What is DSL?
What are the differences in DSL types?
Why Cyber Trails?
What is 256K Select?
How does DSL compare to cable services?
How fast is DSL?
How much does it cost?
Is there a limit to how much I can use the connection?
What kind of computer should I have?
How long before I'm actually on the net?
What kind of equipment do I need?
How much does the equipment cost?
Will someone come install the hardware for me?
How does my email account work with DSL?
Can I have my own homepage?
Can I cancel my DSL account at any time?
I already have DSL with another provider, how do I switch to Cyber Trails?
What if I want to switch speeds?
Q:
What is DSL?
A: DSL stands for "Digital Subscriber Line". DSL is a dedicated, always
on (except for 256 Select),
high-speed connection to the Internet. "xDSL utilizes
more of the bandwidth on copper phone lines than what is currently
used for plain old telephone service (POTS). By utilizing
frequencies above the telephone bandwidth (300Hz to 3,200Hz), xDSL
can encode more data to achieve higher data rates than would
otherwise be possible in the restricted frequency range of a POTS
(Plain Old Telephone System) network. In order to utilize the frequencies above the voice audio
spectrum, xDSL equipment must be installed on both ends and the
copper wire in between must be able to sustain the higher
frequencies for the entire route. This means that bandwidth limiting
devices such as loading coils must be removed or
avoided."
(quoted from http://homepage.interaccess.com/~jkristof/xdsl-faq.txt)
Because of the nature of DSL, a customer who would like to use
the service must meet some requirements. To be able to use DSL
service a customer must pass a loop qualification. This loop
qualification tells the phone carrier how far away from the central
office the customer is and whether or not there are digital loops
between the customer and the central office. The speed on the
different types of DSL service is dependent on distance. The closer
to the phone carrier central office the faster your DSL service can
be. If are digital loops between you and the phone carrier's central
office, the only service that you would be able to get is IDSL. Some
other restrictions have to do with load coils and multiplexers on
your phone line.
Q:What are the differences
in DSL types?
A: Cyber Trails supports many kinds of DSL:
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is the most
popular form of xDSL technology. The key to ADSL is that the
upstream and downstream bandwidth is asymmetric, or uneven. In
practice, the bandwidth from the provider to the user (downstream)
will be the higher speed path. This is in part due to the limitation
of the telephone cabling system and the desire to accommodate the
typical Internet usage pattern where the majority of data is being
sent to the user (programs, graphics, sounds and video) with minimal
upload capacity required (keystrokes and mouse clicks). Downstream
speeds typically range from 256Kbps to 1.5Mbps. Upstream speeds
typically range from 64Kbps to 1Mbps. ADSL also allows the
sharing of a single voice line. With ADSL, and RADSL, you can
talk on the phone and be on the Internet at the same time with only
one phone line. Saves the cost of a second phone line
dedicated for an Internet connection.
RADSL Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line (RADSL) refers to
Qwest supplied ADSL lines that have rated speeds starting at 256Kbps
up and down and goes up to 7.1Mbps down and 1Mbps up. RADSL
also allows the sharing of a single voice line. With RADSL,
and ADSL, you can talk on the phone and be on the Internet at the
same time with only one phone line. Saves the cost of a second
phone line dedicated for an Internet connection.
IDSL: IDSL service runs over an ISDN line and is currently a data
only connection to the Internet. IDSL has a longer reach that other
flavors of xDSL, so some customers out of reach from ADSL or SDSL
may still be able to receive IDSL service. IDSL service is
rated at 144Kbps upload and download.
Q:Why Cyber Trails?
A: By choosing Cyber Trails as your Internet Service Provider, you
are assured a solid, fast, and reliable connection to the Internet.
Cyber Trails uses a high-speed Cisco powered network featuring access to two separate Internet Backbone providers, increasing the reliability of your connection to the
Internet. Cyber Trails also provides fast and responsive DSL service and tech support. Your Cyber Trails DSL will be up and running
within 10 to 13 days of your initial order. No 3 to 6 week waits with Cyber Trails DSL!!
With Cyber Trails at your side, you have the confidence and peace of
mind that can only come from working with a time proven and experienced
company who has been providing
Internet services to Arizona communities for five years and
has set new standards for service excellence and network
uptime.
Q:What is 256K Select?
