Residential DSL Frequently Asked Questions

What is DSL, how does it work, and why would I want it?
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a high-speed Internet access connection using your existing Union Communications phone line. The DSL connection allows simultaneous phone use and Internet connectivity. DSL is 10 times faster than your current modem dial up connection and the connection speed is not affected by phone use. In conjunction with Union Communications, we are currently offering Union Communications residential customers a 6.0Mbps connection downstream (to you from the Internet) and 256Kbps upstream (from you to the Internet). This high-speed access allows for interactive multimedia applications such as multiplayer gaming, video, music and live events. Because your connection is always on, and you don't have to dial in, you will not get a busy signal or tie up your phone line.

How much does it cost, how will I be billed?
Residential DSL is available for only $39.95 a month & setup fee of $95.00 (currently waived), and the DSL modem is included. WorldPath will bill the customer directly either by mail or online for check, cash or money order customers or Union Communications can bill you directly on your phone bill. Automatic credit card/debit card payments are also accepted. Monthly plan rates do not include applicable taxes and regulatory fees.

How does DSL compare to cable modems?
DSL provides a dedicated service over a single telephone line; cable modems offer a shared service over a television cable network. Cable bandwidth is shared among all users on a line, and will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as more users in a neighborhood get online at the same time. Cable modem upstream traffic will in many cases be slower than DSL, either because the particular cable modem is slower, or because of rate reductions caused by increased upstream bandwidth use.

What would I need to use it at my home?
An DSL modem will be installed at your location by a technician. This modem will need to be connected to your PC's Ethernet Card, also known as a Network Interface Card (NIC). If you do not have an Ethernet Card in your desktop type PC then we will install one for you. We do not include PCMCIA type network interface cards that are commonly used with a laptop or notebook type PC. It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain, install and configure these PCMCIA type network interface cards prior to the DSL installation. Some Ethernet Cards may not be compatible with DSL so if you purchase your own, WorldPath accepts no responsibility to provide technical support for any incompatibility issues. You are required to have a copy of your current operating system software available on site at the time of the installer visit to facilitate the NIC installation should it be required. If an Ethernet card (NIC) is purchased and installed by us, it belongs to, and is the responsibility of the customer. It will be replaced at no charge if it is defective within the first year. (Customer is responsible for installation) Many new computers come with a network card installed.

Note: In order to ensure high quality connection, we require the use of our supplied modem. The modem is the property of WorldPath Internet Services (WPIS). WPIS is responsible for proper functioning of the unit. Even though there is no deposit on the modem, you will be charged if you break, damage, unreasonably abuse or fail to return the modem if your service is disconnected for any reason.

What are the system requirements for DSL?
The recommended system requirements are as follows:
For PC's:
One of the following operating systems: Windows 95/98/ME; Windows NT 4.0 Workstation or Server with Service Pack 5 or 6a or higher (128 bit encryption); Windows 2000, Windows XP. Intel Pentium class or better (166 MHz or higher), AMD K5 or better, or Cyrix 586/686 processor 32MB RAM (64MB strongly recommended) Ethernet card
For Macintosh:
PowerPC processor MacOS 7.5.5 + 32MB RAM (64MB strongly recommended) Ethernet card.

With the increased speed (bandwidth) DSL offers, can it be shared among two or more PC's, so that both can be connected to the internet at the same time?
Yes. By purchasing and connecting a hub (a device used to allow connectivity to multiple PC's) to the modem, other PC's can share the available bandwidth. Each PC would also need an Ethernet Card and a cable to plug into the hub in order to utilize the DSL circuit simultaneously. Please note however, that WorldPath does not sell nor install hubs. Customers may purchase a hub from a retailer. Our standard installation will provide and demonstrate connectivity to one computer directly from our modem.

I have heard of problems with DSL and Cable customers' security. How secure is it?
The DSL implementation that we are offering provides you with an DSL modem that has encrypted password protection, hosts your Internet IP address (broadcast on the Internet) and provides your computer with an IP address that is both non-routable (not broadcast on the Internet) and private, therefore masking you from intrusion.

What is a firewall? Will I have one?
A firewall is an Internet security measure that blocks potentially malicious access to your computer. Our DSL connection includes the use of a modem that includes a built-in firewall.

Where does WorldPath offer DSL service?
The DSL service is currently available in Alton (875), New Durham (859), Barnstead (776), Ctr. Barnstead (269), and Gilmanton Iron Works (364). Service availability can be checked for your location within 1-2 business days of request for service.

Do you guarantee the speed?
Because distance and equipment can have an effect on your connection, a committed information rate (CIR) is not provided.

Can I still get connected if I live beyond the normal distance?
Because distance and equipment can have an effect on your connection, this will be determined on a case-by case basis.

Can I keep my existing email address, and how many email addresses come with the service?
If you are currently a WorldPath dial-up subscriber then you may keep the same email address. For other e-mail services, please contact our customer service department. Residential accounts are supplied with 1 main e-mail account and 2 no charge sub accounts. Additional sub accounts are $3 per account per month.

Can I set up a personal web page? How big? What if I want a bigger one?
Residential and Business accounts receive up to 5mgs of basic personal web space at no charge. Additional web space and web hosting are available for an additional monthly fee.

How many IP addresses do I get? Are they static? Are they included with the service?
Residential customers are not configured with static IP addresses but may add up to 5 usable static IPs for an additional $10 each per month.

If I have a problem, whom do I call, Union or WorldPath? Do I have to pay for a service call?
If your phone has dial tone, WorldPath should be contacted. If there is no dial tone Union Communications should be contacted. The customer may be billed if a Union Communications tech visits and the problem is determined to be with the customer's computer. If you are having trouble with collecting your email, accessing the Internet or if the lights on your modem show no WAN (Wide Area Network-the DSL line to the Internet) link, you can call WorldPath Tech Support at 859-5000 and press 2. Tech Support's hours of operation are 9:00am - 8:00pm Monday-Friday and 10:00am-4:00pm Saturday. You may also email us at support@worldpath.net or fax us at 603-364-5005, if you have questions or problems not requiring immediate assistance

Can I fax, talk, and browse all at the same time?
You may talk and browse, browse and fax, but not talk and fax. You may browse, fax, and talk using an additional phone line. You may browse, fax, and get messages using Union Communications voice mail service.

How can I sign up for the service, and how long will it take to get installed?
To subscribe, please fill out attached registration form or use our sign-up online form located at www.worldpath.net. If service is available, it can be installed within 3 business days and in most cases the next business day. You will be contacted by Union Communications to set up an install date.

Where can I get a copy of WorldPath's Terms and Conditions?
To find the current online Terms & Conditions go to our web page Terms and Conditions or you may contact our business office at 859-5000 to have a hard copy mailed or faxed to you.