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What is DSL?
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DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. This line application provides high-speed Internet access and data transmissions over your existing phone line. This new technology helps expand the power of your existing line to bring you a faster, dedicated link to the Internet.
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Who is this service for?
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DSL is for Residential and Business customers. We have several services and equipment options to connect either the single user at home or the multi-line business user. Inquire with our Customer Service Representatives for more details.
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How fast is DSL?
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FairPoint DSL can support download speeds from 128K to 1.5M. Call for more information on what speed is right for you.
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Is DSL similar to a "dial-up" connection?
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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. You are now surfing with style.
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What are the benefits of DSL?
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DSL saves time with fast speeds and saves money by eliminating the need for a second phone line. With the dedicated service of DSL, you will 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. DSL works at the same time as a voice call.
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How does DSL compare to cable modems?
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Cable modems offer services over a shared cable. Tens and possibly hundreds of users may be connected to this local cable line. The more users on the network, the more your speed is compromised. With DSL technology, you have dedicated service over an existing telephone line. DSL ensures that you don't have to share your access connection with others, so your speed is never compromised due to other DSL users.
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Does DSL require installing an additional phone line?
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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.
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If my DSL modem fails or loses power, do I lose phone service?
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No. The DSL modem is designed so that your normal telephone service will operate even if the modem is unplugged or otherwise disabled.
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What are the system requirements for DSL service?
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For IBM-compatible PCs:
- Pentium or better
- Windows 98 SE or better
- 32MB RAM
- 30MB hard drive space
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or better or Netscape 4.0 or better
- An installed Ethernet (NIC) cardt
For Apple Macintosh Computers:
- PowerMac 166MHz or better
- System 8.6 or better
- 32MB RAM
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or better or Netscape 4.0 or better
- An installed Ethernet (NIC) card
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Can I connect multiple PCs to my DSL service?
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Yes. You can have all the PCs in your home connected. Call for pricing on installation of a wireless network for your home or business.
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I installed new software and/or hardware and now my DSL doesn't work. What do I do?
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Please be sure to contact Technical Support at 816.903.3967 before making changes, upgrading, or adding equipment or sofware to your computer equipped with DSL. By providing the Help Desk with information about any equipment or software change, we can quickly identify whether your current DSL modem will be compatible with your new equipment. FairPoint cannot be responsible for ensuring that your modem works properly in the following instances:
- you change any of your computer hardware after FairPoint installs your modem,
- you change operating systems or versions after your original FairPoint DSL installation, or
- you change the configuration, uninstall, or reinstall the DSL modem yourself after the original FairPoint DSL installation.
In any of the instances, FairPoint will try to troubleshoot your problem over the phone, free of charge. However, if the problem cannot be resolved and a technician must visit your home or business, you will be charged at a rate of $65.00 per hour.
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What are the specifications and limitations to DSL?
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This service is available to customers within 18,000 feet or approximately three miles of their service central office. Inquire with our Customer Service Representatives to see if you qualify.
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Where is DSL available?
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Contact Customer Service to find out if DSL service is available at your location.
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What is upstream vs. downstream?
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Downstream speed is a measure of how fast you can download files from the Internet. Upstream speed is a measure of how fast you can upload files to the Internet. |
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How do I figure out which speed is right for me?
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Good question!
- If you're a light Internet user, meaning you only use the Internet to check email and browse the web on occasion, or basic DSL package is the right fit for you.
- If you're an everyday user of the Internet who checks email frequently, browses the web a lot, or if you have more than one computer accessing the Internet, our DSL Plus package may be your best choice.
- If you're a heavy Internet user, access multimedia sites that play streaming audio and video, have several computers on a network, or if you participate in online gaming, our DSL Super package is the perfect fit for you.
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Can I still use AOL?
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Yes. However, you do not need a separate Internet Service Provider (ISP) with FairPoint. FairPoint's DSL is an all-inclusive Internet service providing access to email, chat, newsgroups, etc. However, AOL does operate at lightning speeds over our DSL service and AOL often has a special offer for subscribers who "Provide their own access." For more details, contact AOL. |
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Do you have a block for the Internet that keeps kids from going to inappropriate sites?
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FairPoint does not filter or block any sites on the Internet, nor do we provide Internet filtering software for parental control. There are many software programs available on the market which offer monitoring, blocking and filtering of chat sessions, email, web sites and search requests. A list of filtering and parental control programs can be found at www.safekids.com. |
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Can I have a static IP address?
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Static IP addresses are available for an extra charge and on a case-by-case basis. |
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How many dynamic IP addresses do I get with your service?
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FairPoint DSL service has the ability to obtain 2 dynamic IP addresses at no extra charge. Additional IP addresses are available for an additional charge. |
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Do you provide virus protection?
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FairPoint does not provide virus protection. Visit our Spyware and Viruses page for more information. |
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