A: 256K Select from Qwest is a low cost DSL service aimed at the value-oriented customer
who desires a high-speed internet connection but does not require an 'always on'
connection or guaranteed availability of the DSL connection. 256K Select is not
always on like our other DSL services, the user will be on a timed
session. 256K Select uses a modem pooling system similar to dial-up
services so the user may also encounter occasional busy signals.
Q:How does DSL compare to cable services?
A: Cable access is a shared resource, which means you are sharing your bandwidth
with everyone in your area. With DSL, you have a dedicated line running from
your house to the DSL network.
Q:How fast is DSL?
A: The slowest form of DSL that we provide (256k) is still nine times faster than
a 28.8k modem. The fastest speed of DSL we offer can be up to 250 times faster
than 28.8 download speeds!
Q:How much does it cost?
A: The pricing information for DSL varies widely depending on the services
and speeds that you want. Pricing information can be found here
or by calling our DSL Customer Service Line 1-888-841-4DSL.
How Cyber Trails charges:
DSL with US WEST:
Since Qwest already owns your phone line, they will bill you for
the DSL line they provide to your residence or business on your regular phone
bill. Cyber Trails will
bill you for either a Residential or Business account, much the same
way you are billed for dial-up and your regular phone bill right
now.
Q:Is there a limit to how much I can use the connection?
A: No. Your DSL service is unlimited, within the
parameters of the DSL Fair Use Agreement.
Q:What kind of computer do I have to have?
A: For PC computers, we suggest you have at least a Pentium or equivalent,
32MB of RAM,
25MB of Hard disk space, installed NIC or available PCI or ISA slot, Desktop or Laptop,
and a CD-ROM Drive. For Mac users we recommend OS 8.5 or higher, desktop Macintosh PowerPC,
PowerBooks, or
iBook System, 25MB of RAM, 25MB of hard disk space, pre equipped with
an Ethernet NIC card
and a CD-ROM drive.
Q:How long before I am actually on the net?
A: Your line is active ten to fifteen business days after your order is
placed in metro areas. Rural areas may have different
installation time frames. We will always notify the customer of
the scheduled time that the line should be active. After your line is installed, you should be able to install your modem and get online.
No 6 to 8 week waits with Cyber Trails!
Q:What kind of equipment do I
need?
A: The type of equipment you will need depends on your
current configuration and your plans for the future. Please
check out our DSL Equipment
page for information on which piece of
DSL equipment is right for you.
Q:How much does the equipment cost?
A: The cost of equipment varies with the choice of
equipment. Please check out the DSL Equipment page here for
information on the best piece of equipment for you and prices for
all of the equipment.
Q:Will someone come to my
home or office and install the hardware for me?
A: For Cyber Trails DSL service through Qwest MegaBit, Qwest can send a technician to the site and setup and
install the necessary equipment for one stand-alone computer for
$149.95. There are also possible promotions concerning on-site
installation. Check our DSL
Promotions page for possible details.
Q:How does my email account work with DSL?
A: Your email address would be username@cybertrails.com.
Our DSL services provide you 3 email addresses for Residential
accounts. Additional
email addresses can be purchased at $1 per month. Small
Business accounts receive 10 email boxes.
Q:Can I get my own web page?
A: Residential DSL accounts accounts come with 10Mb of personal web site space.
Small Business DSL accounts receive 30MB of website storage space.
Check out our Web Hosting
page for
more space and your own domain.
(Customer responsible for domain name
registration).
Q:Can I cancel my DSL account at any time?
A: Early termination of a contract with Qwest requires 25% of all remaining
charges for the term of the contract. If you do not have a contract with them and are paying monthly you will not
have any fees.
Q:I already have DSL with another provider, how
do I switch to Cyber Trails?
A: That depends on your ISP and the DSL provider they are
using. If your ISP uses US West/Qwest DSL and you are in the
Flagstaff, Prescott, or Phoenix areas, then switching your current DSL to Cyber Trails
is easy.
Simply call our DSL Customer Service Line at 1-888-841-4375 between
8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The entire process
can be completed with you on the phone. Please note that Qwest
charges a $30 fee to switch your DSL service provider.
If your ISP uses another DSL provider such as Covad or NorthPoint,
then you must contact your ISP to cancel service and then we can set
you up with Cyber Trails DSL service through Qwest MegaBit. Just give us a call at
1-888-841-4DSL.
Q:What if I want to switch speeds?
A: You can change your DSL speed at any time. Please
note that Qwest charges a $30 fee to change your line speed.
Call 1-888-841-4DSL (4375) for more information, or
send an email to dslsales@cybertrails.com.
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