DSL Frequently Asked Questions

What speed is right for me?
How much faster is DSL than Dial-up?
What is the difference between Upload and Download speeds?
Do I need special equipment for DSL?
Can I use my phone and DSL at the same time?

What speed is right for me?

The real question is what will you be doing on the Internet? Will you be sending emails, surfing websites? Or will you be downloading music, watching YouTube or online gaming? The Internet offers so many different possibilities but there is much of the new technology that requires bigger bandwidth; higher download and upload speeds. Gtelco offers a solution for everyone's needs. The following chart can help you decide which speed is right for you. Activity Recommended Speed Email, Web Surfing, Instant Messaging, Shopping, etc. 512 kbps Faster Web Surfing, Download Music, Watch YouTube Videos, Home Office, etc. 5 mbps Downstream 512 kbps Upstream Faster Web Surfing, Uploading Large Files (Pictures, Music, Video), Online Gaming, etc. 5 mbps Downstream 768 kbps Upstream Business, Large File Transfers, etc. 5 mbps Downstream 1024 kbps Upstream back to top

How much faster is DSL than Dial-up?

The simple answer to this question is, a lot faster. Perhaps a better way to describe it is in terms of plumbing. You will hear the term "bandwidth" all the time. Bandwidth is basically the size of the 'pipe' that carries data to and from your computer. Your bandwidth for dial-up is typically 38K to 48K. The base speed for our DSL is 512K. That means that you have ten times as big a 'pipe' with DSL as with dial-up. For approximately $8.00 more per month, you can be surfing at 10 times the speed of normal dial-up. If you move up to our 5 MB option you will be downloading information 100 times faster. Now that's fast! back to top

What is the difference between Upload and Download speeds?

Download speed, sometimes call Downstream, is the speed at which you receive information from the Internet and Upload speed, or Upstream, is the speed that you send information to the Internet. If you are downloading music, videos or large data files, the faster the download speed the better. If you are playing on-line games, the upload speed becomes much more important because this is the speed that you will be sending information back to the other players. back to top

Do I need special equipment for DSL?

You don't need any special equipment or software to get the DSL. The external DSL modem is supplied by us. You will, however, need to have an ethernet adapter in your computer. Check the manufacturer's specifications to see whether or nor your computer came with one. If not, you will need to have one installed. back to top

Can I use my phone and DSL at the same time?

Yes, the ability to use your phone at the same time that you are also using the computer is one of the many advantages of DSL. Now you can work faster and communicate with others without interruption. No more waiting for the kids to get off the computer so you can make a call. DSL is available all the time. You never have to dial-up and wait for a connection. Just start your computer and start surfing. back to top