|
Products & Services : High-Speed Internet : DSL FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about DSL
What is DSL?
How fast is Alliance's DSL?
What are the advantages of High Speed Internet?
Why is DSL better than other connections?
How secure is a DSL connection?
What system requirements do I need in order to have DSL?
Are there any geographical limitations to receiving DSL service?
Can I hook up more than one computer to DSL service?
How much does DSL cost?
Can I use my existing user name with Alliance High Speed Internet?
What does the activation charge cover?
Who installs DSL on my line?
Do I need filters hooked up to every phone in my home?
Do I need special filters if I have a two-line phone?
Can I purchase a static Internet address for use with my DSL service?
How do I sign up for DSL?
Who do I call for tech support?
What is DSL?
DSL expands the capability of your telephone line by sending data on a higher frequency than voice communications. Alliance High-Speed Internet does not interfere with your telephone service. You can surf the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time using only one phone line.
«back to the top
How fast is Alliance's DSL?
You will receive the fastest possible speed available at your particular location.
«back to the top
What are the advantages of High Speed Internet?
- Fast speed allows you to do more in less time.
- The always-on connection makes it easy to connect to the Internet. No dialing in. No busy signals. No disconnects.
- Alliance High-Speed Internet does not block your phone line. You can use the Internet and telephone at the same time using only one phone line. If you have a second phone line just for your Internet service, you can disconnect it.
«back to the top
Why is DSL better than other connections?
Many high-speed Internet services are available, but some are better than others. Alliance chose to offer DSL service for many reasons. Below you can learn how Alliance High-Speed Internet compares to other services.
DSL vs. dial-up
Alliance High-Speed Internet is much faster than dial-up connections: Dial-up services have nearly reached their technical limit. Low costs and compatibility with most phone lines made dial-up popular among individual PC users. Dial-up Internet might not be good enough if you're more than a casual Internet user. If you download a lot of information, Alliance High-Speed Internet would be more practical for you.
DSL vs. cable internet
Alliance’s service offers more security than cable Internet access: A major disadvantage of cable Internet access is the lack of privacy. Cable Internet users share their Internet connection with their neighbors. People on your cable network may be able to hack into your computer. Alliance’s service is the best because users enjoy their own dedicated connection.
DSL vs. wireless Internet
Weather can disrupt wireless Internet: You can have wireless Internet as long as you have a clear line of sight with the signal tower. Wireless service requires a small dish mounted outdoors to receive data sent from a tower. Even rain, snow or the trees in your yard can disrupt wireless Internet service. Alliance High-Speed Internet works rain or shine.
«back to the top
How secure is a DSL connection?
IMPORTANT: All Internet users should add firewalls to their computers to stop hackers from gaining access to their systems.
No computer system is completely secure when connected to the Internet regardless of the access network in use. A few years ago, hackers generally ignored home and small office Internet users. This is no longer the case. As more individuals and businesses connect to the Internet, hackers are targeting home and small business users in ever-increasing numbers.
Every computer with an always-on broadband connection to the Internet (cable, wireless or DSL) should have a firewall. Broadband connections are becoming more desirable, but they also present increased security issues. Because computers are connected longer, they provide more opportunities for hackers to break into other people's systems. Even if you use a dial-up connection, you should strongly consider having a firewall.
Adding a firewall to your computer is simple. Plus, having a firewall will give you some peace of mind because you will know that your computer is more secure. For more information on firewalls, you also can visit one of the following websites. Alliance Internet is not affiliated with any of these companies. Firewalls also are available from computer and networking equipment retailers.
For Windows PCs:
For MacOS:
«back to the top
What system requirements do I need in order to have DSL?
Windows PCs:
- Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, NT, or XP
- 233 mHz Pentium processor or higher
- 32MB RAM
- Ethernet Network Interface Card. Check with your computer manufacturer to see if a card is installed in your computer. If a card isn't installed, they can tell you how to get one.
- Web browser. You need to have Netscape Navigator or Communicator or Internet Explorer version 4.0 or higher installed on your computer.
Macintosh PCs:
- MacOS 8.0 or higher
- Power PC G3 Processor or higher (PowerMac, Powerbook, iMac, iBook)
- 64MB RAM
- Ethernet Network Interface Card. Check with your computer manufacturer to see if a card is installed in your computer. If a card isn't installed, they can tell you how to get one.
- Web browser. You need to have Netscape Navigator or Communicator or Internet Explorer version 4.0 or higher installed on your computer.
Before an Alliance technician arrives, customers must make sure their computers have the minimum system requirements.
«back to the top
Are there any geographical limitations to receiving DSL service?
DSL is available in most areas. Please check with our office to determine your availability.
«back to the top
Can I hook up more than one computer to DSL service?
One DSL connection can be hooked up to several computers if those computers are on the same network.
«back to the top
How much does DSL cost?
The monthly price starts at $29.95 per month. You can lease the modem for $5.00 per month. If you're interested in purchasing the modem, ask for details.
Activation is regularly $95. Activation is FREE for Alliance Long Distance customers. If you're not an Alliance Long Distance customer, switching is easy. Simply call our business office by dialing 611.
(New Alliance Long Distance customers must keep Alliance Long Distance service for three months or the full $95 activation price will be charged.)
«back to the top
Can I use my existing user name with DSL service?
If you are a current Alliance Internet customer, you can use your user name and password.
«back to the top
What does activation include?
An Alliance technician must come to your home to activate DSL on your phone line. The cost of the technician's visit to your home is included in the $95 activation charge. Activation is FREE for Alliance Long Distance customers.
The activation fee also includes three phone filters and wiring for one existing jack. You need filters on all phones. Two desk-phone filters and one wall-phone filter are included with activation. Addition desk-phone filters are $4 each, and extra wall-phone filters are $9 each. The technician will install the filters on your phones.
«back to the top
Who installs DSL on my line?
A technician will activate DSL on your telephone line and make sure the service works properly by testing it on our laptop computer. You are responsible for connecting the line to your computer. Before an Alliance technician arrives to activate DSL on your line, your computer must comply with the minimum system requirements.
«back to the top
Do I need filters hooked up to every phone in my home?
You will need a filter on all of your phones.
«back to the top
Can I purchase a static Internet address for use with my DSL service?
Yes. Dial 611 for pricing information.
«back to the top
How do I sign up for DSL?
Click here to fill out the DSL order form on this website. An Alliance customer service representative will contact you for an installation time, or you can dial 611 and we will fill out the form for you.
«back to the top
Who do I call for technical support?
Alliance Internet offers FREE technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simply call us by dialing 611 from a telephone with Alliance telephone service.
«back to the top
Products & Services | Customer Support | About Us | Latest News | Site Map |
