Broadband FAQ | Broadbandinfo.com

What is broadband?
Simply put, the term 'broadband' refers to Internet access that is faster than 56K dialup. The term broadband refers to any type of transmission technique that carries multiple voice, video or data channels simultaneously over a common wire. It is a large pipeline (much bigger than dial-up connection) that brings information to your home. In this instance, broadband refers to high-speed Internet access using this transmission technique.

Is broadband Internet service the same as high-speed Internet service?
Broadband and high-speed are interchangeable terms used to refer to the power of the Internet connection you are using.

How does broadband work?
Broadband Internet connects your computer to the Internet via a high-speed cable modem and a fiber-optic cable network. This can also bring you digital telephone and digital television services.

Why should I get broadband service?
Broadband Internet allows you to receive more information quickly and do more on the Internet by giving you:

An always-on connection – no busy signals or dial-up frustrations
Blazing speed – up to 70 times faster than dial-up (speeds vary by service provider)
The ability to surf the Web without tying up your phone line
Multiple e-mail accounts
Fast video and music downloads

What types of broadband service are there?

Cable or Cable Modem – The Internet service provided by a cable company. The Internet connection is provided on the same type of cable that you plug into your television for Cable TV service.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – Transforms copper telephone lines into carriers of digital data. DSL uses the same copper wires that carry voice traffic to your telephone to carry high-speed data.
Satellite – One-way high-speed Internet technology that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit data downstream through a satellite dish attached to your home.

How long does it take to install a broadband connection in a home?
Installation timing varies by service provider and the specific service plan you order. After you sign up for service, there are instructions to contact the service provider so that you can schedule your installation date and time.

What is the difference between professional and self-installation?
With professional installation, the service provider will go to your residence to install the Internet service. Typically there is a one-time fee associated with professional installation. With self-installation, you can install the service on your own time rather than a technician going to your house to complete installation. Instructions are included in the self-installation kit that is mailed to you after you place your order. There is no fee for the self-installation kit, but you may incur a shipping and handling charge on your first bill.

What is the cost of professional installation?
There is a one-time free for the service provider to go to your home and set up the service. This fee varies by service provider. Review each plan details for specific installation fees.

What is the cost of self-installation?
The self-installation kit is free, however, you may incur a shipping and handling charge on your first month’s bill.

Can I choose self-installation if I am not currently a cable television customer?
As long as a self-installation plan is available at your address, you do not need to be a cable customer to choose self-installation. Some providers may charge a fee so that your home is cable ready.

What is the difference between the monthly fee and the special promotion pricing for service?
Providers may offer special deals on their service prices for a certain period of time when you sign up for their service. After that stated period of time, your service will move to a regular monthly fee.

Is the special promotion pricing for service available to non-cable television customers?
There may be different promotional offers from your service provider for current and non-cable subscribers. Review each plan details for specific promotional service pricing available to you.

Why are there different monthly fees?
Monthly fees may vary based on whether or not you are a current cable television customer of the provider you have selected. Non-cable customers typically receive a slightly higher rate.

How do I take advantage of the additional promotional offers?
After signing up for service, if there are any additional promotional offers available to you, you will be directed to a page to take advantage of them.

What kind of computer do I need?
Generally you need a computer system with these elements:

PC: Pentium 133 MHz processor with Windows 95 or higher, at least 64 MB of RAM and 200 MB of free disk space

Macintosh: Power PC, 75 MHz processor with System 7.5 or higher and 200 MB of free disk space

Please note that each broadband service provider’s requirements may differ so review each company’s specifications before placing an order.

Can I use my current modem to receive high-speed Internet service?
You will need an approved cable modem for your service. The signals that come in from your cable company use different wiring and transmit data in a different way than a dial-up modem. Please contact your cable company to confirm the compatibility of your modem.

If I have high-speed access at home, how do I access it when I travel?
Some of the Internet service providers offer limited dial-up access services for use when you travel. Please review each plan details before selecting a plan.

How much does high-speed Internet cost?
The monthly fee varies by which service provider you select. In addition to the monthly fee for high-speed Internet service, broadband service may also include charges for the modem, additional e-mail accounts, additional Web storage and/or a limited dial-up Internet account.

Why is my local cable company not on the list of providers?
We offer broadband Internet service from a range of service providers, however, we currently do not market services from all of the Internet service providers. Also, your cable company may not offer broadband service to your specific household or may not have listed your address in our database.

I have cable television, but the site says I cannot get my cable company’s high-speed Internet service.
Unfortunately not all addresses that currently receive cable television from your service provider can also receive high-speed Internet service. The good news is that the service providers are working diligently to upgrade areas all the time. Please check back at this site soon.

Why do I need to give you information like address, zip code and telephone number?
Using your full mailing address and telephone number is the best way to determine if broadband service is available to your home.

