VOLstate's DSL Frequently Asked Questions

VOLstate DSL FAQ for Home users

What is DSL?

"Digital Subscriber Line" is a technology that allows VOLstate to deliver incredible speeds over your existing copper phone line to your home or business. There are many "flavors" of DSL, ADSL, SDSL, IDSL, HDSL.. each is slightly differnt in it's applications and uses. For home use, VOLstate offers ADSL. For business use, we offer either ADSL or SDSL connections.

 

ADSL

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) lets you use the same ordinary phone line for both your phone service and high-speed Internet connection. In other words, you can surf the Web and talk on the phone at the same time. This is accomplished by sending the DSL signal over the line at a higher frequency than is used by voice. The DSL is asymmetric in that download speeds can be up to 4 times faster than upload speeds. The VOLstate ADSL service is 1.5mbps downstream and 256kbps upstream.

How fast is a VOLstate DSL connection?

Downloads can be as fast as 1.5Mbps (That is REALLY FAST). Most pages will appear in a flash, and a large file that used to take minutes to download over a dial-up connection will load in seconds. Upload speed is typically 256Kbps, which is twice as fast as a dual channel ISDN connection.

 

The exact speed depends on the distance from your home to the DSL equipment in your phone company's central office; shorter distances yield a faster connection. The quality of a phone line (age, gauge, or the presence of devices that boost voice signals), and the quality of wiring in your home will also affect the speed.

Where is VOLstate DSL currently available?

VOLstate DSL High-Speed Internet service is available to your home or business in many areas in the state of Tennessee. If service isn't available, it's because your phone system does not support DSL.

VOLstate is constantly updating it's service area, so even if you don't qualify for service now, you can still open a standard VOLstate account and get DSL when it is available to you. That way, you won't have to change e-mail addresses later if you decide to upgrade to DSL from a regular account with another ISP.

Do I need to install a new phone line to get DSL?

If ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is offered in your area, your VOLstate DSL connection and regular phone service can almost always share your existing phone line, so you don't have to install a new one.

You'll only need an extra line if you live in an apartment or condominium that has three or more existing lines, or if you have a security system connected to your current line.

Will DSL charges appear on my phone bill?

No. Your phone bill will not be changed by adding VOLstate DSL service. Your VOLstate DSL charge will be billed by VOLstate Inc. seperately via e-mail. This bill can be set up for automatic payment when you sign up for service.

Do I still need my dial-up ISP?

No. VOLstate will provide you with a free dial up account to use while traveling or in the rare event of a service interruption. VOLstate has a nationwide dialup Internet network with POPS in more than 2000 cities accross the USA.

What happens to my VOLstate DSL service if I move?

If you move to an area where VOLstate DSL service is available, and your new home does not need new wiring, we will transfer service free of charge.

Do I get email?

Absolutely. With VOLstate DSL service, you get a VOLstate, Postini filtered email address. More are available for a small fee. This means that four or more people in your household can receive e-mail at their personal address, which will be UserName@volstate.net If you currently have a different e-mail address with your dial-up service, you'll need to start using your volstate.net address. To notify friends, family, and colleagues of your new address, just send a message to everyone in your address book to inform them that you've switched to DSL from VOLstate.

Is there anything I should change about my computer?

Probably not. If you bought or upgraded your computer within the last few years, it's probably equipped to handle a VOLstate DSL connection. You may need an Ethernet Card, and VOLstate can sell you one of these for a very reasonable price.