FAQs

How long will it take for my web hosting account to be setup?

We aim to activate your account in real-time so that you can begin using it right away. In some circumstances, it may take a little longer. For example, if you are transferring a domain name and buying a web hosting package together - the web hosting package will be ready to use after the transfer is completed. As a general rule we advise to allow at least 48 hours for a domain transfer, but be advised that any DNS changes also take time to propagate too.

I have a domain name I wish to use with web hosting - do I have to transfer it?

 No, you can choose to leave you domain name with your existing provider and simply "point" your existing domain name to your new web hosting or email package by changing the DNS setting of your domain. Your current provider should be able to tell you how to do this. Hostranet provides the IP information within your activation email, so that you can modify your settings. Many customers find it easier to do this initially - and it usually means that the web hosting account is ready to use right away. Your existing domain name can be transferred at a later date if you wish.

How long will it take for my new domain name to become active?

If you ordered a new domain name through us, it can take up to 48 hours for it to be completed. If your details have not appeared in the relevant "who is" database, please contact us.

Can I buy a domain name, but not buy web hosting?

Yes, you do not have to buy the web hosting when you buy a domain name. Do I own the domain name? Yes - unlike some companies we always register the domain in your name or in your customer's name if you are working on someone's behalf.

Can I transfer the domain at any time?

Yes you have full control over every aspect of your website. from our Control panel you can manage DNS and domain transfer.

Do I get a certificate of ownership for the domain I purchase?

In the past ICANN/Nominet issued certificates as confirmation of the contract that exists between ICANN/Nominet and the registrant up until August 2003. If you have a paper certificate, this remains valid until the expiry date shown on the certificate. Paper certificates and Reply Forms have, however been replaced by an online system called Registrants Online. Domain names are being transferred to the online system when they are next renewed.

How do I renew a domain or hosting package with Hostranet?

We will contact customers via email about 30 days before renewal is due. You can then decide whether to renew the domain name or not. For this reason, we always ask customers to ensure that their email address is valid, working and up-to-date, to ensure they get such messages. We will NOT take payment from your account
 automatically nor without authorisation, so we do NOT practise what are commonly known as "silent renewals"

Can I sell the domain to somebody else?

Yes you can. It's yours to do with as you please. For all non .uk domains, we provide the facility in the control panel to change the owner details for a domain at any time. For .co.uk, .org.uk and .me.uk domains, such changes have to be made through the naming authority, ICANN/ Nominet, who can advise you on the procedure.

How can I pay for my web hosting account or domain name?

 For web hosting accounts we accept MasterCard, Visa, Google Checkout, 2Checkout and Paypal. We regret that we do not accept cheques, postal orders, standing orders or cash.

Do I get an invoice?

Yes, every time you buy a product from us we will email you an invoice. Invoices are also available to view and print at any time in your control panel.

 Does unlimited really mean unlimited?

We offer unlimited features on our packages and have a clear explanation of what this means in terms of bandwidth and web space:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Unlimited bandwidth is included with our web hosting accounts. We are able to offer this because we closely manage our network resources. We do not allow certain types of Websites to use our services, these are:
Adult content-orientated websites. Hosting banners, graphics or cgi scripts for other websites. Storing pages, files or data as a file repository for other websites. Reselling or giving away free web space under a domain, sub domain or directory. For customers that wish to use their website for file distribution - e.g. a website distributing large movies, software or MP3s, these types of sites will be excluded from our unlimited bandwidth.

Unlimited Web Space (Premium Plan Only)

We operate a sophisticated web hosting platform that utilises large network disk arrays. If we need to add more web space we can do this with no downtime by adding more disks to the arrays. As there are multiple arrays, if one fails another one automatically takes over. As all data is synchronised this has no impact on any web sites or email hosted by us. This dual system also allows us to carry out more complex upgrades by taking down any array and working on this while another array continues to serve our customers.

If I have a problem or question can I contact you?

Of course! We are happy to help with any questions you may have, and if you have any service issues we want to know so that we can remedy them. For general questions please contact us and for support issues please log into your account and remember we have an extensive database with detailed support information that may also be of assistance to you.