• How does SEATONNET work?

Quite simply there are two levels to the internet via our service. Firstly SEATONNET is a local FREE intranet service that allows users to simply log on and surf Seaton and local area for sites of interest.

Users can also surf the worldwide web (WWW) by logging on and paying on an 'as needed' basis. The service will never cost more than 1p per minute and there are no minimum charges and no contracts to pay. This pays for the running costs of the service, ie the broadband telephone connections and the software to manage the users logins.

• What is a local INTRANET?

An Intranet is a local network as opposed to the Internet which is global. The INTRANET allows you to browse the businesses, shops, pubs, clubs and restaurants and all locally based amenities without cost. It is effectively a public service delivered electronically. It is managed locally and is designed to enable communities to benefit by promoting only locally based businesses and events. In this way the residents and visitors have a useful resource that keeps them informed and aware of what is going on without effort or cost.

• How do I access SEATONNET?

To use the service you need to be able to access the internet wirelessly. When your wireless adaptor is enabled it highlights all of the wireless transmitters in your locality that are broadcasting a signal, usually the name of the router but often something like 'Fred's Router'.  These are all privately owned routers which are often unsecured and are accessible, but to do so is illegal and you could be prosecuted.

Connecting for the first time is simple so long as your adaptor is active and 'on' to check if yours is it is simply a matter of looking at the bottom righthand side of your windows taskbar and your wireless adaptor icon will either show connected or offline

With the SEATONNET service you will see numbers after the name like 03, or 06 and these indicate which broadcasting signal you are picking up. Select the one that has the strongest signal, usually indicated by green bars,( the more bars the stronger the signal) and click on [CONNECT] This will now allow you to log onto SEATONNET with Internet Explorer, FireFox or Opera or whichever browser your computer uses. Once on the homepage you can read the instructions for FREE use and access the sites in the normal way of surfing the internet - locally.

• What if the access speed is really slow?

If the access speed is slow, you're probably in a poor signal strength area. Try moving closer to the access point and check your radio utility - usually found on the right hand side of the task bar. This will have some method of detecting signal strength, allowing you to move around until you're in a good signal area. It may be that you would benefit from an external aerial

This is a shared service and whilst we try to ensure high-speed access we can't guarantee maximum bandwidth. Peer to Peer networking services such as Napster, Limewire and other music sharing sites are not considered 'fair use' and we suggest you disable such features on your laptop prior to conncting to our service.

• What if I forget my password and can't log on?

Please call us on 01297 578126 (9am to 5pm on weekdays ) and we'll be happy to issue you with a new password.

• Can I use my subscription at any SEATONNET Site?

Yes, all subscriptions include full roaming between SEATONNET HotSpots.

• How do I log out?

If you need to log out to prevent your time decrementing, simply click on 'Logout' in the timer window OR if the timer window doesn't appear due to a pop up blocker or if it's been accidentally closed, type 1.1.1.1 in the address bar of your Internet browser. For your added security, your session will automatically logout after one hour of inactivity.

• I want to use your service but it says it is unsecured?

The service needs to be unsecured to enable you to log in. Once logged on you become part of our secure network and your own PC firewall and anti-virus will keep you as safe as on your home or office system.

• I get a strong signal, but cannot log on?

If you experience difficulty completing the sign-up process please ensure that you have a GOOD connection [Our antennas can be boosted so a big signal to you does not mean a big signal back to the antenna] - check location to antenna and if necessary get closer during sign up process.

• I'm logged in, but cannot access the internet ?

A locked session can be caused by poor connection but can usually be cleared by typing 1.1.1.1 in your browser address bar which will force logout of your session and enable you to log back in again.

• I cannot see the login/logout box where has it gone?

You have disabled the pop-up facility in your browser or Internet security program. Set permissions for our pages to 'allow pop-ups' and you will get your login/logout box back.

• I tried to pay but my transaction did not complete?

This can happen when you try to rush the payment process and then it may lock you out for a period it is a good idea to make sure all of your information and card details are to hand when signing up. This can also be a sign of poor signal so, check this by getting closer to the antenna.

• I have paid, but it is coming up with 'no time left'

Sometimes this can be caused by a poor signal when completing the transaction or by surfing away from the signing up pages before complete. We are working to resolve these issues but, if it occurs call us to check if payment has been made and we will manually switch on your service.

• My Norton 360 is stopping me accessing the Internet

These programs are causing users problems when accessing wireless networks because of the way they mis-identify the security settings. Click on the shortcut below to take you to a help page or simply disable the program while accessing the Internet via our SECURE services. Help With Access

• I need to VPN into my office is this safe to do?

This system is designed to function in this way. In fact if you are connecting to the internet through your own laptop we would recommend using a VPN client for secure access to your company.

• My account says it has been blocked, why is this?

Your account may have been blocked for a number of reasons, usually we only do this if the usage has been excessive and this can usually be rectified by calling our office and paying an excess fee of between £1 and £4 a gigabyte.

• Why do you disallow the use of Peer to Peer services?

Services such as Bearshare or Limewire use excessive bandwidth and cause massive disruption for all users. Often the user is unaware of the severity of the problem.

• I want to send emails?

You can either use a webmail service to send emails while using SEATONNET or change your email setting to 'use my incoming server to authenticate' for the duration of your stay. Further information can be found [here]