How does Northwestel High Speed Internet work?

Northwestel High Speed Internet uses a technology called ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) to transmit digital information at high bandwidths through existing telephone lines. Using an ADSL modem, copper twisted-pair telephone lines are converted into a high-speed digital pipe. ADSL is asymmetrical because most of the channel is dedicated to transmitting data downstream to the user, while only a small part is used to receive information from the user. The two streams don't interfere with each other because ADSL data is delivered at a high frequency, while phone and fax information is delivered at a lower speed.

Does High Speed service include email?

Yes. Business Classic customers receive eight free @northwestel.net email addresses, with free webmail access.

Are there any storage or size limits for northwestel.net emails?

Each @northwestel.net email account has storage limit of 100MB. In addition, there is a limit of 38MB for each incoming message, and 57MB per outgoing message.

What are the usage limits for Business Classic?

The monthly rate for Business Classicincludes 30 GB (30,000 MB) of free data transfer per month. For each Megabyte of usage above the cap, a charge of 0.75 cents per MB will apply.

Where can I find more information related to High Speed Usage?

Visit our online High Speed Usage page.

Do I need a separate phone line to have High Speed service?

No. Unlike a dialup connection, ADSL technology uses an existing telephone line and lets you be online at the same time that you talk on the phone or send a fax. Please note that ADSL can only be installed on a B1 (single-line) business line - it cannot be installed on multi-line systems or networks.

Do I pay long distance charges when I use High Speed?

No. If you live in a community where High Speed is available, you connect to Northwestel's local digital network.

How does High Speed compare to dialup Internet?

High Speed offers several major advantages over dialup:

• High Speed technology allows large files to be downloaded quickly, up to 100 times faster than dialup.
• High Speed Internet stays connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without ever tying up the telephone line.

Can I use an operating system other than Windows?

Yes. As long as your operating system has a TCP/IP stack, ADSL can be configured to work with another operating system, such as Linux. However, Northwestel and its distributors will only provide service or troubleshooting support for the following operating systems:

• Standalone systems running Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, NT, or XP
• Macintosh
• The connection from an ADSL modem to a standalone computer

Northwestel and its authorized distributors will not offer technical support for:

• Hardware / software conflicts
• LAN networks
• Network card configurations
• Personal servers
• 3rd party plug-ins

Can I use my own modem?

No. The network infrastructure of High Speed requires a specific type of high-speed modem. You cannot use conventional analog (dialup) modems to get a High Speed Internet connection.

My computer is on a network. Can I configure it for Northwestel High Speed?

Yes. High Speed can be used on a data network. However, Northwestel and its authorized distributors will not provide service or troubleshooting support to an entire network - only to a single PC or Macintosh.

Can I install High Speed on all my computers?

Yes. You must install a Network Interface Card (NIC) on each computer, and each computer must meet the minimum system requirements for Northwestel High Speed service. Please note that Northwestel and its authorized distributors will only provide service or troubleshooting support to a single PC or Macintosh.

What are the service conditions?

Please refer to our High Speed Internet Terms of Service

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