• 1. 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 dial-up connection) that brings information to your home. In this instance, broadband refers to high-speed Internet access using this transmission technique.

• 2. 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.

• 3. How does broadband work?

  Broadband Internet connects your computer to the Internet via a high-speed cable modem and a fiber-optic cable network. This can also bring you digital telephone and digital television services.

• 4. 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.

• 5. 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 and fast video and music downloads.

Installation

• 6. How long does it take to install a broadband connection?

  Installation timing varies by service provider and the specific service plan you order. After you sign up for service, there are instructions to contact the service provider so that you can schedule your installation date and time.

• 7. What is the difference between professional and self-installation?

  With professional installation, the service provider will go to your residence to install the Internet service. Typically there is a one-time fee associated with professional installation. With self-installation, you can install the service on your own time rather than a technician going to your house to complete installation. Instructions are included in the self-installation kit that is mailed to you after you place your order. There is no fee for the self-installation kit, but you may incur a shipping and handling charge on your first bill. There is a one-time free for the service provider to go to your home and set up the service. This fee varies by service provider. Review each plan details for specific installation fees. The self-installation kit is free, however, you may incur a shipping and handling charge on your first month’s bill.

Fees

• 8. What is an installation fee?

  This is a one-time charge by the service provider to go to your home and install the Internet service.

• 9. 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.

Computer

• 10. What kind of computer do I need?

  Generally you need a computer system with these elements:
  PC Based
  Operating Systems: Windows 98se, ME, 2000, XP
  Processor Speed: 300 MHz or higher
  Memory: 128MB
  Hard Drive Space: 150 MB of available space
  CD-ROM Drive: Required
  USB Port: Recommended
  Browser: IE 6.0 SP1
  Macintosh Based
  Operating Systems: MAC OS 9.0 thru 10.3 excluding 10.0
  Processor Speed: PowerPC 603 / 200 MHz for MAC OS 9.x
  Power MAC G3 for MAC OS 10.x
  Memory: 128MB
  Hard Drive Space: 100 MB of available hard drive space
  CD-ROM Drive: Required
  USB Port: Optional
  Browser: IE 6.0 SP1

• 11. 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. Please contact your cable company to confirm the compatibility of your modem.