Southern Star logo Southern Star logo




Frequently Asked Questions - Services




General


Q:  What services do you provide?

A:  We provide services for personal use and for business use.  We also provide many additional services.


Q:  What areas do you service?

A:  New Orleans and surrounding areas, as defined by the 504- and 985- area codes.


Q:  What does the business service include?

A:  Domain hosting, web hosting and mail hosting.  Secondary DNS along with front-end spam rejection, virus scanning and backup for your mail server are also available.


Q:  What additional services do you offer?

A:  Besides those already mentioned;  Domain registration, domain renewal, extra web space, mailing list hosting, FTP hosting, extra static IP addresses, co-location, ADSL hardware, and custom configuration.  Check here for the complete list.


Q:  What hardware is supported?

A:  PC, Mac, Linux, Unix - anything which will talk TCP/IP.


Q:  Will I have to stay home all day if a service call is needed?

A:  No.  Service calls are scheduled within a 1 hour window.


Q:  What if I have a problem at night or on a weekend?

A:  Technical Support is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Service calls are made until midnight and on weekends.  We keep spare ADSL, ISDN and dial-in equipment on hand.


Q:  Do I have to sign a contract?

A:  No, but there is a six month commitment.  The penalty for leaving early is one month's charges.


Q:  Do you have any references?

A:  Check our reviews at Broadband Reports.  I'll be glad to supply some customer names if you ask.  About half of our customers result from referrals by computer consultants.


Back to the top


Dial-In Access


Q:  Where do you have dial-in numbers and what are they?

A:  In New Orleans and surrounding areas, throughout the 504- and 985- area codes. Check here for the complete list.


Q:  Is there any limit to how long I can stay online?

A:  Yes.  200 hours per month.  This is over 6.5 hours per day, or over 9 hours per business day.  If you need more time we also offer continuous access, for an extra charge.


Q:  Can I get a static IP address?

A:  Yes, for an extra charge.


Q:  How busy are your phone lines?

A:  You will probably never get a busy signal.


Q:  How long does it take?

A:  Same day the order is placed.


Back to the top


ISDN Access


Q:  Do I need ISDN access?

A:  Only if you need high speed and ADSL isn't an option.


Q:  How fast is ISDN?

A:  128Kbps, down and up.  Faster speeds and 64K are also available.


Q:  What hardware do I need?

A:  An ISDN modem and if you have more than one computer you will also need a router and hub/switch.  Each computer will need an Ethernet NIC (Network Interface Card).


Q:  Is there any limit to how long I can stay online?

A:  Yes.  200 hours per month.  This is over 6.5 hours per day, or over 9 hours per business day.  If you need more time we also offer continuous access, for an extra charge.


Q:  Can I get a static IP address?

A:  Yes, for an extra charge.


Q:  How busy are your phone lines?

A:  You will probably never get a busy signal.


Q:  How long does it take?

A:  Same day the order is placed.  You will also need an ISDN line from any local phone company.


Back to the top


ADSL Access


Q:  Do I need ADSL access?

A:  If you have a separate phone line for your modem or if you are tired of waiting for things to download then you probably need the higher speed which ADSL provides.  If you have ISDN then ADSL will be cheaper and faster.


Q:  How does ADSL work?

A:  Standard ADSL shares an existing phone line, thus avoiding the cost of a separate line.  Filters separate the ADSL signal from the voice service (including fax, 56K modem, alarm system) on the line so that both can be used at the same time.

Also, in some areas we offer Custom ADSL on a phone line which we supply.  This is a dedicated line just for the ADSL.  No filters are needed.


Q:  Will this affect my phone bill in any way?

A:  No.  We will bill you for the ADSL service.


Q:  How fast is your ADSL?

A:  The Standard ADSL speeds (down / up) are 256K / 128K, 1.5M / 256K and 3.5M / 384K.  Also, in some areas we offer Custom ADSL.  The speeds (down / up) are 512K / 128K, 1.5M / 384K, 4M / 512K, 6M / 768K and 8M / 1M.

In both cases your maximum rate will depend on how far you are from the BellSouth Central Office or Remote DSLAM.


Q:  I want to connect two computers.  Will you charge me more?

A:  No.  You will need a router and hub/switch, however.


Q:  Will any phone line work with ADSL?

A:  Standard ADSL requires a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) line, which is what most homes and small businesses have.  Generally it must be a BellSouth or a BellSouth resale line.  Also, you must be within 18 thousand feet, or closer for higher speeds, of a BellSouth Central Office or Remote DSLAM.  Send us your phone number(s) and address and we will check it to see if you qualify.

Custom ADSL uses a phone line which we supply.  Send us your address and we will check it to see if you qualify.


Q:  What if I have special requirements?

A:  There are other, higher cost, higher speed options.  Call for more info.  Also, you can load balance two ADSL lines.  We also offer Backup ADSL access if you already have aaccess but want to have a redundant Internet connection.


Q:  Is your ADSL a continuous connection?

A:  Yes.  There is no timeout.


Q:  Do I get a static IP address?

A:  Yes.  There is no extra charge.  Multiple static IPs are available for an extra charge.


Q:  Is your ADSL Bridged, Routed, PPPoA or PPPoE?

A:  Our Standard ADSL is RFC 2516 PPPoE.  Our Custom ADSL is RFC 1483 Routed.


