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What is Qwest High-Speed Internet?

Qwest High-Speed Internet 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 20 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.


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What is the difference between a DSL Provider and an ISP?

To access the internet, both a DSL Provider and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) are needed. In some cases, the same company can provide both services.

A DSL Provider, such as Qwest, supplies the physical telephone line required to have access to the internet in your home or business. A high-speed Internet modem that is compatible with your DSL Provider’s network is required. Some DSL Providers offer a selection of modems, while others may be obtained via your ISP.

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) supplies access to the internet over the DSL Provider’s telephone lines. The ISP will also provide customer specific information, such as a username and password, that are required to connect to the internet. Some ISPs will also offer the high-speed Internet modem needed to connect your computer to the telephone phone jack. They may also offer additional services or applications such as e-mail, web hosting, Internet security software, etc. Check out the ISP List to see if your ISP supports Qwest Broadband.

How does the DSL Provider and ISP work together?
Click here to see the roles that each of these play in connecting you to the internet.


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Qualifications for High-Speed Internet

There are technical limitations that may affect your ability to receive Qwest High-Speed Internet service on your chosen telephone line. We have a qualification process to test your individual telephone line for compatibility with Qwest High-Speed Internet service. Using customer records, we test your line for common characteristics known to interfere with Qwest service.

To check if you meet the qualifications for high-speed internet, check our high-speed internet availability tool. This tool will show you if the service is available in your area and what speeds you qualify for.

Upon receipt of your order, we perform additional physical tests on your line, ensuring you a reliable, high-quality high-speed internet 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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System Requirements

We recommend these minimum system requirements for the best experience with your Qwest High-Speed Internet® service. In addition to the standards noted below, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for any additional system requirements.

Qwest High-Speed Internet

   Windows

  • Desktop or laptop/notebook
  • CPU: Intel® Pentium®-class processor with minimum speed of 800MHz
  • Operating System: Microsoft® Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7
  • 16MB RAM minimum with 32MB RAM recommended
  • Pre-equipped Ethernet Network Interface Card or Wireless Card (wireless card requires wireless capable modem)
  • 30MB hard disk space (additional space will be needed for ISP requirements)
  • CD-ROM drive (internal or external) recommended

   Macintosh®

  • G3 or greater
  • Mac OS X® v.10.3 or higher
  • 128MB RAM
  • 30MB hard disk space (additional space will be needed for ISP requirements)

Windows Live™

   Windows® PC

  • Minimum of 490MB of hard disk space up to 1480MB depending on OS and currently installed software
  • Microsoft® Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system
  • Multimedia PC with process of at least 800MHz for Windows XP or 1GHz for Windows Vista/Windows 7
  • Minimum 128MB of RAM for Windows XP or 512MB for Windows Vista/Windows 7
  • Pre-equipped Ethernet Network Interface Card (recommended) or an available USB port
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
  • Minimum 1024 X 768 resolution recommended
  • CD-ROM drive recommended

   Macintosh®

  • G3 or greater
  • Mac OS X® v.10.3 or higher
  • 128MB RAM
  • 30MB hard disk space (additional space will be needed for ISP requirements)
  • Safari 3 or greater or Mozilla Firefox 3 or greater web browser
  • Windows Live™ for Macintosh offer is different then the Windows Live for PC offer

MSN® Premium

   Windows PC

  • Up to 320MB of hard disk space needed to install, after install up to 180MB may be needed
  • Microsoft Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2, Windows XP or Windows XP with Service Pack 1 operating system
  • Multimedia PC with 800MHz processor or faster
  • Minimum 128MB of RAM for Windows XP or 512MB of RAM for Windows Vista
  • Pre-equipped Ethernet Network Interface Card or Wireless Card (wireless card requires wireless capable modem)
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
  • 256-color VGA or higher resolution graphics card (SVGA recommended)
  • Minimum 1024 X 768 resolution recommended
  • CD-ROM drive

   Macintosh®

  • MSN Premium is not compatible with Macintosh.

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Self-Installation

We developed the self-install process to be user friendly for the most novice customer installing Qwest High-Speed Internet 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.

How long will it take me to perform the self-installation?
The installation process takes about 20–40 minutes. The exact length of time depends on the Internet Service Provider (ISP) you chose at the time you ordered your service, your operating system, and other applications you are running on your computer.

What will I have to do to install my high-speed internet service?
Installation is easy when you follow the instructions provided on the Installation CD. Some of the steps will require you to plug in cables to your computer and to the modem. If you are not comfortable with connecting cables, we recommend you order a Qwest Technician Installation.

