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The following are
answers to the most frequently asked questions about cable Internet service. If
you do not find your answers here then
contact us.
How do I get more information?
How do I sign up?
What is a Cable Modem?
Will this work with my computer?
How Fast is a Cable Modem?
How is it different from a dial-up modem?
What does it cost?
What does the equipment and installation cost?
Do I need to purchase your Cable TV to get Internet?
What areas do you cover?
Do I need to keep my Dial-up Internet account?
Do I still need to have a phone line to connect?
Can I continue to use my current e-mail address?
What will I need to do?
Can I buy any brand of cable modem?
Will I need any special software?
Can this connection be shared with my other computer?
What if I have questions or problems after I am connected?
What are the Terms of Service?
Can I get any any other speeds or transfer
rates?
What is a Cable Modem?
A "Cable Modem" is a device that allows high-speed data access
to the Internet via a cable TV network. A cable modem will typically
have two connections, one to the cable wall outlet and the other to a
computer (PC). Most cable modems are external devices that connect to
the PC through a standard Ethernet card and twisted-pair
wiring. External Universal Serial Bus (USB) modems and internal PCI
modem cards are also available.
Will this work with my
computer?
WestPA.net will support Windows 98 or higher and MAC OS 8.1 or higher.
If you are not certain that your computer has these items please contact
WestPA.net at 726-9462.
How Fast is a Cable Modem?
Cable modem speeds vary, depending on the cable modem system, cable
network architecture, and traffic load. In the downstream direction
(from the network to the computer), network speeds can reach 42.88Mbps, an
aggregate amount of bandwidth that is shared by blocks of users as load requires. Few computers
will be capable of connecting at such high speeds, so a more realistic
number is 2 Mbps.
How is it different from a dial-up modem?
Traditional dial-up modems provide online access through the public
telephone network at up to 56,000 bits per second (kbps). A cable modem,
on the other hand, provides high-speed Internet access through a cable
television network at more than 1 million bits per second (mbps). Cable
modems are typically external devices placed next to your computer.
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What does it cost?
The Internet service is priced starting at $24.95 per month. This is in addition
to what you pay for your cable TV service.
What does the equipment
and installation cost?
There is no installation fee. Includes the loan of a modem at NO CHARGE!
Do I need to
purchase your Cable TV to get Internet?
No - The service only requires that you be able to be connected to
our cable TV system to get cable Internet. Internet can be purchased by
itself.
What areas do you cover?
WestPA.net Television serves the Barnes, Sheffield, Tiona, and Weldbank areas.
If you are not certain if you are served by the cable system please contact
us.
Do I need to keep my Dial-up Internet account?
No - You can cancel your dialup account as it will not be
needed once you have cable Internet.
Do I still need to have a phone line to connect?
No - The cable modem service use 2-way technology so no
additional phone
line is needed.
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Can I continue to use my current e-mail address?
If you are a WestPA.net subscriber,
YES, you can continue
to use your current email address. If you are not a WestPA.net subscriber, you will
need to select
a WestPA.net email address.
What will I need to do?
Once you have signed up for Internet, someone from from WestPA.net will
come to your house and install new cable for the Internet connection.
Then, usually another day, someone from WestPA.net will come to your home and complete the
installation by installing the end connectors to the cable, installing
the cable modem, configuring your computer, testing the connection and
all services.
Can I buy any brand of cable modem?
No - WestPA.net will provide the cable modem at the time of
installation. We can not permit the use of other cable modems so that we
can maintain the integrity and reliability of the system.
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Will I need any special software?
When the installer finishes you will
have access to the Internet and Email services any time your
computer is on. It is recommended that you have Anti-Virus software and
some type of firewall software installed – WestPA.net or the installer
will assist you with the installation of appropriate software.
Can this connection be shared with my other
computer?
Yes - Whether at home or a small business, you can use the system
to connect multiple computers and share the connection. You will
need to contact WestPA.net to discuss equipment requirements as each
network is different.
What if I have
questions or problems after I am connected?
Should you have any problems with your connection after installation
contact WestPA.net for technical support.
How do I get more information?
Read this entire FAQ. Most questions will be answered here.
If this FAQ does not answer your questions please call
WestPA.net
at
726-9462 or you can email:
billing@westpa.net
How do I sign up?
When you are ready to sign up for cable Internet
simply call us at
WestPA.net at
726-9462.
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