Q:  What hardware do I need?

A:  An ADSL modem and ADSL filters (type and quantity vary depending on the type of installation).  If you have more than one computer you will also need a router and hub/switch.  Actually, we always recommend a router because it includes a firewall which offers you some protection.  Also, each computer will need an Ethernet NIC (Network Interface Card).  Finally, we recommend surge protectors for both the power line and the phone line.

We invite you to use your own equipment as long as it is compatible.  Note:  We do not support PCI or USB based modems, only Ethernet based modems.


Q:  Do I have to set it up myself?

A:  No.  Our technician goes to your location and sets up the service.  This is part of the setup fee and is not an extra charge.


Q:  Is there a backup dial-in?

A:  Yes.  56K or ISDN, with a static IP address, if needed.


Q:  How long does it take?

A:  Standard ADSL takes about 1 week.  Custom ADSL takes 2 to 3 weeks.


Q:  I currently have ADSL service from another ISP.  Why should I switch to you?

A:  Our installation includes a visit to your location to set things up (no self install hassle).  Our charge for a new, ADSL2+ modem is often less than others charge for a used, ADSL modem.  We don't charge extra for multiple computers, a static IP address or non-blocked ports.  We don't quote you one price then pad it with extra charges for things like a "Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee".  No special "calling plan" is required and the commitment is 6 months, not a year.  But mainly we offer better service and support.


Q:  I currently have ADSL service from another ISP.  Are there any problems switching to you?

A:  Generally, no.  We can handle the transfer for you thus avoiding most of the downtime.  After the switch you should contact them to be sure that they stop billing you.  BellSouth FastAccess often continues to bill, in spite of the automatic notification they receive when your service is switched.


Q:  Where can I find out more about ADSL?

A:  For general information on ADSL check out Broadband Reports.  This site has lots to offer including user reviews, software and hardware reports, optimization tips, security info, troubleshooting help, current news and more.  While you are there read our reviews.


Back to the top


Web Hosting


Q:  How much space do I get?

A:  20M, more for higher level business accounts.  More is available for an extra charge.


Q:  What features does your web server offer?

A:  Our personal web sites include these features and our domain web sites include these features.


Q:  Do you offer web design services?

A:  No, but we know some people who do.


Back to the top


Mail Hosting


Q:  How big are the folders?

A:  An account on the mail server is allocated 30M by default.  30M to 100M is available by request, at no extra charge.

An account is allocated 10 folders by default.  The combined total must fit within the allocated space.  10 additional folders are available by request, at no extra charge.


Q:  Do you provide spam blocking and/or virus scanning?

A:  Yes, both.  We also offer front-end spam rejection, virus scanning and backup for your mail server.


Q:  What are the types of access?

A:  POP, IMAP, and Webmail.


Q:  What features does your mail server offer?

A:  Take a look.


Q:  What features does your mailing list manager offer?

A:  Take a look.


Back to the top


Server Co-Location


Q:  What is server co-location?

A:  Your server is located at out site not yours.


Q:  Should I co-locate?

A:  If your server needs more speed and reliability, co-location is often the least expensive method.


Q:  What features does your co-location offer?

A:  Check here.



Billing


Q:  What forms of payment do you accept?

A:  Checks, money orders and credit cards.


Q:  What is the billing interval?

A:  Month, quarter, semi-annual, or annual.  Payment is due at the start of the period.


Q:  What happens if I pay ahead then the rates change?

A:  You are protected against rate increases.


Q:  What happens if I pay ahead then end my service?

A:  We will give you a prorated refund.


Q:  Is there a "Federal Universal Service Fund Charge", "Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee" or other such additional hidden costs?

A:  No.


Q:  Do you have a SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number)?

A:  Yes, we have a SPIN number issued by USAC, using a FCC form, as part of the E-rate program, otherwise known as the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism Program.  As long as you handle billing the government we will be happy to supply service under this program.


Back to the top

Miscellaneous


Q:  Is any special software needed?

A:  No!  No advertising.  No pop-ups.


Q:  Can I use the connection for remote access?

A:  Yes, as long as it is a continuous connection and has a static IP address.  We don't block ports.


Q:  Can I use the connection to run a server?

A:  Yes, as long as it is a continuous connection and has a static IP address.  We don't block ports.


Q:  Can I use the connection for a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

A:  Yes, as long as it is a continuous connection and has a static IP address.  We don't block ports.


Q:  Can I use the connection for VoIP (Voice over IP)?

A:  Yes.


Q:  Do you offer a way to set my computer's clock?

A:  Yes.  We run a NTP (Network Time Protocol) server.  You can synchronize your computer's clock to it.  If you would like to see the time right now check our Diagnostic Info page.


Q:  Do you share user information with other companies?

A:  No.  Please review our Privacy Policy Statement.


Q:  Do you use any sort of web caching to speed up web accesses?

A:  Yes, we are part of the Akamai EdgeControl network.


Q:  What are your facilities like?

A:  For our routers and servers we use equipment from Cisco, Sun/Cobalt, Lucent/Livingston, and Dell.  They are located in a building rated for a category 5 hurricane.  The building has backup power (battery and generator) and backup air conditioning.  There are multiple links to the Internet, in case one should fail.


Q:  What organizations are you affiliated with?

A:  We are a member of:


Back to the top



  Home   Top of Page   Site Map   Search