Broadband FAQ
What is broadband?
Simply put, the term 'broadband' refers to Internet access that is
faster than 56K dialup. The term broadband refers to any type of
transmission technique that carries multiple voice, video or data
channels simultaneously over a common wire. It is a large pipeline (much
bigger than a dial-up connection) that brings information to your home.
In this instance, broadband refers to High Speed Internet access using
this transmission technique.
Is broadband Internet service the same as
High Speed Internet service?
Broadband and High Speed are interchangeable terms used to refer to the
power of the Internet connection you are using.
How does broadband work?
Broadband Internet connects your computer to the Internet via a High
Speed cable modem and your existing Cable TV cables.
Why should I get broadband service?
Broadband Internet allows you to receive more information quickly and do
more on the Internet by giving you:
- An always-on connection – no busy signals
or dial-up frustrations
- Blazing speed – up to 70 times faster than
dial-up (speeds vary by service provider)
- The ability to surf the web without tying
up your phone line
- Multiple email accounts
- Fast video and music downloads
What types of broadband service are there?
- Cable or Cable Modem – The Internet
service provided by a cable company. The Internet connection is
provided on the same type of cable that you plug into your
television for Cable TV service.
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – Transforms
copper telephone lines into carriers of digital data. DSL uses the
same copper wires that carry voice traffic to your telephone to
carry High Speed data.
- Satellite – One-way High Speed Internet technology that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit data downstream through a satellite dish attached to your home.
How long does it take to install a broadband
connection in a home?
Installation timing varies from home to home, but you can generally
expect about an hour for a complete working set up.
Why are there different monthly fees?
Monthly fees may vary based on whether or not you are a current cable
television customer of the provider you have selected. Non-cable
customers typically receive a slightly higher rate.
What kind of computer do I need?
Generally you need a computer system with these elements:
PC: Pentium 133 MHz processor with Windows 98 or higher, at least 64 MB of RAM and 200 MB of free disk space
Macintosh: Power PC, 75 MHz processor with System 7.5 or higher and 200 MB of free disk space
Please note that each broadband service provider's requirements may differ so review each company's specifications before placing an order.
Can I use my current modem to receive High
Speed Internet service?
You will need an approved cable modem for your service. The signals that
come in from your cable company use different wiring and transmit data
in a different way than a dial-up modem. We offer modems that can be
rented or purchased. Purchased modems come with a 1yr warranty.
How much does High Speed Internet cost?
See our rate
information page.
I have cable television, but the site says I
cannot get my cable company's High Speed Internet service.
Unfortunately not all addresses that currently receive cable television
from your service provider can also receive High Speed Internet service.
The good news is that the service providers are working diligently to
upgrade areas all the time. Please check back at this site soon.
Why do I need to give you information like
address, zip code and telephone number?
Using your full mailing address and telephone number is the best way to
determine if broadband service is available to your home.
What if I am moving and don't know my
telephone number?
Your telephone number is not required to check availability for cable
Internet service, however, a contact number is needed when you place an
order so that the service provider can follow up with you to schedule
installation.
Do you keep my information if I do not place
an order?
No, your information is only used to determine if you can get broadband
service at your home.
How do I place an order for broadband
service?
Simply enter your address and telephone number so we can check whether
you can get broadband service where you live. You then need to answer a
few questions to help us determine the service that best fits your
broadband needs. Lastly, fill out the online form to complete your order
request.
What happens after I purchase High Speed
Internet service from this site?
You will receive an email confirming your order, including service plan
details and steps to complete your installation.
Do you guarantee the broadband service I
order?
We evaluate our partners to make sure they provide the best experience,
however, we do not guarantee their services. If you have any questions
after placing your order, please contact the provider directly about
service and installation.
Can I cancel my order?
If you have already submitted an order, you will need to cancel it
directly with the service provider.
How can I cancel my service if I am not
satisfied?
Please contact the service provider directly regarding any questions or
concerns you have with your service.
Where do I get customer support for my
Internet service?
Visit our Internet
Support Page.
Who do I pay for my Internet service?
You will be billed directly by the service provider each month, and if
you already use that company for telephone, cable TV or other services,
your Internet service charge may be added onto the monthly bill you
already receive.
What does Technology mean?
This refers to the specific technology used to deliver the broadband
connection.
What does monthly fee mean?
This is the monthly charge for the Internet service after any
promotional pricing period. The monthly charge may be higher if you
choose to lease a modem.
What is a set up fee?
This is a one-time charge by the service provider to set up and/or
activate the service in your home. This charge can cover a range of
services such as computer qualification, software configuration and
activating your account on the network.
What is equipment description?
This refers to the hardware you need to run the Internet service.
Depending on the plan and options you order, hardware may not be
included in your Internet service order.
What is equipment cost?
This refers to the cost of the hardware you need to run the service.
Depending on the plan and options you order, this cost may not be
included in your Internet service order.
What is contract length?
This is the commitment you must make to receive the indicated price and
promotions. If a contract is necessary when you sign up for service,
there may be a penalty for breaking it.
What's the difference between upstream and
downstream speeds?
Information passes between your computer and the Internet in two
directions: upstream and downstream. Information that flows upstream is
sent from your computer to the Internet, such as sending email
attachments or playing two-way games. Information that flows downstream
is from the Internet to your computer, such as surfing the Web or
downloading files. Please note that broadband service speeds are an
estimate. The actual speed varies by provider.
How many email accounts can I have?
5 email accounts are included with your service.
Can I also have dial-up access?
This refers to the ability to access your account through a dial-up
connection (e.g., from a remote location). Although you may not have
high speeds, you will have access to your email and account information.
What is web storage?
This is the amount of storage space on the service provider's network
that you are able to use. This is most useful for storing emails.
What does static IP address mean?
A static Internet protocol address is a unique number assigned to your
computer by your service provider. Static IPs are permanent numbers that
always identify your computer to others on the Internet. Many providers
limit the number of static IPs they assign. Some providers also charge
additional fees for additional static IPs. Certain two-way applications
such as VoIP (Voice over IP) require static IP addresses in order to
work correctly.
What does dynamic IP address mean?
A dynamic Internet protocol address is a temporary number assigned to
your computer by your service provider. This number or "address" allows
others on the Internet to communicate with your computer. A dynamic IP
is typically assigned for a certain length of time after which the
address is returned to a pool of IP addresses. The next time you log on
or begin a new session, a new dynamic IP will be assigned.
What are system requirements?
These are the minimum capabilities your computer must have in order to
support a particular broadband service. It will typically specify the
operating system, memory, processor speed, open ports and/or drives
required.
What are cancellation details?
This refers to any cost associated with breaking a service contract with
the provider.
What does term of service mean?
This identifies additional limitations and information about the
service.