West River Cooperative Telephone Company

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Internet - Frequently Asked Questions

What is DSL?

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. This line provides high-speed digital modem technology via a single telephone line. DSL allows for data transfer from your line to the computer over your existing wires. This super-fast technology is up to 10 times faster than your PC's modem. DSL expands the power of your existing line to bring you faster, dedicated links to the Internet.

How does DSL work

Your phone line uses varying frequencies to transfer both voice and data. The frequency is filtered from your point of service to your telephone or computer. This makes it possible to use both your telephone and computer at the same time.

Is DSL similar to a "dial-up" connection?

No. DSL does not "dial-up" to the Internet. Once your DSL service is installed on your telephone line, the DSL modem provides you with a constant connection to the Internet, eliminating the "dial-up" process. The connection is made between your computer and the DSL modem, and by clicking on your browser, you have an instant connection to the Internet. The slow, busy sound of your old modem is a thing of the past.

What are the benefits of DSL?

With the dedicated service of DSL, you'll never get a busy signal trying to get on the Internet. With a click of the mouse, you are instantly connected. DSL eliminated the problem of logging off the Internet just to use the telephone. You now have the ability to use the phone at the same time. And best of all, you are surfing the web at lightning speed.

Does DSL require installing an additional phone line?

No. DSL technology allows simultaneous analog voice and DSL data transmissions over the same wires. You can still use your phone as you do now. DSL is simply an additional feature on your line.  We must install a splitter at your protector and possibly a new wire to your computer or at the location of your DSL modem.

Can I hook up more than one computer in my home or business?

Yes, if the computers are already part of a network, each of the computers can share the

high speed Internet connection.  If your computer is not on a network you would need to purchase additional equipment.

If my DSL modem fails or loses power, do I lose phone service?

No. The DSL modem is designed so that your normal telephone service will operate even if the modem is unplugged or otherwise disabled.

What are system requirements for HIGH-SPEED INTERNET?

Microsoft Windows PC:

• Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP

• 300 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 PC:

• MacOS 8.0 or higher

• 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 a West River Cooperative Telephone Company technician arrives, customers must make sure their computers have the minimum system requirements.

Do I need any special equipment?

DSL services requires a DSL modem, which can be purchased or leased from West River Cooperative Telephone Company. Customers will need to have a Network Interface Card (NIC)* already installed on their computer.
* These items can be purchased online or from your local computer retailer.

Will all customers have DSL available to them?

Customers must be less than three miles from from the central office in the areas that WestNet DSL is available.  The areas in which WestNet DSL is currently available are Lemmon, Bison, Newell and Buffalo.

How secure is High Speed Internet?

No computer is 100% secure when connected to the Internet however, if data security is important you may wish to purchase and install firewall. You are responsible for your computer’s security. Firewalls offer the best form of security against unauthorized access to your computer. Firewall products are available through your computer or networking equipment providers. For more information on firewalls, you can visit one of the following web sites. West River Cooperative Telephone Company Internet is not affiliated with any of these companies.

• ZoneAlarm at www.zonealarm.com

• BlackICE Defender at www.networkice.com

• Norton Internet Security 2000 at www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/

Does West River Cooperative Telephone provide additional computer security and/or other computer services?

YES, we do! Take a look at the options below to see which suits you best!

With the Client Tools Suite... Accelerator. Now you can get close to broadband speed even on Dial-up when browsing the Internet or downloading emails. For screaming Internet speed, use Accelerator with your existing High-speed WestNet DSL connection. Anti-Spyware. It discovers, blocks and deletes all kinds of spyware, adware and other malicious software that infects at least 70% of home computers. Pop-Up Blocker. It will block those annoying pop-ups and pop-unders. Ads and pop-ups are block in your browser as well as in many popular applications. Email Accelerator. Access to your e-mail has never been faster whether you are using a Dial-up or Broadband (High-speed) connection. Ad Blocker. It blocks most banner ads. You may select to block any unwanted animations, too. No more flashing! Parental Control. It uses a "Black List"/"White List" concept that allows you to choose what your children see and what they are unable to view while surfing the Internet. Get all of this in the Standard Client Tools Suite for only $2.50/mo.* With Anti-Virus Command... Protect your computer from viruses, worms and other security threats that may infect, damage or even destroy important information and programs on your computer! A virus or worm can render your computer unusable, delete files and infect computers of your friends and family. It can allow a hacker to take full control of your machine, and it may even steal your personal identity data as well as credit card numbers! Even if you already have another anti-virus or Internet security program, you still need Anti-Virus Command. It will  protect your computer against those viruses, worms and security threats that other programs miss. Download Anti-Virus Command to check, clean, and protect your computer now! Protect your computer and your personal information with the Anti-Virus Command for only $2.50/mo.* Put Anti-Virus Command and Client Tools together... You will have the best protection that we offer by having all of the above features in one low cost package. Protect your computer and your family from security threats and predators!

Protect your family and your computer with Anti-Virus Client Tools for only 4.00/mo.* * Charges are per computer and do not include applicable taxes and fees.

Works with:   Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Mac OSX

How much does High-Speed Internet cost?

With West River Long Distance

Basic WestNet DSL               1 MG*      $34.99
Enhanced WestNet DSL        3 MG*      $84.99
* Subscriber will be allocated bandwidth up to the bandwidth in the package selected. Speeds are maximum only and
   not guaranteed.

$3.00 Additional e-mail addresses

$99.00 Installation (Sign up with us for 12 months and get FREE Installation!)

Without West River Long Distance

Basic WestNet DSL             1 MG*      $39.99
Enhanced WestNet DSL      3 MG*      $89.99
* Subscriber will be allocated bandwidth up to the bandwidth in the package selected. Speeds are maximum only and
   not guaranteed.

$3.00 Additional e-mail addresses

$99.00 Installation (Sign up with us for 12 months and get FREE Installation!)

Standard Hardware Prices
External Modem Purchase: $75
External Modem Lease: $7/month
Network Card (NIC): $54

Wireless Hardware Prices
Wireless Modem Purchase: $100
Wireless Modem Lease: $30 (one-time charge) then $7/month
Wireless Router: $75
Wireless Network Card : $80

 

How do I sign up for DSL service?

Call our local office by dialing 611 toll free or by dialing 605-244-5213 and a Customer Service Representative will take your order.  Some time may be needed to verify if DSL is available at your location.

What do I do if I have a problem with my DSL service?

You can reach technical support by calling us at 1-888-464-9513.  Our tech support department is available 24x7.

What do you charge for support?

Absolutely nothing. DSL technical support is available 24x7 and free as long as you have service with us.

How do I pay for my DSL service?

Your DSL service is added to your phone bill.