DSL Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DSL ?
2. How fast is DSL Service ?
3. Is my DSL speed guaranteed ?
4. Will I get busy signals ?
5. Can I talk on the phone and use DSL service at the same time ?
6. Is my monthly telephone service included in the DSL charges ?
7. What should I do if I want to change phone companies ?
8. What should I do if I want to change the phone number my DSL is installed on ?
9. Is DSL available my area ?
10. What equipment do I need on my computer to use DSL ?
11. Which operating systems can I use with my DSL line?
12. What kind of computer do I need for DSL service ?

1. What is DSL?

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line because it involves the transmission of data in digital form. DSL technology uses ordinary copper telephone wire to transmit data at broad- band speeds of up to 7+ Mbps. This is the same wire that is already installed in hundreds of millions of homes and businesses throughout the world. DSL is an "always-on" service, thus eliminating the need to dial an external phone number for connectivity.

2. How fast is DSL Service?

Really fast! DSL service provides connection speeds that are over 50 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection and 10 times faster than an ISDN connection.

3. Is my DSL speed guaranteed?

Connection speeds are not guaranteed and will depend on many factors such as the length and condition of the telephone wires connecting your house to your central office and general conditions on the Internet at any given time. As such, we offer a "best effort" service. That means we don't offer any throughput guarantees, but we will always do our best to provide you with the fastest connection your specific conditions will allow.

4. Will I get busy signals?

No. You will never get busy signals with DSL because there is no dialing involved. Instead, you are directly connected to the Internet via a dedicated connection that is used only by you.

5. Can I talk on the phone and use DSL Service at the same time?

Yes, you can talk on the phone and use your DSL service at the same time, on one phone line. There's no need to add an additional phone line for the DSL service. 

6. Is my monthly telephone service included in the DSL charges?

No. Your DSL connection will use your existing phone line, but your phone service will still be provided by your phone company. Your regular monthly telephone service charges are not included in DSL services.

7. What should I do if I want to change phone companies?

If you want to switch phone companies, please contact us first. In most cases, we will need to cancel your existing service, but we may be able to place a new order for you with your new telephone carrier.

8. What should I do if I want to change the phone number my DSL is installed on?

If you want to change your DSL phone number, please contact us first. We will need to place a new order for you in order to provide DSL service on your new phone number. 

9. Is DSL available my area?

You can use our online check availability feature to check to see if DSL is available in your area. Once it is determined that you can receive DSL, you will then be given choices for DSL packages. After you have chosen a package you will then be directed to enter additional information regarding your location and then your credit card information to complete the order. Once the order is placed, you will be updated on the status of your order via email.  It will take around 7 - 10 days before you can actually start using the DSL service.

10. What equipment do I need on my computer to use DSL?

For external ADSL modems, you need a 10 Mb or 10/100 Mb Ethernet NIC (Network Interface Card). Install this card in your computer and install the drivers that come with it. You will also need a twisted-pair Ethernet cable RJ-45. The cable can be obtained with your Ethernet card at any computer store.  A DSL modem is also needed in order to connect you to the internet. You could either rent or purchase a DSL modem from us.

For Internal modems, all you need is an available PCI slot in your computer.

11. Which operating systems can I use with my DSL line?

You may use  Windows95, 98, NT 4.0, 2000, ME, XP, Linux and Mac OS 10 or higher.

12. What kind of computer do I need for DSL service?

Pentium-based processor [or equivalent] 166 MHz or faster, 32MB RAM, installed CD-ROM drive, 100MB of available hard disk space, functional 10BaseT or better Ethernet interface card and your Operating System CD.