To clarify, Datastorm owners are not supported directly by Hughes, but must contract for service and support from a VAR. Tripod owners technically are Hughes customers but in fact get their support from their dealers. There is no known FCC regulation preventing the use of a tripod mounted 2 way satellite antenna other than the 4 watt transmitter regulation which does not apply as the normal transmitter on a DirecWay system is 1 watt (or 2 watt now with some larger dishes).