Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

GENERAL 

1. What does DSL stand for?
2. What is CCI Net DSL service?
3. How fast is DSL service?
4. What are the main benefits of DSL?
5. Can I get CCI Net DSL in my area?
6. Can I use a telephone or fax machine on my DSL line?
7. What is xDSL?
8. What is possible with xDSL?
9. What determines which level of service is available to my home or office?
10. Is DSL better than ISDN?
11. Are there any per-minute or usage charges associated with DSL?
12. How does xDSL compare to cable modems?
13. Does DSL have any security issues like cable modems?
14. How does CCI Net DSL compare to getting a second phone line?
15. Is my CCI Net DSL speed guaranteed?
16. Will I get busy signals?

DSL FACTS

1. Why are people so interested in DSL?
2. What factors should I consider in determining my Internet access needs?
3. Is the cost of DSL going to change? How soon?
4. Can I view online video clearly with DSL?
5. If I get DSL today, can I easily get faster service in the future as the technology improves?
6. Aren't some DSL services much faster than CCI Net’s fastest (1.5 Mbps) service?
7. How do I determine how far I am from the nearest central office (CO)?

DSL @ WORK

1. How do businesses benefit from DSL?
2. Is DSL as reliable as it needs to be for business users?
3. Can multiple people at a single office use a DSL connection simultaneously?
4. Every time I add another user to my DSL connection, do I need to pay another setup fee?

DSL @ HOME

1. Is there a good reason for my family to use DSL?
2. Is DSL easy for home users? Is it actually easier than dialup service?
3. I telecommute from my home to the office. What can DSL offer me?

CONFIGURATION 

1. What kind of computer do I need for CCI Net DSL service?
2. Is DSL compatible with a Macintosh?
3. What hardware will be included with my CCI Net DSL service?
4. I already use CCI Net to connect to the Internet with a  modem. If I switch to CCI Net DSL, can I keep my Email address?
5. Is my monthly telephone service included in the CCI Net DSL charges?
6. Is CCI Net DSL service available to locations with a commercial address?
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. How does the DSL modem connect to my computer?
10. Am I allowed to make a network with my CCI Net DSL connection?

INSTALLATION 

1. How do I get installation of CCI Net DSL service?
2. What's the difference between professional installation and self-installation?
3. How much does professional installation cost?
4. How long does it take to get CCI Net DSL?

SWITCHING SERVICE PROVIDER 

1. How do I know if I qualify for an ISP switch?
2. How does it work?
3. Can I switch ISPs anytime? Is there a penalty?
4. Will I be able to use my existing DSL equipment?
5. How long does it take to switch to CCI Net DSL?
6. Ok, so how do I order?

GENERAL 

Q: What does DSL stand for?
A: Digital Subscriber Line. DSL is a modem technology that transforms ordinary phone lines (also known as "twisted copper pairs") into high-speed digital lines for ultra-fast Internet access. DSL also enables access to corporate networks for telecommuters, as well as exciting new interactive multimedia applications such as multiplayer gaming, video on demand and video catalogs.

Q: What is CCI Net DSL service?
A: CCI Net DSL gives you high-speed Internet access by converting your existing analog phone line into a high-speed digital phone line. Using ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) technology, CCI Net DSL delivers up to 1.5 megabits per second connection rates (which is up to 50 times faster than a standard 28.8Kbps dial-up modem). 

Q: How fast is DSL Service?
A: 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. 

Q: What are the main benefits of DSL?
A: There are several benefits of DSL:

• Uninterrupted, high-speed Internet access that's always on-line.
• Cost-effective solution for residential customers, telecommuters and small businesses.
• Data Security that exceeds other technologies.

Q: Can I get CCI Net DSL in my area?
A: Probably. But there is a chance that your location may not yet be serviceable. Our DSL sales staff can tell you whether DSL is available for a particular phone number and address. If you sign up and it turns out that your location is not serviceable, you will receive a full refund. 

Q: Can I use a telephone or fax machine on my DSL line?
A: Yes.  The voice portion of the DSL line can continue to handle voice or fax transmissions.

Q: What is xDSL?
A: xDSL is the name which has been coined for the family of digital subscriber line technologies ranging from ADSL to SDSL. The "x" represents a variable that can be replaced with either the "A" standing for ASYNCHRONUS or "S" standing for SYNCHRONUS. CCI Net’s DSL service provides both.

