What is wireless
Internet Service?
Wireless Internet access is a way for you to connect to the Internet
without having to go over a telephone line to connect. The connection
is always on, whenever your computer is turned on. Transmission
towers connect directly to the Internet transmit and receive data
to and from your PC. Our fixed wireless connection should not be
confused with an internal wireless connection at your home. The "wireless"
connection with out service is between your home or business to one of our access
points. The unit is installed on your building and requires a cable from the radio
to your computer. If you are requiring a wireless connection in your home to connect to laptops,
gaming systems or other wireless devices, it would require a wireless router sold separately.
Why is a wireless connection
better than a telephone dial-up connection?
A wireless connection is much faster (at least 5 times faster)
than the best dial up connection. In addition, unlike a modem,
there is no analog-to-digital conversion to further slow down
the connection speed. The quality of the connection does not depend
on the quality of the phone line. There will NEVER be a busy signal
because you are not going over a phone line.
How does wireless service
compare to other broadband services such as DSL, Satellite and
Cable?
Wireless Internet access does not reach your home over a cable
or phone line. It does not depend on telephone company infrastructure.
DSL is distance sensitive (about 3 miles from the phone company
switch). Wireless has a range up to 15 miles.
There are no additional charges from the telephone company as with DSL service. Not only is DSL more expensive than wireless, but you pay two separate bills. In Taos you pay Qwest a monthly fee as well as your service provider.
Cable modem access is not available in Taos, and Comcast has no plans to make it available in the near future.
Why do I need a site survey?
Wireless Internet access requires a direct line of sight between
the customer antenna and our access point antenna. Kit Carson
now has the capability to provide access to areas where line of
sight is available to the main Coop office. We will also determine
if there is anything that may interfere with the performance of
the equipment. We will also recommend the best place for you to
install the Outdoor Unit, where to run the cable, and make any
other recommendations.
Where will wireless service
be available?
Kit Carson now offers wireless service to customers in an increasing
expanding area. We are increasing our access point density to
provide extended coverage. A site survey will determine which
access point your home or business can be connected to and the
date of actual install.
What are the minimum system
requirements for my computer?
Our system is compatible with all types of computers including
Macintosh computers. Your computer will need to have at least
a Pentium class 133 mhz processor, running Microsoft Windows 98
and have at least 64Mb of RAM.
It will also need an Ethernet card to connect to the wireless equipment. Kit Carson Internet Services does not provide the Ethernet card as part of the initial set-up fee, but we will order one and install it for you. Our service rate is $50.00/hr. Call us and we will be happy to give you a quote.
What does the wireless
equipment include?
The wireless equipment includes an outdoor unit with antenna and
mount, 50 feet of outdoor cable, an indoor unit with a power inserter
and power adaptor that plugs into a regular 110 volt outlet. The
indoor unit has an Ethernet port to connect to the Ethernet card
in your computer. Customers may need to purchase an Ethernet NIC
card if their computer(s) does not have an Ethernet port.
The Indoor unit connects to the Outdoor
unit through a special cable which we will provide. The outdoor
unit consists of the actual transmitter with an integrated panel
antenna. It is about 1 foot square, about 2 inches thick, weighs
about 5 pounds and is attached on a mount with a 2 inch diameter
pole. It will need to be securely mounted to your house or business.
Where do I point the Antenna?
The outdoor antenna will be pointed to one of our access point
antenna. The exact location will be determined by the site survey.
How many computers can
I connect to the wireless system at one time?
Standard set-up allows you to connect one(1) computer to the wireless
system. If you want to connect additional computers or a small
network there will be an additional fee for this service, and
a higher set-up fee
Who owns the equipment?
Kit Carson Telecom will own the equipment.
Will I still have dial
up access?
Dial up access is not included with this service, however if you
want a redundant dial up connection and are a wireless customer
we will offer you dial up access for an additional fee of $17.00
per month.
Is email included as part
of the service?
Yes, free email accounts are provided with each service package. Additional E-mail accounts may be purchased for a low monthly fee.
What is the installation
fee?
* Two Year Contract $200
* One year contract
$250
* Month to Month $300
Please call us for special pricing.
What are the speeds
available and how much is the monthly recurring cost?
*speeds up to 256Kbps is $25.00 + tax per month
*speeds up to 512Kbps is $45.00 + tax per month
*speeds up to 1Mbps is $55.00 + tax per month
*speeds up to 2Mbps is $75.00 + tax per month
*speeds up to 3Mbps is $95.00 + tax per month
To Request a line of sight survey, download the form below:
Submit it via:
Email techsupport by clicking here
Mail: 201 B Cruz Alta Rd, Taos, NM 87571
Fax: 575-758-4932
For more information call us at 758-4838 or 800-758-4820.