Internet Services

What is DSL?
Getting Qwest Choice® DSL
How does Qwest "qualify" my telephone line for Qwest Choice DSL service?
Installation
New Qwest Choice DSL Service Costs
Excessive Use Policy (EUP)

What is DSL?

Qwest Choice® DSL service gives you the ability to transmit high-speed data and voice traffic over the same telephone line. At speeds ranging from 256 Kilobits per second (Kbps) up to 1.5 Megabits per second (Mbps), you’ll be able to use your telephone while you’re connected to the Internet. Standard dial-up connections by comparison have speeds ranging from 14.4 Kbps to 56 Kbps.

In addition to your DSL service, you’ll need two other items to begin your high-speed Internet experience:

• Internet Service Provider
  An Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers the final component of your Internet connection. Your ISP uses Qwest Choice DSL service and a modem to create your interface with the Web and provides services such as e-mail, instant messaging and security settings. Please note: Not all ISP services are Qwest DSL-ready. When ordering Qwest Choice DSL, you will be asked to select a Qwest DSL-ready ISP in your area.
• Qwest Choice DSL Modem
  Much like a traditional modem, a Qwest Choice DSL modem connects your computer to the Internet over your telephone line. Through a special signal over your existing telephone line, Qwest Choice DSL allows you to surf the Internet and talk on the phone at the same time. To ensure compatibility, you'll need to use a DSL modem that supports Qwest Choice DSL. Qwest currently offers the Actiontec® GT701-wg.

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Getting Qwest Choice DSL

You can order Qwest Choice DSL service online or by calling us toll-free at 800-244-1111 (Residential) or 800-603-6000 (Small Business).

Once your order is complete:

• Your telephone line will be upgraded for DSL service (you do not need to be present).
• A DSL modem kit will be sent to you.
• If you elect to install yourself: You will receive detailed, easy-to-follow installation instructions and access to a toll-free number for installation and technical support.
• If you order on-site installation: A qualified Qwest technician will call to schedule your Qwest Choice DSL installation.

Security System Information: If you are planning to install your DSL service on the same telephone line as your home or business alarm system, you will need a technician installation. Consult with your alarm system provider to ensure your system is functioning properly with DSL on the line.

If you have two separate lines, we recommend installing your DSL on the line without your security system.

Digital Anywhere^®

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How does Qwest "qualify" my telephone line for Qwest Choice DSL service?

There are technical limitations of DSL service that may affect your ability to receive Qwest Choice DSL service on your chosen telephone line. We have a qualification process to test your individual telephone line for compatibility with Qwest Choice DSL service. Using customer records, we test your line for common characteristics known to interfere with Qwest Choice DSL service.
Qwest Choice DSL is unavailable if:

• Your telephone line is served by Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) equipment. A DLC is a multiplexing device in the telephone network used to provide economical voice service to high growth and suburban areas. We are working on solutions to the DLC limitation with vendors. Once a solution is developed, we'll post that information on this site.
• The telephone wire between the Qwest Central Office and your premises is longer than approximately 15,000 feet. The speed at which the line can transmit data is limited by the length of the telephone wire. At distances over approximately 15,000 feet, Qwest Choice DSL data transmission becomes unreliable. Please note that 15,000 feet means the length of the telephone wire, not the physical distance between your service location and the Qwest Central Office. Other factors such as temperature, wire gauge and condition of the wire may raise or lower the effective distance at which Qwest Choice DSL service can be offered.
• Testing reveals the presence of bridge taps, wire gauge changes or load coils on the line. These devices are used to condition lines for higher-quality voice signals. Unfortunately, they negatively impact DSL data transmission.

Upon receipt of your completed order form, we perform additional physical tests on your line, ensuring you a reliable, high-quality DSL connection.

Physical tests may reveal compatibility problems on your telephone line that were not identified by initial testing. In that case, you will be notified immediately that your line doesn't qualify for service, and the order will be cancelled. You will receive no charge for Qwest Choice DSL service or equipment.

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Installation

We developed the self-install process to be user friendly for the most novice customer installing Qwest Choice DSL equipment. With your modem, you'll receive an installation CD to walk you through the process step by step. If you need further help with your installation, Qwest is here to support you 24 hours a day.

If you selected the technician-install option, a Qwest technician will install and configure your Qwest Choice DSL equipment on the computer designated in your order form. If you have selected Qwest.net as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the technician will also configure your Internet service. Please note: If you selected another ISP, Internet service assistance will be handled by that ISP directly.

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