DSL Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Last updated: April 10, 2008

What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, a technology that uses the existing copper telephone wires to deliver high-speed data services.  DSL was first developed in 1989 it was designed primarily for providing "on demand" TV channels and movies.  ADSL was the technology of choice because it provides the high downstream rates needed for streaming video.  Video on Demand (VOD) was viewed by many as the next generation service supporting the next generation network from telephone companies around the world. However, with few exceptions, VOD did not prove to be as popular as anticipated. Instead, the market for DSL has emerged much differently than expected.  As it turns out, personal computer users started needing high-speed access to the Internet and corporate networks from residences and remote offices. This market has seized the attention of both cable TV networks and telephone companies, and both are furiously working to meet their needs.

How fast is DSL?
DSL delivers speeds up to 6 Megabits per second (Mbps), which is up to 150 times faster than a standard 28.8 Kbps modem and up to 10 times faster than ISDN.

Why would I want DSL?
If you are tired of waiting during downloading files (music, pictures, documents), getting busy signals, or getting dropped connections from the Internet. DSL provides a very fast, always-on connection that takes that sluggish feeling out of the Internet.

Where is DSL available?
SUCCEED.NET's DSL service is available in most of California.

Why should I go with Succeed.Net DSL over SBC DSL?
Succeed.net can offer many more choices and services than SBC:

• Faster response for tech support and friendly technical staff.  Our tech support wait time is under 5 minutes.  SBC's typical wait is 30+ minutes!!  Try SBC for yourself, their tech support number is 1-800-708-4638 (located in Texas and India).  Tell them you are just checking their quality of service.  Then try our tech support at 530-674-4638 option 1.

• Great newsgroups provided by the best newsgroup company - Supernews!!

• We won't leave you hanging if your computer needs repairs or upgrades to use DSL service.  We offer those services as well.

• Our private DSL network is not crowded or expected to be, and will remain very fast.

• We stand behind our speed and quality with service level guarantees.

• Keep your money local.  Spending money at local businesses helps keep our local towns healthy. Succeed.net is locally owned and operated

Do I have to have a telephone line?

Yes, an SBC telephone line is required for DSL service.  If you don't want or can't get a telephone line where you are at, please check out our Wireless Internet service.

Can I buy my own equipment and install it myself?
Yes, but Succeed.net can only provide support on products bought from us.

Does DSL service run on the same line as my telephone service?
Yes, SUCCEED.NET is able to provide ADSL traffic over the same line as your telephone service.  Filters can be used (included in self install kit) to eliminate any noises you may hear during voice calls.

Will the phone company charge me extra for receiving DSL service from Succeed.Net?
No.  All fees associated with your new DSL service will come from SUCCEED.NET and include monthly internet access fee and FUSF fee.

What is an FUSF fee?
The following explanation is taken verbatim from the FCC regarding the USF:

Because telephones provide a vital link to emergency services, to government services and to surrounding communities, it has been our nation's policy to promote telephone service to all households since this service began in the 1930s. The USF helps to make phone service affordable and available to all Americans, including consumers with low incomes, those living in areas where the costs of providing telephone service is high, schools and libraries and rural health care providers. Congress has mandated that all telephone companies providing interstate service must contribute to the USF. Although not required to do so by the government, many carriers choose to pass their contribution costs on to their customers in the form of a line item, often called the "Federal Universal Service Fee" or "Universal Connectivity Fee."

The current incarnation of the FUSF was introduced into tax law created by United States Congress, via the FCC in 1998. Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 36, 54, and 69.

This surcharge is imposed for the purpose of providing telecommunications services at an affordable price to schools, libraries, rural health care providers, and low-income customers. The tax is a percentage of the interstate portion of the long distance charge on your bill. The surcharge is assessed to all telecommunications companies with interstate operations, including long distance carriers, wireless companies, pager companies and payphone companies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates this surcharge.

This surcharge appears by many names. The following are some ways in which the FUSF charges may be represented on bills from other companies, including your local and long distance telephone carriers:

• Federal Universal Service Fee
• Federal Universal Service Fund
• Federal USF - ADSL
• FED USF - ISDN PRI
• FED USF - CENTREX
• FED USF - Special Access
• Universal Connectivity Charge
• Universal Service Carrier Charge

Where can I get more information about the FUSF?
The best resource for information about the particulars of the FUSF is the FCC website at www.fcc.gov. Specifically the Universal Fund Increases: What Every Consumer Should Know page is a very good source of information. The FCC website is a good place to find information regarding the telecommunications industry in general.

What is the installation procedure?
First, give us a call to see if DSL is available in your area. If it is, SUCCEED.NET will perform free tests on your lines to determine what speeds and types of DSL are available to you (this depends on the condition of the lines and your distance from the phone company central office).

Once your lines have been tested and you have decided on a DSL package, you can choose from a self-install or professional install.  A self installation includes a kit (DSL modem, cables, DSL filters, Instructions, etc).  A professional installation is available at an additional cost ($100 for typical install) where a computer technician will come to you home or business, install the modem and filters, and configure your computer to get you up and running on the Internet.

What if I have other questions?
DSL is an exciting, next-generation technology for high speed Internet access that is just starting to be widely deployed, so you may have questions not covered in this FAQ. To learn more, please email us at support@succeed.net or give us a call at 530-674-4638 option 1 and we'll be glad to help you with DSL!

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