Sprint FastConnect DSL

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DSL Advantages
Speed
Availability
Technical
Installation and Costs

DSL Advantages:

Sprint DSL is asynchronous digital subscriber line (ADSL), what are the benefits of ADSL?

ADSL provides simultaneous Internet and voice/fax capabilities over a single telephone line. It also provides high-speed Internet access with "instant on" capability. ADSL is a cost-effective solution for businesses and it is a more secure method of transferring data than technologies such as cable modems.

How is DSL different from ISDN?

DSL-based services and ISDN have a number of things in common; however, they each have their own advantages that make them the best solution for different applications. One primary difference is that ISDN is a switched, multi-point service. For instance, you can use your ISDN connection to dial up an Internet connection, then later establish different ISDN connections to send a high-speed fax and also connect to a corporate LAN (local area network), all the while having the ability to also use the same phone line for digital voice calls. With ADSL, the your data connection is "instant on" (no dialing-up required) and is a dedicated connection to particular services, such as an Internet service provider or a corporate LAN. ISDN has the added advantage of being more widely available, whereas DSL is in the initial stages of deployment and is available today in only limited areas.

What about cable modems as a high-speed access alternative?

There are two major issues that impact the deployment and use of cable modems. The first is that only about 7% of existing coaxial distribution systems are capable of two-way traffic. The cable industry is investing heavily to upgrade their facilities to a hybrid fiber/coax based network. Most coaxial networks are designed for one-way downstream distribution only, requiring the expensive replacement of distribution nodes. The second is that all subscribers on a distribution network (from 500 to several thousand homes) share the bandwidth, which can reduce an individual's throughput to analog modem dial-up speeds. Another cable modem area of concern relates to un-terminated cable TV jacks (no TV connected and no terminating resistor cap screwed on) in the way they act as antennas on the distribution node. Any RFI (radio frequency interference) generating equipment near un-terminated jack injects noise into the entire distribution network. AC motors (vacuum cleaners), computer monitors, fluorescent lights and a host of other household items generate RFI. This is not critical for TV viewing, but can adversely affect modem throughput.

Speed:

Why are the downstream and upstream data speeds different?

Since most Internet and business LAN users tend to download large amounts of data while sending relatively small amounts of data, Sprint DSL reserves most of the bandwidth to download data.

Availability:

How can I determine if my business is a candidate for Sprint DSL service?

To use DSL, you must be located within 18,000 feet or approximately three miles of a DSL-equipped central exchange office and your telephone line must be qualified to carry the DSL signal. This distance may vary depending on the specific type and condition of the telephone line. If you are a local Sprint telephone customer in areas that have DSL, Sprint will test your lines to see if they qualify.

Can I get Sprint DSL service if Sprint is not my Internet service provider?

Yes, if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is connected to the Sprint-owned, DSL-equipped serving office that serves you.

What ISPs will offer Sprint FastConnectSM DSL?

Sprint has partnered with EarthLink to offer an exceptional combination of Sprint DSL and EarthLink Internet Access services called Sprint FastConnectSM DSL. It is part of the family of high speed services of Sprint FastConnect for Business. If you prefer an alternative ISP, several will be offering Sprint DSL services. You must consult directly with your ISP to find out if they offer Sprint DSL.

Will I, as a Sprint local service customer, be able to use these high-speed access services with any long-distance carrier, or only with Sprint?

ADSL is a local service, providing a digital connection between your business and Sprint's local central office. It does not affect your choice of long-distance provider.

What areas are next in line to offer Sprint DSL?

We expect to begin offering our new high-speed data service based on DSL technology to consumers and business customers in selected areas within the following markets: Tallahassee, Naples Fort Myers, Ocala/Leesburg, FL Rocky Mount, Hickory, Greenville/New Bern, Raleigh/Durham, Fayetteville, NC

How will customer support and repair services be provided?

For business customers, Sprint will offer a full range of maintenance and support options.

Technical:

What kind of equipment do I need to acquire Sprint DSL service?

If your business already has an adequate computer (see computer specifications) the equipment needed for DSL can be ordered and installed by Sprint. You will receive a DSL modem, a "splitter" that divides voice and data traffic and an Ethernet network interface card that connects the modem to the PC. You may purchase this equipment from other providers as long as it meets the interface and other technical specifications of Sprint DSL.

Can I keep my current phone features like Caller ID, Call Waiting and Call Forwarding with Sprint DSL?

Yes, the addition of Sprint DSL on your existing phone line does not interfere with these features.

What browsers can I use when on the Internet using Sprint DSL service?

You may use any provider, however, Sprint technical support is limited to providing basic configuration information on Internet Explorer 3.0 or later and Netscape Navigator¬ 3.0 or later. Earlier versions are not supported.

Can I use Sprint DSL for connecting to both the Internet and to a corporate LAN?

At this time you may use Sprint DSL to connect to the Internet. Future applications of Sprint DSL may include the option to connect to both the Internet and a LAN. If you connect to a corporate LAN that is also connected to the Internet, you may have access to the Internet. This is up to your corporate LAN administrator.

If there is a power failure, do I lose phone service?

No, Sprint DSL modems are designed so that your normal telephone service will operate even if the modem is unplugged or loses power.

What are the computer specifications for Sprint DSL?

Sprint DSL requires an ADSL modem as well as an Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). Representatives at the Sprint National Data Center will work with you to help with the ordering, coordination and installation of all the equipment you need to shift your communications into high gear. Minimum PC Specifications* Recommended PC Specifications IBM compatible IBM compatible 486/66 MHz processor Pentium 166 MHz processor 16 MB RAM 32 MB RAM 110 MB hard drive 250 MB hard drive Microsoft Windows '95 or higher Microsoft Windows '95 or higher *Minimum specifications apply to single users only.

Installation and Costs:

What other costs might be involved with DSL connections?

Especially for businesses, some applications and some individual access technologies may require you to purchase additional equipment or software. In some instances, there may be a cost to repair imperfect lines to enable service.

How will the installation process work?

Will Sprint send someone to my business site or is the process simple enough for me to install?

Sprint technicians will install the equipment at your business. We offer our local business customers a full range of maintenance and support options including a 24x7 help desk with dispatching capabilities and overnight replacement of parts and CPE.

What's the wait time on installation?

It depends on service demand at the time you place your order. As always, Sprint is committed to installing your service as quickly as possible.