What do I need to do to prepare my computer for high-speed Internet service?
Ensure the following:

What if I can't or don't want to install the service myself?
Qwest offers professional installation by a trained Qwest Technician.

How do I order a new installation CD?

The installation CD can be used during the installation process as well as to connect new computers to the internet or to set up a wireless connection.

If your installation CD is lost or broken, you can easily order a new CD through Qwest’s automated voice response system.

Please follow the steps listed below to have a new CD shipped to your home or business location:

  1. Call Qwest Technical Support and Repair at 1-888-777-9569.
  2. Confirm or enter your account telephone number.
  3. If you have multiple Qwest services linked to your account you will be asked which service you are calling about. Say "Internet" to continue.
  4. You will then be given a list of options. Say "Installation" to continue.
  5. On the next list of options, say "Installation CD".
  6. You will be asked if you would like the CD sent to your billing address.
  7. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the order.
  8. The request will be made automatically and the CD should arrive in 2 to 3 business days.

Note: If you want the CD shipped somewhere other than your billing address, you will automatically be transferred to a technical Support Representative who will be able to complete your Installation CD request.

As an alternative, if your modem is already configured and you are connected to the internet, you can download the Qwest Installer.


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Qwest Technician Installation

At the time you place your order you can request to have a trained Qwest Technician install the high-speed internet service in your home. Two installation options (standard or networking) are available based on whether you want one computer or multiple computers connected to your Qwest modem. There is a charge for this service.

Do I need to be home for Qwest to install my high-speed internet service and connect my computer?
The Qwest Technician will need someone at least 18 years of age to let them in to obtain access to the computer and to sign the work request/invoice when the installation is complete. Prior to coming out, the technician will contact you to set up a time that is convenient for you to install the service.

Will the Qwest technician deliver my modem?
Yes, the technician will deliver and install your Qwest modem kit as well any other high-speed Internet equipment you ordered from Qwest.

What's included with a Qwest technician installation?
Installation includes:

  • Connecting your Qwest modem to a single computer or if a networking installation was requested, connecting your Qwest modem to multiple computers.
  • Connecting any necessary phone filters
  • Configuring your modem to work with your service*
  • Setting up your primary e-mail account*
  • Ensuring you are able to surf the Internet*

*Subscribers with MSN, Windows Live or Qwest.net (including Internet Basic or Internet Prime) service only.

How do I order a Qwest technician installation?
At the time you place your order, request that a Qwest Technician install your service. If you've already placed your order and haven't yet installed the service, contact our business office with your request.

Residential Customers: 800-244-1111
Business Customers: 800-603-6000

What has to be done to my computer so it's ready for high-speed Internet service?
Ensure the following:

Can the Qwest Technician set up my wireless network?
The Qwest Technician can turn on the wireless feature in your Qwest modem. For configuration of other wireless devices, such as your wireless card in your computer, you will need to consult the instruction booklet that came with the card you purchased. Qwest Technicians are only certified to configure the Qwest-supplied modem.

Can I install my Qwest High-Speed Internet service and connect my computer myself?
Yes. Please indicate at the time you place your order that you would like to do the installation yourself. Do-It-Yourself Installation help is available.


Broadband by Qwest®

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Qwest Modem Kit

How and when will I receive my modem kit from Qwest?
Your Qwest modem kit will be delivered by UPS the business day before or on the day your high-speed internet service is activated. If you normally must sign for UPS deliveries, then a signature will be required for delivery of your modem kit as well.

What's included in the kit?
Your kit includes the following items:

  • Installation CD with step-by-step instructions for the complete installation process
  • Qwest modem - actual model may vary
  • Cables to connect the modem to your computer
  • Four wall jack phone filters

What are phone filters? Do I need to use them?
Phone filters, also known as microfilters, must be used with your Qwest® High-Speed Internet service to ensure optimal performance. These filters eliminate the higher-end frequencies used for your high-speed access. When phone filters are not used, or not installed correctly, you'll experience static on your telephone line or slow/intermittent Internet connection. The installation CD included in your Qwest modem kit provides step-by-step instructions on how to install these filters.

What if I need additional phone filters?
You can contact the Qwest Business Office to purchase additional filters.

Residential Customers: 800-244-1111
Business Customers: 800-603-6000

Will my high-speed internet service interfere with my security system?
If you have a security system connected to the same phone line that will be used for your high-speed internet service, we recommend your Qwest High-Speed Internet service be installed by a trained Qwest Technician. You could also contact your security system company for assistance in connecting the filter to your security system. Your security company may charge you for assisting you in connecting the filter to the security system. In all cases, we recommend doing a test of your security system once your high-speed internet service is complete.


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