How does Northwestel starterConnect work?

Northwestel starterConnect (and our other High Speed Internet products) 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 starterConnect service include email?

Yes, starterConnect customers receive two 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 data transfer (usage) limits for starterConnect?

The monthly rate for DSL Classic includes 1 GB (1,000 MB) of free data transfer per month. For each Megabyte of usage above the cap, a charge of $0.01 per Megabyte will apply.

Where can I find more information related to starterConnect Usage?

Visit our online High Speed Usage page.

Do I need a separate phone line to have starterConnect 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.

Do I pay long distance charges when I use starterConnect?

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

How fast is starterConnect?

High Speed's ADSL technology is faster than a standard dialup connection. For customers subscribing to DSL Classic, the maximum possible download speed is 128 Kbps. Download speeds are affected by network (Internet) and server connections, as well as by the speed of the processor on your computer. Please note that starterConnect is our introductory High Speed Internet product, and is positioned as step-up from dialup, with the convenience of being connected all the time, and not tying up your phone line. However, if you want a faster connection, you might want to consider our DSL Lite or DSL Classic products.

How does starterConnect compare to dialup Internet?

starterConnect offers several major advantages over dialup:

• High Speed technology allows large files to be downloaded quickly, much 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, starterConnect can be configured to work with another operating system. However, Northwestel and its distributors will only provide service or troubleshooting support for Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

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 starterConnect 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 starterConnect?

Yes, starterConnect 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 starterConnect 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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