Q: What is possible with xDSL?
A: xDSL enables two general types of applications -- interactive video and high speed data communications. Interactive video includes movies on demand, other video on demand such as delayed TV segments, video games, video catalogs, and video information retrieval. Data communications covers Internet access, telecommuting (remote LAN access), and specialized network access. The strength of xDSL compared to other high speed transmission alternatives [such as cable modems or Fiber To The Neighborhood (FTTN)] lies in the number of existing telephone lines -- now approaching 750 million -- compared to new cabling which has reached comparatively few homes and almost no small businesses.

Q: What determines which level of service is available to my home or office?
A: DSL is a distance-sensitive telecommunications service: increased distance from the central office (CO) means decreased speeds. The closer one is to the CO, the more bandwidth that can be provided.

Q: Is DSL better than ISDN?
A: DSL is better than ISDN for several reasons:

• Speed - up to 4 times faster
• Dedicated connection - no more dial-up configurations
• Ease of installation - no more SPIDs or complex configurations
• No usage charges - pay the same flat rate every month
• Affordability and just one bill - the end-user receives only one bill every month for both Internet access and DSL, that is usually lower than ISDN

Q: Are there any per-minute or usage charges associated with DSL?
A: No. DSL is a dedicated network service that costs the same regardless how often it is used or how much data is transferred. This  is one of xDSL's most attractive features. 

Q: How does xDSL compare to cable modems?
A: xDSL provides a dedicated service over a single telephone line; cable modems offer a dedicated service over a shared media. While cable modems have greater downstream bandwidth capabilities (up to 30 Mbps), that bandwidth is shared among all users on a line, and will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as more users in a neighborhood get online at the same time. Cable modem upstream traffic will in many cases be slower than xDSL, either because the particular cable modem is inherently slower, or because of rate reductions caused by contention for upstream bandwidth slots. The big difference between xDSL and cable modems, however, is the number of lines available to each. There are no more than 12 million homes passed today that can support two-way cable modem transmissions, and while the figure also grows steadily, it will not catch up with telephone lines for many years. Additionally, many of the older cable networks are not capable of offering a return channel; consequently, such networks will need significant upgrading before they can offer high bandwidth services.

Q: Does DSL have any security issues like cable modems?
A: No. DSL is not a shared network service like cable modems, which means that one end-user can not see what's on a neighbor's computer using DSL. The service is a private dedicated connection from the end-user to the network.

Q: How does CCI  Net DSL compare to getting a second phone line?
A: You can enjoy the speed and reliability of CCI Net DSL for just a little more per month than you may currently be paying for dial-up access and a second phone line!

Q: Is my CCI Net DSL speed guaranteed?
A:DSL 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, CCI Net offers 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. 

Q:Will I get busy signals?
A: 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. 

DSL Facts

Q: Why are people so interested in DSL?
A: DSL eliminates many of the obstacles that prevent Internet users from making the most of their online access. Dialup hassles are eliminated with DSL's "always on" dedicated connection. Also, DSL's speed and reliability are particularly attractive, given the comparatively low cost associated with this option. As awareness of DSL's benefits grows, demand is driving DSL providers to rapidly scale their networks. Analysts predict that more than 70% of U.S. homes and businesses will be able to take advantage of DSL services by 2002. 

Q: What factors should I consider in determining my Internet access needs?
A: You should consider several factors:

• The amount of time you spend online
• The activities you perform on the Internet
• Your need to support multiple-users through a single connection
• The overall cost of basic dialup service versus faster, less cumbersome access methods

Q: Is the cost of DSL going to change? How soon?
A: DSL is an emerging technology, therefore it is impossible to predict the market forces and timing that will influence future pricing. Nevertheless, DSL is an exceptional value, compared with other means of online access, and it has every potential to remain an exceptional value. 

Q: Can I view online video clearly with DSL?
A: Video works exceptionally well on DSL, depending on the speed of your DSL connection. Most movie trailers and high bandwidth videos are designed for 80-128 Kbps speeds. These are well within the capacity of DSL, which is up to 12 times faster than 128 Kbps. For example, CNN's news footage is clear in real-time, even while you're downloading Email and running other PC applications.

Q: If I get DSL today, can I easily get faster service in the future as the technology improves?
A: Typically, yes. For example, if you purchase 192/192 for your business, the accompanying router equipment can support you as you graduate to speeds as fast as 1.1 Mbps. When you're ready to trade-up to a higher-speed, CCI Net can work with you to determine which options may be available at your location. 

