Broadband FAQ

Explain how High Speed Internet service works.
How fast is a cable modem?
Are home networking options available?
Can I watch cable television and use High Speed Internet service at the same time?
Can I talk on the telephone and use High Speed Internet service at the same time?
Explain the benefits of cable modem access?
Can I use the Internet if the High Speed Internet service goes down or if I am traveling?
How much does it cost?
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Are packages available that include video service?
Are cable modem connections secure?
What are the computer system requirements?
Does it require a telephone line?
Will I need an additional telephone line?

1. Explain how High Speed Internet service works.
High Speed Internet services use a cable modem and a hybrid fiber coaxial network to provide High Speed Internet access.

2. How fast is a cable modem?
A cable modem is up to 70 times faster than a 28.8 modem and up to three times as fast as Standard DSL! Several factors - such as the speed of your computer (An Intel Pentium® 4 Processor is faster than an Intel Pentium® III Processor), the time of day you are online, and the website you are visiting - can affect the speed you experience on the Internet.

3. Are home networking options available?
Many of our High Speed Internet partners offer home networking options. Check with our friendly customer care specialists to confirm availability, requirements, and cost.

4. Can I watch cable television and use High Speed Internet service at the same time?
Yes.

5. Can I talk on the telephone and use High Speed Internet service at the same time?
Yes. High Speed Internet service does not use phone lines, so you'll never miss a call while surfing the Internet.

6. Explain the benefits of cable modem access?

No contracts or long-term agreements required
30-day money-back guarantee
A comprehensive, all-in-one service that includes your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Unlimited Internet access
High speed access to the Internet (up to 70 times faster than a 28.8 modem); up to three times as fast as Standard DSL (5 Mbps vs 1.5 Mbps for DSL)
There is no need for a phone line at all, which means there are never any busy signals or disconnects
A constant Internet connection. Just point, click and get what you want instantly
You can watch TV, talk on the phone and surf the Web all at the same time
Unique local and national content
Free personal Web pages
Up to five email accounts at no additional charge (depending on service provider)
Free cable modem to use, so when technology changes, you're not stuck having to buy another modem
Fast, friendly customer service and technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Remote dial-up access for those times when you are away from home or traveling

The monthly cost of high speed Internet service is comparable to the cost of a dial-up ISP and a second telephone line. And what you get is so much faster, easier and more convenient than dial-up.

7. Can I use the Internet if the High Speed Internet service goes down or if I am on the road?
Yes. You can use your Internet Service Provider's dial-up access to check email or surf the Internet if your High Speed Internet connection goes down or when you're away from home. To use dial-up access, you need a computer with an analog modem (up to 56K) and a standard telephone line. Check with your Internet Service Provider for further details and pricing on dial-up access.

8. How much does it cost?
Prices start at $29.95 and vary slightly depending on the Internet Service Provider.

9. Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Most of the ISPs that provide Internet service over our network offer a 100 percent 30-day money-back guarantee. Some offer a 30-day free trial.

10. Are packages available that include video service?
Yes. The Digital Combo provides customers with access to hundreds of channels, crystal clear digital picture, CD-quality sound and over 40 music channels, along with High Speed Internet service that's fast, convenient and always on. One price, one bill - it just keeps getting easier!

11. Are cable modem connections secure?
Security must be a concern for all Internet users. Our network is no less secure than any other network. However, we do advise our customers to take simple precautions to protect themselves and any sensitive data they may have stored on their computers:

Never open email attachments when the email comes from someone you don't know. Be cautious opening attachments even if the email appears to come from someone you do know, especially if the email seems uncharacteristic of the sender.
Install and use anti-virus software on your computer. Keep your computer's anti-virus software updated and your operating system patched with the latest critical updates.
Disable file and print sharing on your computer or computers except when needed. When file and print sharing are enabled, protect them with a password.
Purchase and install firewall software or a hub or router that includes a hardware firewall.
For more information on keeping your children safe online, visit www.getnetwise.org.
Review your ISP's security recommendations and policies.

12. What are the computer system requirements?
The computer system requirements vary slightly for each High Speed Internet service. Please call for details.

13. Does it require a telephone line?
No. Our High Speed Internet services are provided with hybrid fiber coaxial cable lines that allow high speed data access through our television network, not your phone line.

14. Will I need an additional telephone line?
No. There is no need for a phone line because our high speed Internet services run through cable lines. You won't have to worry about missing calls from friends and family while you're surfing the Internet or checking email.