| 1.
What is your modem-to-user ratio? |
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The lower the user-to-modem
ratio the less chance of getting a busy signal. A 10:1 ratio means very
few busy signals. Many providers operate at a 15:1 ratio. During peak usage
you might need to call several times to get connected. If your provider
has a 20:1 or 25:1 user-to-modem ratio, you may find it almost impossible
to connect unless your preferred surfing time is in the wee hours of the
morning. Don't let them tell you "We have lots of modems." It's the ratio,
not the number, that counts. |
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Solution
from Global Media and Communications: |
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"We are
committed to keeping a ratio of 8:1 and 10:1" |
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2. How direct is your connection to the Internet backbone?
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There are several levels
of access to the Internet.Internet, and are connected directly
to the Mae West and Mae East routers that control all internet traffic into
and out of the United States. Only these direct connections are properly
called Tier 1. A provider that connects directly with one of these is a
Tier 2 provider. A Tier 3 provider is connected to a Tier 2 provider. Each
connection is called a "gateway," and each gateway slows down your transmission.
Many providers incorrectly describe themselves as Tier 1 providers. Unless
they are directly connected to one of the two routers for the U.S., they're
not. Ask them to describe precisely their connection to the Mae West router.
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Solution
from Global Media and Communications: |
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" We are
connected directly to the Internet fiber optic loop that connects to the Mae
West router. You can't get closer.Internet uses OC-12 lines for their backbone,
which are 12 times faster than anything else out there. " |
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| 3. What
is the fastest connect rate I can get on your system? |
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Many ISP's have older, slower
modems, or a mix of older and newer modems. When you dial in, luck decides
the modem you connect with and the speed at which you connect. |
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Solution
from Global Media and Communications: |
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" We have
separate dial-up services for users with 33.6 Kbps and 56 Kbps (flex &
v.90) modems. If you need a faster connection, we also offer ISDN,
ADSL, and DSL service. " |
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| 4. Do
you provide full-time PPP connections? |
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PPP, or Point-to-Point Protocol,
provides the fastest full graphic interface. Some providers use SLIP, which
is a slower graphic interface, or shell access, which may be text-only or
text with limited graphics. With those accounts, you don't see most pages
as they were meant to be seen. |
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Solution
from Global Media and Communications: |
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" We offer
an unlimited PPP connection to all of our clients " |
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| 5. Do
you operate a Point to Point network or just Frame Relay?
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There are two ways for your
ISP to connect to the Internet. Point to Point means the ISP owns the bandwidth
exclusively and can therefore guarantee your connectivity. The Frame Relay
system operates on a virtual and shared connection. While these virtual
pathways can be had for a fraction of the cost of a Point to Point connection,
you'll also get a fraction of the dependability. |
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Solution
from Global Media & Communications: |
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" We have
a Point to Point T1 on Internet's fiber optic loop connection to the Mae West
router. " |
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6. Does your service impose time limits or restrictions?
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Is your connect time limited
to x hours per month? Are there limits on the time of day you can use your
service? |
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Solution
from Global Media & Communications: |
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" We do
not limit your access to the Internet in either time or content. "
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| 7. Do
you have local dial-up access? |
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If you spend money
on access, you don't want to spend more money on long distance charges.
Make sure your ISP has a local access number. |
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Solution
from Global Media & Communications: |
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"
We currently offer local access numbers in over 800 cities in the U.S. "
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| 8. Do
you offer discounts for multiple and long-term contracts?
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Many ISPs like to bill monthly,
and guess who pays for the billing costs? |
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Solution
from Global Media & Communications: |
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" We offer
quarterly, semi-annual, and yearly billing plans. If you need multiple dialup
accounts or extra email accounts, we can work out a pricing plan to fit
your needs. " |
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| 9. Do
you offer a full range of computer-related Global Media & Communications? |
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As your familiarity with
the Internet expands, you may find that you want more than just dialup access.
You won't have to change service as your needs change if you choose a full-service
provider now. |
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Solution
from Global Media & Communications: |
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" We provide
Domain Name Registration, Web Page Hosting and Design, Hardware and Software Training, WAN and LAN
design and troubleshooting. Need something else? Ask us. "
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| 10. What
if I don't know what I want or need? |
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Many ISPs have standard
packages that are easy to sell and service. But you're not like everyone
else. Will they create a package just for you? Do they have the patience
to help you figure out what you need? |
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Solution
from Global Media & Communications: |
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" We're
creative and professional, and we love to help. Tell us what you want to do on the
Web and we'll help you do it. " |
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| 11. Do
you have local phone numbers? |
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I need a local phone number
to save money. |
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Solution
from Global Media & Communications: |
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" We now
offer our top quality Internet access and web hosting in over 800 cities
throughout the United States.
Click here or call us to find your local area phone number.
We are adding more cities each month. " |