Q: Aren't some DSL services much faster than CCI Net’s fastest (1.5 Mbps) service?
A: DSL speed is a function of the length and quality of the copper line running from the telephone company's nearest central office (CO) to the installation site. DSL can deliver higher speeds at very short distances, but the number of residences and businesses within these short distances is small, which makes it impractical to deploy.

Q: How do I determine how far I am from the nearest central office (CO)?
A: With our pre-qualification tools, our staff cannot tell precisely how far you are from the central office.  However we will automatically tell you what type of CCI Net DSL service is likely to be available to you at your particular address and telephone number.

DSL @ WORK

Q: How do businesses benefit from DSL?
A: Businesses enjoy multiple benefits:

• DSL provides a very fast, secure, dedicated connection that's easy to order, install, and maintain.
• It can be economical. Our Business DSL offers affordable, flat-rate billing, which means you don't pay "price-per-minute" charges based upon a user's distance from the office.
• Because DSL is "always on," it increases employee productivity.
• Finally, because CCI  Net provides blanket coverage in all of the metropolitan areas it serves, corporations can offer DSL-based teleworking programs to a wide range of employees.

Q: Is DSL as reliable as it needs to be for business users?
A: Yes. Our business-class service has established objectives and service guarantees for network availability, repair, packet loss and network latency. In fact, we guarantee 99.9 percent network availability for business users.

Q: Can multiple people at a single office use a DSL connection simultaneously?
A: Yes, multiple users in an office can use the same DSL line. In fact, CCI Net Business DSL service supports almost unlimited users. Some of our business customer are linking as many as 50 computers to a single Business DSL line.

Q: Every time I add another user to my DSL connection, do I need to pay another setup fee?
A: CCI Net does not charge a fee for additional users or additional machines, and the additional setup routine is so easy you can do it yourself. Just plug the computer into the network, and it's on the Internet. The DSL modem that we supply functions as a router or bridge, allowing many computers within your office or home to connect to the Internet.

DSL @ Home

Q: Is there a good reason for my family to use DSL?
A: DSL eliminates all the frustration of using a traditional dialup modem, so everyone in your family can make the most of the Internet. Whether you're engaged in professional, educational or recreational pursuits, CCI Net's DSL makes the experience far more powerful and compelling.

Q: Is DSL easy for home users? Is it actually easier than dialup service?
A: Once CCI Net's technicians setup your DSL service, it's on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just turn on your DSL modem and your computer, click on your Internet browser, and you're immediately connected. Your days of dialup waiting, logging on and busy signals are over!

Q: I telecommute from my home to the office. What can DSL offer me?
A: DSL closely replicates the high-speed network and Internet access infrastructure that many companies have in place. Compared to dialup options DSL is a clear choice, with faster downloads of files and graphics, a constant connection to your office network and printers, and high quality Email performance. And with CCI Net Residential DSL service, we can provide equipment that makes it possible for you to link multiple home PCs to the same DSL connection.

CONFIGURATION  

Q: What kind of computer do I need for CCI Net DSL service?
A: For PC:

• 133 MHz (or faster) Pentium-based processor (or equivalent) Windows 95B/98 (Ethernet card provided for desktop systems) or Windows NT 4.0 Workstation with Service Pack 3 or higher
• 32 MB RAM
• 25 MB of available hard disk space
• Installed CD-ROM drive
• Laptops, Windows NT and Windows 2000 must already have an installed Network Interface Card (NT Server and Win95A not compatible)

For Macintosh:

• PowerPC or faster processor
• Mac OS 7.6.1 or Greater
• Open Transport 1.1.1 enabled
• 32 MB RAM
• 25 MB of available hard disk space
• Installed CD-ROM drive
• Installed 10BaseT Ethernet Network Interface Card
• Operating System CD

Q: Is DSL compatible with a Macintosh?
A: Yes, as long as the end user has an Ethernet 10BaseT (not coax) interface and TCP/IP software (either MacTCP or OpenTransport, which is included in MacOS 7.x and later). Anybody who has been using a Mac for a dialup Internet account has TCP/IP software. TCP/IP has been a standard part of the system software. TCP/IP software is also available as an add-on for those end users that do not already have it.

