading or uploading videos or other very large files, you're unlikely to be affected by our Fair Use Policy. Please note that some activities, such as using peer to peer or file sharing software, may contravene these laws. Under our terms and conditions, any illegal use of your service will be a breach of your contract and will allow us to end your service.
 
What happens if I go over the 20Gbps Fair Use Limit?
Our Fair Use Policy states that the internet connection will be reduced to 2Mbps for the remainder of the billing month, after which time the connection will be re-set to the original 20Gbps.
 
How many people can use it at one time?
Theoretically the number of users on one router could be unlimited, but it would reduce the speed and quality of the connection so we recommend setting a maximum of 5 users on a 30Mbps connection, and up to 10 on a 50Mbps connection.
 
How does the monthly subscription work?
Once we have received a signed contract with your credit card details from you we set up a billing account through Paypal which allows you to automatically pay us every month. Then we 'flash' each router in the order - we give each one an individual ID and user code and then send it out to you, all within 7-10 business days. Your subscription allows you to rent the router and use the internet connection. 
 
How do I terminate the subscription?
When you want to terminate the subscription, just email us at giles@studentwifiitalia.com. Pack up and send us back the router and we will return your deposit.
 
What is the minimum monthly subscription?
The minimum monthly subscription is for six months, after which time we ask you if you want to continue. Obviously, it is more cost-efficient to rent for a longer period than to rent for six months, terminate and renew the subscription.
 
What happens if I have a problem with the router?
If you have any problems, just contact us and we will phone you and walk you through it, or replace the unit for you.
 
What if I change apartments or addresses?
You can take the router and window antenna with you wherever you go in Italy, within reason. It will still provide you with an internet connection. Just let us know so we can change your contact details.
 
Will it work anywhere in Italy?
The router will give you a great connection in any city and large town in Italy. You might not be able to get such a good connection in the countryside. If you are interested in getting 50Mbps download speeds in rural areas, and want to learn more about our satellite WiMAX connections, please contact us here: http://www.italia-wifi.com/