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DSL InformationLast Updated: May 12th, 2008
What is DSL?DSL is short for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a service offered by Qwest that allows broadband internet access over standard phone lines. This connection is always on, so you don't have to waste time dialing-up like with a traditional phone line and modem, and is much faster than a standard telephone modem. Qwest offers two speeds of DSL in most areas: one with a 256kbps download and upload speed, and the second with a 1536kbps download speed and a 1000kbps upload speed. In comparison, the slower service is 5 times faster than a dialup, and the faster speed is over 27 times faster than the fastest possible speed a standard dialup connection can reach! In practice, the quality and speed of the service is directly proportional to the quality of the phone lines, so if you are having problems with your phone line you will not be able to achieve the fastest possible speeds with DSL, or your connection could possibly drop while you are using it. As part of the installation, though, Qwest should check your line to make sure you can get the service and tell you what speeds are available. Also, they will usually condition your line and fix problems before installation. Also, DSL access is limited by the distance the customer is from Qwest's central office. Usually, this is no more than 5 miles and the speed will drop considerably at that distance. This means that DSL service may not be available in outlying rural or semi-rural areas. Contact our office and we can determine if your phone line is DSL capable. How much does this cost?DSL is an additional service the Qwest has to add to your phone line. When you get DSL, Qwest will charge an installation fee and an additional monthly fee depending on which speed service you elect. You will also need additional equipment -- a DSL modem -- from Qwest. Qwest charges a $99 installation fee to initially set up your DSL line, however they typically have a special on this. Usually, the installation cost is just a few dollars or even waived completely. Please contact us for the current pricing. Next, you'll need a DSL modem which usually runs $59.99. You can also choose to rent a DSL modem from Qwest for the price of $5.00/month. This DSL modem will have one end connected to your telephone line, and the other end connected to your computer. The unit they are currently providing, the ActionTec M1000, has many features such as the ability to be connected through your ethernet port, USB port, or (with a module available separately) wirelessly... an integrated firewall & parental controls... ability to automatically handle multiple computers through a home router... and more. If you need a more powerful or more capable DSL modem, you can choose to buy a 2Wire 2700-HG advanced networking modem for $99.99 or rent for $8.00/month. This DSL modem includes a four-port and wireless router built in, along with an integrated firewall and other standard features. Like your current phone line, Qwest will charge you a separate fee for your DSL line. This fee depends upon the speed of the service you wish to receive. Currently, the price for the lines is as follows:
Note that SDC provides a discount off our monthly service for those who pay quarterly and a larger discount for those who pay yearly. Discounts do not come off of Qwest's charges, although Qwest does occasionally run specials for new sign-ups ($25 per month vs. $28 per month for the first year, for example). Please contact us for the current prices. The Stand-alone DSL services are the only DSL services available without telephone service already on the phone line. Standard, Silver, and Platinum require a telephone service package from Qwest. This is a limitation beyond SDC Internet's control. Also, please note that all download & upload speeds are the maximum speeds you can get. You are not guaranteed by either Qwest or SDC to get the maximum speed listed. Also, note that Qwest is responsible for the supply and maintenance of your DSL equipment and line because that is part of the public phone network. However, SDC will provide first-call technical support for your DSL service and will coordinate all calls to Qwest technical support for you. I'm interested. What do I do now?Contact us and we will contact Qwest for you and get the process started. We will require a signed DSL service application, but that can follow the phone call via fax or postal mail. Also, please read and sign our Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. You can also download these from the above links, fill them out, and drop them off at our office or mail them. Also, be sure to read over our Services and Pricing page for a complete list of prices and additional features that come with your service. When you sign up with DSL from SDC, we will contact Qwest for you and arrange installation of the DSL line to your house, if you do not already have one. If you want to sign up during the hours our office is closed, you can sign up by calling Qwest. Be sure to specify to them that you want "SDC Internet" as your provider, or you might not be able to get service! If you do get signed up with the wrong provider, they will charge you $29.95 to have it changed. After that, it will take around 5 days for Qwest to get everything set up. We will be notified shortly after your order is placed, and we will get you set up on our side and contact you with the details you need to set up your modem when it arrives. Important: To connect your DSL modem, your computer will need to have either an ethernet jack or a USB port available! Most computers shipped since 2000 have either USB ports or both USB & ethernet built into them. How do I set up my DSL Modem?Setting up the DSL modem is easy, easier in many ways than setting up your dial-up modem. For instructions, please check out our DSL Support Page. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SDC Internet provides DSL service for those interested in a reliable,
fast, broadband connection. With DSL, you can get an extremely fast
internet connection and use your phone at the same time for the low
cost of $19.95 a month!