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Rural Network Services DSL FAQ

  1. What is DSL?
  2. What are its applications?
  3. How can I benefit from DSL service?
  4. Where is RNS offering DSL service?
  5. What are the requirements for DSL service?
  6. What DSL plans are you offering?
  7. Which do I need, a DSL Router or a DSL Modem?
  8. What modems and routers will work with RNS DSL?
  9. How do I sign up for DSL?

1. What is DSL?

DSL, Digital Subscriber Line, is a cutting-edge data communication system suitable for high speed internet and data transfer over ordinary phone lines.

2. What are its applications?

As with anything involving the internet, the possibilities are endless. However, some suggested uses of DSL service are...

  • Ultra Fast Internet Access
    • Surf the web at light speed!
    • Great for research, communication, and leisure activities.
    • Avoid being stopped by mammoth E-mail attachments.
  • File Exchange
    • Send and receive large files over the net with ease.
    • With very high upload and download speeds, DSL makes the impossible possible!
    • Compare 1200Kbps to where the 56Kbps standard modems peg out at today.
    • Avoid getting bumped before you can finish a big download again!
  • Multimedia
    • Receive streaming audio and video broadcasts for news or distance learning.
    • Forget driving, flying, or taking a bus, just get yourself a video camera and attend important meetings via cyberspace.
    • Thanks to DSL's bandwidth, you'll have the ability to transmit and receive video.

3. How can I benefit from DSL service?

If there's a common denominator among businesses today, it's that "faster is better." Don't sacrifice valuable time waiting for your old, analog modem to drag in data when you could be cruising along warp speed with DSL. Businesses continually upgrade computer equipment to make employees' productivity greater. One important point often overlooked is that the computer is only as fast as its internet connection. While a 56K connection is adequate for some, DSL is a must for others. You also get the major advantage of being able to get voice and data over the same line at the same time. There is no additional line needed, as with dialup. Now is the time to upgrade. *These benefits are also available to our residential customers.

4. Where is RNS offering DSL service?

Service is available in Arizona in conjunction with MTE local phone service in the Granite Mountain, Millsite and Silverbell and Cascabel exchanges. Call 208-414-3000 or 888-355-4767 to confirm availability at your location.

5. What are the requirements for DSL service?

First, you'll need a compatible ADSL modem or router. Your computers need to be network ready with network interface cards installed. If you plan to connect DSL to your office network, you may need to make configuration changes to your LAN. Finally, if you plan on using your DSL service to access the internet, you'll need an RNS unmeasured internet account (Since no other providers have entered into contract with RNS to provide internet access with our DSL service).

6. What DSL plans are you offering?

Our plans vary in bandwidth, downloads ranging from 128Kbps to 640Kbps, and uploads from 64Kbps to 512Kbps. More information is downloaded from the internet, hence the faster download speeds. Please note that these are maximum speeds. Actual performance depends on numerous variables. Consistently low performance should be reported to tech support at 414-8372, or support@rnsmte.com.

Here's a breakdown of our offerings:

Upload/DownloadDSLInternetTotal Monthly
64K/128K ADSL*$25.05+ $19.95 = $45.00 (Not Available in all areas)
128K/256K ADSL$45.00+ $19.95= $64.95
256K/640K ADSL$65.00+ $19.95= $84.95
512K/512K SDSL$70.00+ $19.95 = $89.95

*Not available in all areas.

All DSL setups incur a $50.00 setup fee. You will also need an ADSL modem or router. You can purchase the equipment for $75.00, or you may provide your own. See # 8 below. All modems and routers provided by RNS include setup and testing. There may be other charges depending on your computer system or network. (Example: If you don't already have a network card, you may have to purchase one). Changes to DSL service location and plan (speed) do incur a $35.00 fee.

For our customers that live outside of our service area for part of the year, you can save money by using our new seasonal billing plan.

7. Which do I need, a DSL Router or a DSL Modem?

If you plan on connecting only one computer to your DSL connection, a DSL modem will simplify the installation procedure.

If you plan on connecting more than one computer to your DSL connection, you have two options:

  • Use a DSL router connected to an Ethernet switch or an Ethernet hub. Ethernet switches and hubs are often called network switches and hubs. Click here for an example.
  • Here are some examples of Ethernet switches and hubs: LinkSys, D-Link

  • Use a DSL modem connected to a Cable/DSL router. Cable/DSL routers are basically Ethernet switches (or wireless gateways) with routing functionality built-in, but still lacking an actual ADSL port. Thus, they need to be paired with a DSL modem. Click here for an example.

    Here are some examples of Cable/DSL routers: 3Com

8. What modems and routers will work with RNS DSL?

Click here for our list of compatable modems and routers.

9. How do I sign up for DSL?

Just give us a call and we'll help you through getting setup. To purchase DSL and internet services call 208-414-3000 or 888-355-4767.