DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that uses existing copper wiring that exists in almost every home and office. Special hardware attached to both the user and switch ends of the line allows data transmission over the wires at far greater speed than the standard phone wiring. At an average of 20x faster than a 28.8 modem.

How does DSL work?- DSL transmits digital data at frequencies above the normal voice friquencies on a normal phone line. It is designed as an "always-on" connection so there is no dialing up or waiting caused by busy signals because the line is always connected and always on. Qwest DSL, what WebGuy Internet provides, is called asymmertical DSL (ADSL) which means that data is downloaded at a higher rate than what is uploaded. This makes it ideal for Internet/Intranet surfing, video-on-demand, and local area network (LAN) access. Users of ADSL typically download more information than they send. Because of this fact, DSL is not a very good solution if you want to run web servers or file sharing programs. For this you should use something like our ISDN or framerelay services.

Your PC uses a DSL modem or router to encode your data onto the DSL line which in turn transmits to the local Qwest phone switch across the DSL line. At a piece of equipment called a DSLAM the line traffic is separated out and it sends the lower-bandwidth voice converstions into the phone network and the data traffic into an very fast data line called an ATM line. This ATM line is connected directly to WebGuy Internet which is then routed out to the Internet through our core router.

 

How much does DSL cost?- The DSL service will vary in cost depending on what speed you would like on your line. When you order the DSL service you will need to have a DSL modem just like you have an analog modem to dial into a modem pool. You have essentially two different options on the DSL modem.

  1. Qwest modem rental- They will charge you $5.00 per month for the modem "rental" for as long as you own your DSL line.
  2. Purchase a modem from Qwest- for a one-time cost of $59.99 you can get the Actiontec M1000 and a free, on-site installation. We make sure that you have the latest firmware updates and your customized DSL configuration already programmed in before we come onsite. FREE installation is only available if WebGuy Internet orders the DSL line for you.

DSL service is much like a normal phone bill. You will be charged for the line itself from Qwest plus you will need to have a Internet Servive Provider much like you would have a long distance provider on your phone bill. You will be given a choice of what Internet Service Provider you want when you order your service, select WebGuy Internet. See How do I order. Each DSL subscriber must pay for their residential or business phone line, their DSL modem (see above options) in addition to the charges below.

Installation
Qwest Monthly
WebGuy Monthly
256k download / up to 256k upload
FREE
$15.00
$15.00
1.5Meg download / upto 1Meg upload
FREE
$25.00*
$20.00
Standalone DSL (1.5Mb service with no dialtone)
FREE
$28.00**
$20.00

Notes: There are no service level agreements or quarantees of access speeds. DSL speed varies depending on service location, phone line qualifications, computer performance/configuration, network/Internet congestion and other factors. Uninterrupted or error-free service is not guaranteed. Qwest fees are listed as a convenience to our customers, these fees will be billed directly to the customer and WebGuy Internet is in no way responsible for them and they may change at anytime. * Promotional rate for the first 12 months. $28/month thereafter. ** Promotional rate for the first 12 months. $32/month thereafter.

Can I get DSL in my area? The physical limitations of DSL technology will limit many people from getting DSL service. You must meet the following requirements to qualify to get DSL installed:

  1. The line cannot have any load coils on it.
  2. All bridge taps should be counted since too many of these prevent the DSL signal.
  3. Maximum length of any bridge tap not to exceed 2,000 feet.
  4. Total bridge tap length not to exceed 6,000 feet.
  5. You cannot have a DLC (Digital Loop Carrier) between you and your phone switch.
  6. You need to be within 15,000 feet of your phone switch, although you can be up to 18,000 feet if higher quality wire is used in your area.

How do I order DSL? Qwest has developed a site specifically for this task at https://orderdsl.qwest.com/ or you may call them at 800-348-1688. When asked, be sure to select WebGuy Internet as your Internet service provider. Don't quite understand what to do? We can also do all of the DSL qualifications and testing for you at no charge plus FREE on-site installation. All you have to do is fillout and send back (fax or mail) this PDF form and we'll do all the footwork for you and let you know when your line is due for installation.

How do I install DSL? Now that you've ordered it, now what? Qwest has about a week to get the DSL service installed on your line. They will generally call you and notify you that it is now active. If you ordered the Actiontec DSL modem from Qwest you will generally recieve it the same day your DSL is activated. Depending on what modem you have, we have compiled some instructions for each. Here are instructions for the Actiontec Modem and the older Cisco 678 Modem. Please call us if you have any questions!