frequently asked questions

What is DSL?
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a proven technology that offers secure, high-speed Internet access over existing copper telephone lines. DSL can provide you with T1-like speeds up to 33 times faster than a 28.8 kbps modem. This is possible because digital communications can squeeze more capacity out of a phone line than analog modems.

The DSL modem connected to the existing phone line separates voice signals from high-speed data. The connection to the Internet is a direct, permanent connection, eliminating the typical delays experienced with analog modem connections. This allows DSL end-users to take a voice call and surf the Net, all at the same time! (Normal telephone lines are not included in DSL prices.) DSL is the answer for speed, convenience and cost-effective Internet access.

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What type of DSL technology is FairPoint using?
The 1-Meg Modem is Nortel Networks' high-speed Internet access modem based on xDSL technology. The 1-Meg Modem will have you browsing the Web at speeds of 1.3 Mbps! With the 1-Meg Modem you're able to surf the net and talk on the phone simultaneously over the same line! 1-Meg Modem service delivers a cost-effective solution ideally suited for bandwidth-hungry Internet subscribers and teleworkers.

Note: This is NOT g.lite technology

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What are the benefits of DSL?

• High Speed Data Access: Up to 33 times the data speed of a traditional 28.8 kbps analog dial-up modem connection.
  
  
• Instant Connection: With DSL service, one click and the user is on-line. No more waiting to establish an internet connection.
  
  
• Simultaneous Voice and Data Connections Over the Same Line: DSL end-users can make voice calls and access real-time stock quotes on the Internet simultaneously or send a fax while browsing the World Wide Web.
  
  
• More Security: DSL provides a permanent, dedicated connection. It's dedicated to the user and no one else, compared to cable modems which offer access over a shared cable medium.

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What are the uses of DSL?
DSL provides more than bandwidth: It will change the way people work, the way they live and the way they play. DSL opens the door to many applications such as:

• High Speed Internet Access: DSL solutions provide a high-speed connection between residential and business users to their Internet Service Provider. This allows users to conduct business and surf the Net at speeds of up to 33 times the rate of a traditional 28.8 Kbps analog modem or up to 17 times the rate of a 56 Kbps analog modem. DSL service lets you unleash the power of the Internet right into the home or remote office.
  
  
• Telecommuting/Work-at-Home: DSL solutions provide a high-speed connection between a remote office or home and a company's Local Area Network (LAN) for remote LAN and Internet access. This application lets users access the LAN as if the remote office is connected directly to a company's backbone network. It also lets business customers offer effective and more efficient work-at-home programs to their employees.
  
  
• E-Commerce: DSL solutions provide the bandwidth necessary to allow businesses to conduct instant transactions and to better customize web sites with richer multimedia content. Internet-based merchant services allow suppliers, manufacturers, shippers and retailers to sell and market their products electronically on a common platform.

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Why would customers be willing to pay more for DSL when they can use regular modems?
The bottom line is speed. Our DSL's slowest speed is up to 320 kbps whereas the fastest analog modem operates at 56 kbps. Also, the size of files that are being transmitted via the Internet is getting larger and larger. Therefore, downloading or uploading a file via a traditional modem is becoming more and more time-consuming. With a traditional modem, it can take hours to transmit a file as compared to a few seconds with DSL. Using DSL translates into having more time to enjoy the other activities.

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Do customers need to have voice service or is it included in the price of the DSL service offering?
DSL is an enhancement to existing voice service. Customers must have existing telephone service to order DSL. The charges for DSL are in addition to the existing voice services the customer is paying.

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Can I have a fax machine on the same line as my DSL service?
Yes, the voice line supported by DSL is just like any other POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) line.

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Can I get DSL?
DSL is currently available in the following areas:

• Bald Hills
• Clearwood
• Harts Lake
• Morris
• Nisqually Pines
• Rainier
• Tanwax
• Whitewater
• Yelm (includes Koeppen and Railway)

Note: FairPoint still needs to qualify your line before we can determine if you are fully qualified for DSL service.

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How do I sign-up for DSL service?
Order Online or contact our Customer Service Department at 800.400.5568. A representative will be happy to assist you.

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Compare the cost of DSL vs. dial-up Internet with a second line

With DSL high-speed Internet, you can have voice and data over one phone line. PLUS, you are getting up to 5 times the speed of a 56k modem and a more enjoyable Internet experience! All this for only $5.00 more per month.

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What equipment do I need to buy?
In order to use the 1-Meg Modem Service with your computer you will need to install a 10BaseT network adapter (FairPoint can sell you the NIC card). Once you have installed the adapter you will simply connect it to the 1-Meg Modem using a 10BaseT cable (provided with your modem). Your 1-Meg Modem connects to the existing phone jack in your house and you are ready to go!

Customers Responsibility: 10Base T network adapter (NIC Card)

FairPoint leases the 1-Meg Modem for FREE!
This is included in our DSL packages - Residential Starter, Bronze, Silver, or GOLD.

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How do FairPoint's DSL rates compare to others?
When comparing rates that you hear advertised, please consider that you may only be hearing a portion of the charge. Between fine print and issues of availability you may find a lot of other pertinent information.

• Does the rate include the Internet account?
• What is the downstream speed?
• What is the upstream speed?
• Is a telephone line required?
• Is the technology available to you?

We believe that we are very competitively priced with other DSL providers. As a rural carrier we are proud to bring this popular technology to most of our serving area and look forward to increasing our coverage as soon as possible. Living in a more rural area brings with it many benefits as well as the challenge of the cost effective deployment of new services. We are pleased to offer a variety of DSL Packages to meet most of our customer's needs.

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Is DSL available in my area?
FairPoint is committed to bringing high quality services to you at the lowest possible price. DSL is an evolving service that requires a complex technical network. FairPoint currently offers DSL to 99.9% of its service area.

Please call our Customer Service Department at 800.400.5568 for additional information, or order online.

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