Q: What hardware will be included with my CCI Net DSL service?
A: We provide the necessary equipment to connect a computer that meets minimum system requirements (see above). This equipment will include:

• DSL modem
• NIC card (provided only for desktop computers with Windows 95B and 98)*

* If applicable, a NIC card may or may not be included with your installation.

Q: I already use CCI Net to connect to the Internet with a  modem. If I switch to CCI Net DSL, can I keep my Email address?
A: Yes, when you switch to CCI Net DSL service your Email address will not change. 

Q: Is my monthly telephone service included in the CCI Net DSL charges?
A: 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 CCI Net DSL service.  

Q: Is CCI Net DSL service available to locations with a commercial address?
A: Yes, CCI Net DSL service is available to locations with a commercial address, and a maximum of three computers. Businesses with more than three computers may purchase our CCI  Net Business DSL. Learn more about CCI Net Business DSL. 

Q: What should I do if I want to change phone companies?
A: 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. 

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

Q: How does the DSL modem connect to my computer?
A: The DSL modem is an external device that connects to your computer's network interface card (NIC) via a standard 10BaseT cable. 

Q: Am I allowed to make a network with my CCI Net DSL connection?
A: Yes, but CCI  Net will not provide network technical support. CCI Net  will only provide technical support for the DSL line and the primary PC on which it was installed.

Also, there are several things that you must be aware of before you decide to create a network:

• We will install your CCI Net DSL service on one computer
• We will not install a network, or install on a computer that is connected to a network, unless the network is disconnected from the installing computer before installation
• We do not provide network technical support; support is only for the primary computer DSL service was installed on

INSTALLATION

Q: How do I get installation of CCI Net  DSL Service?
A: Most of our customers install the modem themselves (Check out the self-install explanation below). We also have technicians who can visit your home and install the service for you for a reasonable fee. 

Q: What's the difference between a professional installation and a self-installation?
A: CCI Net DSL Professional Installation:

If you choose to have an authorized installer install your CCI Net DSL, a technician will visit the site  to complete your installation. Once your line is ready, we will call you to schedule an appointment in approximately one to two weeks for the technician to come to your house to install your DSL hardware and Configure your PC. This appointment is a half-day appointment, meaning that you need to be home for either the entire morning or the entire afternoon to meet the technician. Once the installer arrives, the installation will last approximately two to three hours.

CCI Net DSL Self Installation:

If you choose to do your own installation, CCI Net will provide you with everything you need from hardware, to software, to technical support.  Once your line is ready, we will send you a box, which contains the hardware you will need to install your CCI  Net DSL yourself. During the installation, you will plug filters into your phone jack to enable you to use your phone while you are connected to the Internet, you will install your modem, and finally configure you PC to work with DSL. The whole process will take between one and two hours, depending on how comfortable you feel with working on your computer. 

Q: How much does professional installation cost?
A: The standard professional installation fee is $79.95. This fee may be waived or reduced during promotional periods. The installation fee does not apply for customers who install the modem themselves. 

Q: How long does it take to get CCI  Net DSL?
A: Approximately two to four weeks. During this time, we work with your phone company to provision your phone line for DSL. Installation steps may vary depending on several factors, including how quickly your line can be qualified, and whether you need to be home for your service activation date.

SWITCHING DSL PROVIDER 

Q: How do I know if I qualify for an ISP switch?
A: If you currently have DSL with another provider, you should be eligible to receive CCI Net DSL. Please call 1-800-738-3260 and our DSL Sales Team will be happy to check your serviceability. 

Q: How does it work?
A: In many cases, it's simply a matter of getting your current ISP to release and switch the line, but it may require canceling your existing service and placing a new order with CCI Net. 

Q: Can I switch ISPs anytime? Is there a penalty?
A: You can always change ISPs, but you'll need to ask your existing DSL provider if there are any penalties associated with switching your service. In some cases your current ISP may require a release form that would need to be filled out and returned to CCI  Net before we can process your order. Please call (800)738-7260 and our DSL Sales Team will be happy to assist you. 

Q: Will I be able to use my existing DSL equipment?
A: In most cases, yes. If not, we'll provide equipment for you at no charge. 

Q: How long does it take to switch to CCI Net  DSL?
A: It depends on your current provider. 

Q: Ok, so how do I order?
A: Call us toll-free at (800)738-7260 and our DSL Sales Team will be glad to assist you.

SIGN UP FOR  DSL TODAY!