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Dialup, DSL and Wireless:

What's the difference?

ISPs in Trinidad and Tobago offer many types of internet services. With all the new services out there, you may be wondering what is the difference. Here is a basic overview and comparison of some of the most popular service types.

Dialup services uses your phone line and a modem. Your modem makes a phone call to the ISP's modem bank to connect, so you cannot talk on the phone while the internet is connected. Dial up is one of the most basic types of connections available, however it is one of the most readily available because it was designed to use basic services like the phone system that are already in place. Dialup also requires you to connect everytime you want to use it.

PROS:

• Inexpensive
• You can get service almost
anywhere
• Simple to you use
• You can use it at more than
one location
• You only need a computer
with a modem to use it

CONS:

• Slow speed, however if you
have a Dialup accelerator
you can increase the speeds
• Speed depend on the quality
of phone line you have.
• You need to connect
everytime you want to use
the Internet.

Wireless services use radio signals from the ISP's Access Point to connect you to the Internet. The signal goes to an antenna on your roof or on the side of your building via shielded cable to a radio. The radio is a small box that then connects to a computer or a router. Wirless is an always on service.

NOTE: If you are using a laptop or desktop that is wireless enabled, this is not the same type of wireless. This is a totally different system called WiFi. Wireless works with WiFi router, which you put in your home or office to enable you to roam around your location without wires.

PROS:

• Fast
• Always on
• It can go out farther
than DSL
• Can support symetrical
data rates
• Reliable
• Security depends on
provider
• Static IP address

CONS:

• Lag spikes due to
weather
• Service might not be
available everywhere
• Installation may take
longer than DSL

DSL services also use your phone line, but you can still receive and make calls. DSL is faster than Dialup, and you do not need to connect everytime you want to use the Internet; it is an always on service. DSL is relatively secure. You can have a static or dynamic IP address. Static IP addresses are good for game and web servers because you keep the same address, whereas with dynamic IP addresses your address will change periodically.

PROS:

• Faster than Dialup
• Simple to use
• A variety of asymetrical
speeds available
• Always on

CONS:

• You need to be within a
certain distance from the
telephone exchange to get
the service.
• More expensive than dialup
• You need a DSL modem
• Usually comes with an
annual contract

WOW Technical Support

Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Telephone 868 622 6868 / 868 622 6872
Email support@wow.net

THE BENEFITS OF A FASTER INTERNET CONNECTION

When considering the price for Broadband Internet access, many
wonder if paying such a price is truly worth it. If you're looking at
Internet providers and still unsure if FASTBOX access is right for
you, ask yourself the following:
Is my current service fast enough to access streaming video & music?
Could I use the Internet more if webpages and downloads moved at
faster speeds?
Do I have to free up a phone line in order to connect to the web?
How long does it take to receive digital photos & large email
attachments?
Could I work from home if I had a faster connection to my information?
Time is money! And using faster Internet access will save you more
than enough of your time to justify its cost.

FASTBox Features

FREE Email address
FREE SPAM Blocker
FREE AntiVirus
FREE Dedicated IP
Unlimited Access
Instant Upgrades
Superior Tech Support
Works with MAC & PC
Service Level Agreement
Speeds up to 2MB

Residential Rates

Installation Fee:
Current WOW customers - $500.00(one time fee)
New Customers - $650.00(one time fee)

*128K/128K - $250.00 per month

256K/256K - $345.00 per month

512K/512K - $460.00 per month

1MB/1MB - $1150.00 per month

*(with a one (1) year contract )

Commercial Rates

Installation - (one time fee)
Current WOW Customers - $800.00
New Customers - $1000.00

256Kbps/256Kbps - $1150.00 monthly

384Kbps/384Kbps - $1766.40 monthly

512Kbps/512Kbps - $2355.20 monthly

768Kbps/768Kbps - $3532.80 monthly

1084Kbps/1084Kbps - $4710.40 monthly

For higher data rates please email customercare@wow.net.

All prices quoted in Trinidad and Tobago currency and are VAT inclusive.

FastBox Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between Wireless Internet Access and DSL?

A. Wireless uses radio waves to send a signal, DSL uses a telephone line. See left for more.

Q. How does FastBox work?

A. We install a small antenna at your location which is pointed to our Access Point, the
signal is then sent to WOW.

Q. How realiable is it?

A. Since we launched FASTBox we have had 98.999% uptime.

Q. Do I need any additional equipment?

A. No, however your computer must have a network card.

Q. What are the speeds available?

A. Speeds are available from 128K/128K to 2MB/2MB.

Q. What does the equipment look like?

A. Our WAVERIDER antennas are 18" H x 8"W, read more at www.waverider.com

Q. Can I share it on more than one computer?

A. Yes, you will need a router to do so. WOW can provide wired ($500.00) or wireless routers ($750.00).

Q. Can I use it at more than one location?

A. No.

Q. Do I get a dedicated IP address?

A. Yes.

Q. What if I need additional IP addresses?

A. Additional IPs are available at the low cost of $250.00 per month.

Q. Can I keep my email addresses?

A. Yes.

Q. Do I get SPAM and Virus protection?

A. Yes on one email address, additional SPAM and Virus protection can be purchased for $8.00 per email per month.

Q. How do I convert my dial up account to a FastBox account?

A. Just call us and we will do it for you.

Q. When can I get it?

A. As soon as you call we schedule you for a test, we normally install in 2 weeks
depending on our demand.

Q. How long does it take to install?

A. Usually 2 hours depending on the difficulty.

Q. Who will be coming to install?

A. WOW Staff, no subcontractors.

Q. What is the latency?

A. 400 - 600 ms

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Please refer to the pricing above.

Q. If you have a question that is not listed above, please email webmaster@wow.net

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