What if I am moving and don’t know my telephone number?
Your telephone number is not required to check availability for cable Internet service, however, a contact number is needed when you place an order so that the service provider can follow up with you to schedule installation.

Do you keep my information if I do not place an order?
No, your information is only used to determine if you can get broadband service at your home.

How much will it cost to order Internet service through this site?
This service is free. If you order broadband service, the fees you will be responsible for are any necessary equipment and the monthly charge for the service. Billing for the broadband service your order through this site will by handled by your service provider.

How do I place an order for broadband service?
Simply enter your address and telephone number so we can check if you can get broadband service where you live. You then need to answer a few questions to help us determine the service that best fits your broadband needs. Lastly, fill out the online form to complete your order request.

What happens after I purchase high-speed Internet service from this site?
You will receive an e-mail confirming your order, including service plan details and steps to complete your installation.

What is an order?
When you place an order through us, we send your request to the company whose plan you have selected. A representative from that company will contact you to discuss the order request and to schedule installation, if necessary.

Do you guarantee the broadband service I order?
We evaluate our partners to make sure they provide the best experience, however, we do not guarantee their services. If you have any questions after placing your order, please contact the provider directly about service and installation.

Who do I call to follow up on my Internet service order?
You will be taken to a confirmation page at the completion of your order. Please print this page for your records and to get the contact information you need.

Can I cancel my order?
If you have already submitted an order, you will need to cancel it directly with the service provider.

How can I cancel my service if I am not satisfied?
Please contact the service provider directly regarding any questions or concerns you have with your service.

Where do I get customer support for my Internet service?
Please contact the service provider directly for information regarding customer support for your service.

Who do I pay for my Internet service?
You will be billed directly by the service provider each month, and if you already use that company for telephone, cable TV or other services, your Internet service charge may be added onto the monthly bill you already receive.

Who and what is Broadbandoffers.com?
Broadbandoffers.com is an independently owned and operated business partnering with service providers to provide consumers with exclusive online promotional offers.

What does technology mean?
This refers to the specific technology used to deliver the broadband connection.

What does monthly fee mean?
This is the monthly charge for the Internet service after any promotional pricing period. The monthly charge may be higher if you choose to lease a modem.

What is an installation fee?
This is a one-time charge by the service provider to go to your home and install the Internet service.

What is a set up fee?
This is a one-time charge by the service provider to set up and/or activate the service in your home. This charge can cover a range of services such as computer qualification, software configuration and activating your account on the network.

What is equipment description?
This refers to the hardware you need to run the Internet service. Depending on the plan and options you order, hardware may not be included in your Internet service order.

What is equipment cost?
This refers to the cost of the hardware you need to run the service. Depending on the plan and options you order, this cost may not be included in your Internet service order.

What is contract length?
This is the commitment you must make to receive the indicated price and promotions. If a contract is necessary when you sign up for service, there may be a penalty for breaking it.

What’s the difference between upstream and downstream speeds?
Information passes between your computer and the Internet in two directions: upstream and downstream. Information that flows upstream is sent from your computer to the Internet, such as sending e-mail attachments or playing two-way games. Information that flows downstream is from the Internet to your computer, such as surfing the Web or downloading files. Please note that broadband service speeds are an estimate. The actual speed varies by provider and may vary.

How many e-mail accounts can I have?
This refers to the number of separate e-mail accounts that are included with the service. The number of e-mail accounts available varies by service provider.

Can I also have dial-up access?
This refers to the ability to access your account through a dial-up connection (e.g., from a remote location). Although you may not have high speeds, you will have access to your e-mail and account information.

What is Web storage?
This is the amount of storage space on the service provider’s network that you are able to use. This is most useful for storing e-mails.

What does static IP address mean?
A static Internet protocol address is a unique number assigned to your computer by your service provider. Static IPs are permanent numbers that always identify your computer to others on the Internet. Many providers limit the number of static IPs they assign. Some providers also charge additional fees for additional static IPs. Certain two-way applications such as VoIP (Voice over IP) require static IP addresses in order to work correctly.

What does dynamic IP address mean?
A dynamic Internet protocol address is a temporary number assigned to your computer by your service provider. This number or “address” allows other on the Internet to communicate with your computer. A dynamic IP is typically assigned for a certain length of time after which the address is returned to a pool of IP addresses. The next time you log on or begin a new session, a new dynamic IP will be assigned.

What are system requirements?
These are the minimum capabilities your computer must have in order to support a particular broadband service. It will typically specify the operating system, memory, processor speed, open ports and/or drives required.

What are cancellation details?
This refers to any cost associated with breaking a service contract with the provider.

What does term of service mean?
This identifies additional limitations and information about the service.

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