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What is Wireless High-Speed Internet?
Wireless High-Speed Internet is PSC's new wireless high-speed Internet access service. It uses Fixed Wireless technology to provide an "always-on" connection. Because PSC's Wireless High-Speed Internet does not use your existing phone line, you can be surfing the Net and talking on the phone at the same time!
Who can get PSC's Wireless High-Speed Internet?
Fixed Wireless technology does have some restrictions such as distance from the PSC Wireless Point-of-Presence and "line of sight" requirements. Specific distances and actual mileage from our Point-of-Presence will vary due to local conditions (hills, buildings and other obstructions).
Because of this, PSC must conduct a Site Survey of the location of the customer requesting the service. There is a $50 Site Survey fee to have a survey conducted at your location. If your site qualifies for service and you sign a Wireless Agreement within 30 days of the site survey, the $50 fee will be waived. If your site does not qualify for the Wireless service, the fee will also be waived. The only time the $50 fee will be assessed is if your business or residence is surveyed, qualifies and you do not sign-up for the service within 30 days.
Fill out the Wireless High-Speed Internet Site Survey Request and click Submit. The technician conducting the survey will leave the results at your location when complete.
What essentials are necessary for Wireless High-Speed Internet?
You will need to have an Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in your computer. PSC can refer you to a local computer store that will sell and install this card. How can I tell if I have an Ethernet Network Interface Card in my computer?
You will also need a Wireless modem and antenna, which will be provided by PSC. The Wireless modem and antenna will remain the property of PSC and the lease of this equipment will be included in the monthly service fee.
What is the minimum PC System Configuration?
Minimum Macintosh System Configuration
What equipment will you install at my location and what does it look like?
PSC will install a Wireless Modem and a Wireless Flat Panel Antenna at your location. (CLICK HERE to see pictures.) The Wireless modem will be installed in a small grey box outside close to the antenna. The antenna is a 12 inch by 12 inch square. This antenna will be mounted on an existing TV antenna tower if available or additional mounting hardware will be used to mount the equipment on a high point on your business or residence. The actual location of the mounted hardware will vary depending on your location. A Category 5 cable will be run from the Wireless Modem (grey box) into your business or residence. This cable will connect to your Ethernet card in your computer or exisitng network hub. The antenna must be in a location that has visibility to the PSC Wireless Access Point. When you have a site survey done, the technician will discuss the installation options with you. (Click Here to see some pictures of the installed equipment.)
Will PSC send a technician to my house for installation?
Yes. After a successful site survey has been done and you subscribe to the service, PSC will schedule a time for a technician to install the wireless modem and antenna. Rescheduling may be necessary in the event of inclement weather. The technician will also assist with the configuration of a single computer connected directly to the wireless service. Adding additional computers to the Wireless service is the responsibility of the customer. The customer is responsible for installation of the Network Interface Card (NIC) in their computer.
Can I host Internet Services on my Wireless Connection?
PSC prohibits the hosting of Internet service (e.g., web site, DNSing, FTP, E-mail) via a wireless connection.
Can I connect my PSC Wireless High-Speed Internet to more than one computer?
Yes. The easiest method would require you to purchase a broadband router (sometimes called a DSL/Cable router), sold in most computer stores. Below are some examples of broadband routers:
D-Link: http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=62
Netgear: http://www.netgear.com/products/routers/websafefirewall.asp
Linksys: http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=142
Here is an excellent tutorial on networking your home computers to share your Internet connection:
http://www.linksys.com/edu/
Please note that PSC does not offer technical support in setting up or troubleshooting your home network.
Why is high-speed wireless Internet access more economical than a dedicated wireline circuit?
Wireline dedicated circuits use telephone company copper or fiber lines to connect to your location to the Internet. They provide symmetrical speeds (same in both directions), a dedicated bandwidth, 24/7 monitoring and maintence a no additional charge to the customer, and generally cost more to deploy and maintain.
How many e-mail addresses do I get?
Each account includes 3 e-mail addresses; the mail account (username@psci.net), plus 2 free addresses. Additional e-mail addresses are $1.95/month per address.