Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) frequently asked questions.

1. Is ADSL a dial up technology
   Yes it is, but Telkom does not bill by time - instead it is a flat rate irrespective of how long you stay online.
   
   
2. At what speed will I connect?
   ADSL is asymmetric - that means that the download speed is different from the upload speed. In South Africa Telkom allows up to a 1024kb/s download speed and a 256kb/s upload speed.
   
   
3. WOW - that is almost twenty times faster than my 56kb/s modem - can that be true?
   Yes - it is true!
   
   
4. What will it cost to setup?
   We no not charge a setup fee. Telkom charge R404 to install an ADSL link. ADSL modems will start at R800 and go to about R2000. They will also try to sell you their Internet service - be careful that you don't sign for that by mistake!
   
   
5. And the rental cost?
   From R99 to R1539 per month plus the ADSL line rental from Telkom which will cost from R270 (192kb/s) to R680 (1024kb/s) for residential customers and R477 (512kb/s) to R680 (1024kb/s) for business customers (VAT inclusive.)
   
   
6. Is this for unlimited data transfer?
   No, the size of account you purchase will determine the amount of data you can transfer. This is the CAP.
   
   
7. What is a CAP?
   The CAP is a download limit beyond which you will have no access. You can request that we move the CAP to ahigher amount, temporarily or permanently, if you reach it.
   
   
8. Can you overcome that?
   Yes we can. We offer an uncapped service for R1539 per month.
   
   
9. I was told that the bandwidth cap is imposed by Telkom; how will you get past that?
   We are not using Telkom's product for this, hence no cap.
   
   
10. But the Telkom ADSL page indicates a 3GB limit on the line!
    That's part of the joy of dealing with Telkom. Call their ADSL line on 0800 375 375, press 3 for other queries, than ask one of their representatives. The limit is on the ISP account, not the line.
    
    
11. Can I use ADSL for my home or company network?
    Yes you can. We can provide the technology for you to share the ADSL link as well as to provide firewall and mail services to your entire company (or home).
    
    
12. But I was told that one cannot use mail servers on an ADSL link. Are you saying I can do that?
    Yes you can. We also provide servers that you can use for mail, virus and spam scanning and access control to the Internet.
    
    
13. Can I get a fixed IP?
    Yes. Our uncapped product provides fixed IP addresses.
    
    
14. What about security? Is that an issue now that I am connected all the time?
    Yes it is. You have to protect your network from hackers and crackers who will try to take advantage of your systems.
    
    
15. What Operating Systems can I use?
    Anything capable of TCP/IP networking. That includes, but is not limited to, Windows, Linux, BSD and OS X.
    
    
16. Can't I just install a firewall or something?
    Yes you can. You need to protect against hack attempts, spam, viruses, open relays, open proxies, unpatched systems, DDoS's, etc.
    
    
17. That sounds complicated - will I be able to do that?
    Most technically competent system administrators will be able to handle that for you. Or you could install one of our NetValue devices and let us manage it for you.
    
    
18. Can you help with other options?
    Yes, we can help. See our price list for other services.
    
    
19. Can I get ADSL from you if I am not in Durban?
    We can provide our ADSL service wherever ADSL is available.
    
    
20. Is ADSL available in my area?
    Telkom provide a utility on their website that will tell you when your area will have ADSL.
    
    
21. I want to sign up - what do I need to do?
    Contact us by email or phone and we will gladly process your application.