CONNECTION RATES

INFORMATION STATION

CONNECTION RATES

Type Speed Max Users Monthly Cost

56k Modem	40-50 Kbps	2.5	$20
Switched 56	56 Kbps	Up to 5	$500
ISDN	64/128 Kbps	8-10	$50-750
T-1	1.544 Mbps	50	$1000-3000
T-3	44.736 Mbps	1000	$5000-30000
Cable Modem	10-15 Mbps	350	$40-69.95
X/A/DSL	1.4-2 Mbps	45	?
DirecPC Satellite	200/400 Kbps	N/A	$39.95-200

More to come as we collect data on OC-3, OC-12, OC-48 etc... ISDN price dependent on whether BRI or PRI,
DSL prices aren't yet fixed as standards are just becoming set. Satellite users not applicable as traffic is outgoing only.
Cable Modem based on HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) standard. Prices/availability vary greatly depending on region.
56K modems operate at 50Kbps due to FCC limitation - bandwidth dependent on line conditions as well.

Direc-PC satellite:
Note: The speeds are Download only - the uplink is kept by using your
standard modem, so traditional modem speeds are used for uploading.
The satellite is a good option for those who live in more remote areas
that do not offer a decent high-speed connection plan.

Whats that? (crackle... hiss... pop...)
There are many problems when it comes to data over POTS (plain old telephone system) and the
problems can only be fixed by the telephone company.

Here are some of them:
Line Noise- Possible resistance related; due to poor line condition/quality [crackling/popping noises]
Cross Talk- Signal interference; due to another signal that is leaking onto your line [other voices/noises "interference"]
Modulation- Sometimes the phone company doesn't have it set right; due to distance from station [connection failure]

Note: Line Noise can be related to your internal wiring (and are subject to fees usually)

T-1/T-3 Fiber Optic Lines
Even though they are great for internet connections the obvious problem
is the cost factor. Unless you are Bill Gates chances are you won't
be able to get fiber to your home. Some places even restrict these kinds
of lines only go into business areas ONLY as well. This is the most
reliable line and is perfect for systems on a LAN.

These lines can also be very complicated, as they require special routers
and other specialized equipment some of which required a great deal
of networking experience to setup and maintain.

Switched 56 Lines
The switched 56K came out before 56K modems which are limited
by the FCC to operate at 50K and even on the best line conditions
usually do about 40Kbps. The switched line now is almost completely
obsolete, replaced with T-1 or faster lines.

ISDN
Expect a comeback of ISDN lines, as telcos are scrambling to offset
the upcoming ADSL lines - now prices are reaching into the $40
price range and are being offered in places they weren't available in before.
This could be a good bet for areas that have a year or longer wait before
they are able to get Cable or ADSL net access.

ADSL
The acronym for Digital Subscriber Line, there are many flavors, but
some protocals are gaining wide-spread support such as G Lite.
Be looking for this service soon, as it can use existing telephone lines.
Alot of the larger areas already have the ability to get set-up with DSL.
Some of the advantages of DSL are having the ability to have multiple
"phone" service accounts on one line and also other advances telephony
functions.

Cable Modems
Cable Modems were born one way creatures, but with the advent of
two way copper called HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) allows a two
way communication with speeds of about 15 Million Bits Per Second.
The speed is blinding and it even supports web serving. This is the
absolute best bet when you need to have a network connected to the
internet.

Editors Note: One big advance is how the fiber optic wire is being
manufactured now, before it used to be hand "polished" with a
special treatment process, which made a price-tag of $1000 a foot
too high for most telcos to set affordable pricing, now the price
is greatly less and is manufactured through mostly a machine process.