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Products & Services : High-Speed Internet : Fiber FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
about High Speed Internet over Fiber
Communication services over fiber-optic lines is an exclusive, cutting-edge technology that is available in only a few American communities. Alliance Communications currently is connecting Brandon homes to fiber, while Valley Springs and Garretson are next. Over the next few years, all communities will be converted to fiber-optic lines.
How does High-Speed Internet over fiber optics work?
How fast is Alliance's High-Speed Internet over fiber optics?
What are the advantages of High-Speed Internet over fiber optics?
Why is Alliance High-Speed Internet better than other connections?
What about security on a fiber network?
How important is it to have a firewall?
What system requirements do I need in order to have High-Speed Internet?
Do I need filters on my phones?
Are there any geographical limitations to receiving High-Speed Internet over fiber optics?
Can I hook up more than one computer to High-Speed Internet service?
How much does High-Speed Internet cost?
Can I use my existing user name with High-Speed Internet service?
What does activation include?
Who installs High-Speed Internet?
Can I purchase a static Internet address for use with my service?
How do I sign up for High-Speed Internet?
Who do I call for tech support?
How does High-Speed Internet over fiber optics work?
Fiber optics are long, thin strands of very pure glass about the diameter of a human hair. They are arranged in bundles called optical cables and deliver laser-generated pulses of light. When the data reaches your home, it is converted to electrical pulses that transmit data signals. Since light can travel so quickly, you can transmit an enormous amount of data at incredible speeds.
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How fast is Alliance's High-Speed Internet over fiber optics?
You can choose from 3 megs/512 kbps, 10 megs/1 meg, or 15 megs/1.5 meg.
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What are the advantages of High-Speed Internet over fiber optics?
- You won’t need to buy or rent a modem. Fiber-optic technology doesn’t require a modem for its Internet service.
- Incredibly 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 service. You can use the Internet and telephone at the same time using only one line. If you have a second phone line just for your Internet service, you can disconnect it.
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Why is Alliance High-Speed Internet better than other connections?
Many high-speed Internet services are available, but some are better than others. Alliance chose to offer High-Speed Internet over fiber-optic lines for many reasons. Below you can learn how Alliance High-Speed Internet compares to other services.
Alliance-High-Speed Internet 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 yo.
Alliance-High-Speed Internet vs. cable internet
Alliance’s service offers more security than cable Internet access: Cable Internet technology is antiquated because users share their connection with their neighbors. People on the same cable network may be able to hack into each other’s computers. Alliance’s service is the best because users enjoy their own private, dedicated connection. Plus, cable Internet’s speed shrinks when several people in a neighborhood are surfing.
Alliance-High-Speed Internet 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.
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How secure is a connection over fiber-optic lines?
Because there is no longer a modem needed, your computer or router will have a public IP address. If you have a router, you should consider changing the login/password to something other than the default. This will prevent malicious users from logging onto your router. Be sure to enable firewall services on your router. If your router doesn’t have firewall services, you should consider purchasing a hardware or software firewall solution. If your PC is directly on the network (no router), you should have some sort of software firewall running. Windows XP comes with a software firewall, and there are many others that can be purchased separately.
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How important is it to have a firewall?
IMPORTANT! All Internet users should have a firewall 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 a high-speed connection 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. Also see the question above for more information on Internet security.
For Windows PCs:
For MacOS:
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What system requirements do I need in order to have High-Speed Internet?
Windows PCs:
- Windows XP or Vista
- 233 mHz Pentium processor or higher
- 128MB 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. Alliance recommends that you use the latest available version of your browser of choice. Two of the most common browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
Macintosh PCs:
- MacOS X or higher
- Power PC G3 Processor or higher (PowerMac, Powerbook, iMac, iBook)
- 256MB 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. Alliance recommends that you use the latest available version of your browser of choice.
Before an Alliance technician arrives, customers must make sure their computers have the minimum system requirements.
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Will I need filters on my phones?
No. Filters are not required for High-Speed Internet over fiber-optic lines.
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Are there any geographical limitations to receiving High-Speed Internet service?
The areas with fiber-optic lines expand on a daily basis. Alliance Communications currently is connecting Brandon homes to fiber, while Valley Springs and Garretson are next. Over the next few years, all communities will be converted to fiber-optic lines. Please check with our office to determine your availability.
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Can I hook up more than one computer to High-Speed Internet service?
One connection can be hooked up to several computers if those computers are on the same network.
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How much does High-Speed Internet cost?
|
1-3 Users |
4-10 Users |
11+ Users |
| 3 meg/512 |
$29.95 |
$54.95 |
$79.95 |
| 10 meg/1024 |
$34.95 |
$64.95 |
$94.95 |
| 15 meg/1536 |
$44.95 |
$84.95 |
$124.95 |
High-Speed Internet over fiber-optic lines does NOT require a modem.
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.)
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Can I use my existing user name with High-Speed Internet service?
If you are a current Alliance Internet customer, you can use your user name and password.
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What does activation include?
An Alliance technician must come to your home to activate High-Speed Internet 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.
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Who installs High-Speed Internet?
A technician will activate High-Speed Internet 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 High-Speed Internet on your line, your computer must comply with the minimum system requirements.
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Can I purchase a static Internet address for use with my DSL service?
Yes. Dial 611 for additional details and pricing information.
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How do I sign up for High-Speed Internet?
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 it out for you.
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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.
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