Qwest ISDN
ISDN provides two channels or two phone lines. You can use either one, or both, for voice or data. Your equipment (ISDN phone, ISDN adapter or ISDN router) controls how ISDN will be used. Most ISDN adapters and routers allow both channels to be used for data until a voice call comes in. The equipment can be configured so that one channel will take the voice call (leaving only one data channel in operation - but still connected while you are talking) and resume as a data channel when the call is over. The first channel connects you to the Network. The second channel will connect when the first channel is full, and will disconnect for incoming calls, or when you pick up your telephone to make an outgoing call. The typical data rate is 64K, with 128K available on demand. ISDN connections provide guaranteed bandwidth: they are not a negotiated rate like 56K modems. Connections on an ISDN circuit take only a few tenths of a second: not 20-40 seconds like a 56K modem. Please see Nuts & Bolts, ISDN for more information about equipment and facility wiring issues.
ISDN connections are "dialed", but that the equipment can set up to make the connection automatically.
ZiaNet has two types of ISDN connections, "casual use" and "dedicated". Casual use connections are $40.00 per month; dedicated connections are $300.00/month. These costs do not include the telephone company charges.
Qwest charges $66.75/month (plus taxes and fees) for the ISDN connection (but that includes two phone lines). When you are not using the ISDN connection for Internet access, you can use both lines as you do today. The Qwest install charge is $110.00 (plus tax) for Qwest ISDN and may be discounted or pro-rated under some circumstances. You may purchase the ISDN modem recommended by Qwest directly from them, or purchase a modem on your own.
Information on Qwest ISDN oreders is available at:
http://www.qwest.com/products/data/isdn/
if you are interested in ordering this service. You will have to get an ISDN adapter or router to use with the ISDN line.
When ISDN service is delivered, please contact ZiaNet so that we can enable your account for this service.
