High Speed Internet Service FAQ and Availability

Questions & Answers...

What Is High Speed Internet and Why Do I Need It?
The term High Speed Internet or Broadband refers to any digital Internet access that enables the user to upload and download more data at a much higher speed than a traditional dial up connection. It's that simple.

What are the High Speed Internet’s Key Advantages?
Speed. It is just that fast. If you have ever waited for a picture to download from an email or for a website page to load so that you could see it, you will appreciate the speed that you can get with high speed internet.

Am I always connected?
You will never have to hear that screechy dialing in noise again. Random disconnects will become a distant memory.

Do I need for a second phone line?
You won’t need special incoming call alerts or a second phone line to support your High Speed Internet service.

What else can I do with broadband connection?
High Speed Internet is great for playing on-line games, downloading MP3s, sharing large files, pictures with your friends and family or working from home. If you love your current email address, most ISPs (like AOL, MSN, EarthLink, Juno and more) have a special program to let you keep your email address.

What types of High Speed Internet connections are there?
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connects a user to the Internet via regular phone lines. Typical DSL speed is 768 Kbps up to 3,000 Kbps, which at top speed is 50 times faster than standard dial up service. It usually does not require professional installation but it does require a local phone line and availability is limited to upgraded areas. Activation once took weeks, but now it typically takes a few days.

Cable Internet connects users to the Internet through digital (coaxial) cables. Typical Cable speeds range from 500 Kbps up to 30,000 Kbps. Cable Internet can sometimes require professional installation and the speeds are not always consistent. It is however widely available and very affordable. Many cable companies offer special rates if you sign up for cable Internet and have digital cable.

Satellite Internet connects users to the Internet via satellite dish. The speeds typically run at 500 Kbps downstream, which is still considerably faster than dial up. Although it is relatively expensive and requires professional installation it does allow high-speed access to people in rural and semi rural areas that would otherwise only have dial up as an option. Current satellite Internet technology is two way, which means you can upload as fast a you download. You can also work with your selected provider to coordinate or upgrade your satellite TV and satellite Internet systems.

Fiber Optic Internet Service is the ultimate in high speed internet, designed to provide Internet access with maximum connection speeds of up to 100 Mbps (100,000 Kbps). A fiber optic line must be available or installed between your location and the provider (typically phone or cable company). This is widely available in Europe, not so much in US.

How do I find out which High Speed Internet service is available in my area?
You can check on our main page, it takes just a minute to see availability and prices. You can also ask your Telco or Cable company.