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3dB Wireless is a High Speed Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) located in the heart
of Western North Carolina that serves several mountain counties.
What is Wireless Internet?
This method of Internet connectivity is accomplished using low power radios to transfer the
digital data over the airwaves, instead of current wired technologies. This technology is fast
becoming the standard in providing service to areas currently not served by conventional methods.
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Is Wireless Internet the same as "satellite" Internet?
No. Wireless Internet uses ground-based antennas to transmit data to your home or business, while
satellite systems usually require you to use a phone line and modem to send data. Also, satellite
systems have a high "latency" (the time it takes data to travel between 2 points) since the data has
to travel from your location up to the satellite 23,500 miles away and back down again , making VPN's
and gaming unreliable. The time delay is nearly a full second in satellite transmission. Our systems
don't suffer from this delay.
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As a 3dB Wireless customer, will I need a separate Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
No. 3dB WIreless will be your ISP, providing you with your high-speed connection to the Internet.
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How does Wireless Internet compare to a Dial-Up Connection?
Although sold as a 56k connection, a 56k dial-up connection operates at a maximum speed of 53k; and this
speed is only achieved under the best of conditions. The average dial-up connection has an effective
speed of less than 40k. 3dB Wireless;s minimum speed of 1.5Mbps will have an effective speed of twenty
five to two hundred times that of a dial-up connection. And, if you are using a second telephone line for
your internet connection, the cost of our basic connection will most probably be less than what you are
paying for just the phone line, not even considering what you pay to your dial-up provider.
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Will online games work with 3dB Wireless's service?
Yes. Our system is backed by a SAS 70 Type II Datacenter with Bandwidth to every top tier backbone provider
available. What this means for a gamer is that your latency will be exceptional. Typical "pings" to
Atlanta,Ga based servers are usually 25ms.
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Will VOIP services work? ie. Skype, MagicJack, Vonage, Etc.
Yes! VOIP services work very well.
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How does Wireless Internet compare to cable?
In a cable environment, each customer is statically allocated a percentage of the cable's potential. Because
of this necessary allocation, subscribers are unable to share the full potential of available bandwidth even
when it's available. In a wireless environment, this allocation is dynamic, thus allowing the customer to use
all available bandwidth, right up to their selected level of connection. Also, a standard residential cable
hook up is non-symmetric, sending information at only 1/4 the speed at which it can receive. If you are sending
out large data files or participate in online gaming, this disparity is apparent. In a wireless environment,
data is sent and received at the same speed. We offer symmetrical connections.
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How does Wireless Internet compare to DSL service.
Although comparable in its ability for high speed connections, DSL service is distance sensitive. It is often
referred to as "last mile technology" because it generally does not work beyond 18,000 feet. The further you
are from the switching station of the telephone company, the slower the data rate. DSL is only available in
locations where the proper wire and transfer station infrastructure has been installed. DSL can take 4-6 weeks
to provision. 3dB Wireless can be installed the same day you order service
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Is it secure?
Our service uses a proprietary wireless technology. In fact, the security of our radios is better than that
offered by cable modem providers! Please contact us for specific answers to your Internet security questions.
The technologies we use in our network have built in proprietary protocols and are highly secure. 3dB Wireless's
network management system only allows communications between specified radios.
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Are there any health or safety concerns with the wireless signal?
No. The technology used by 3dB Wireless operates at very low power levels , similar to a cell phone, and much
less than the amount that is emitted by your microwave oven. Also, radio frequency power drops dramatically as
you move away from the power source.
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What kind of equipment is needed for 3dB Wireless service?
The standard residential installation will include a wireless subscriber unit, antenna cabling, and an indoor
power unit. All you'll need to provide is a PC with a network card and we'll do the rest.
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Do I need any special software?
No. We do not require you to install any new software.
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Can I hook up more than one computer to my 3dB Wireless's connection?
Yes. 3dB Wireless's service will support multiple computers. Additional equipment will be required such as an
inexpensive Router.
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Is the signal affected by the weather?
Theoretically no. However, a slight degradation in transmission rates may occur during periods of heavy snowfall,
rain and very high winds that could pose the possibility of de-aligning antennas. Also, antennas buried in deep
snow is a problem.
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My homeowner's association will not allow outside antennas--how can I receive your service?
Under Federal law your homeowner's association cannot restrict your installation of antennas up to 1 meter (39")
in diameter when used for "fixed wireless" services (including 3dB Wireless's. Please see http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html.
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When can I get 3dB Wireless service installed?
We will schedule a time that is convenient for you. The installation generally takes less than 90 minutes and
is completed within days of your order.
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I requested service but the technician said the signal was too weak. Can I sign up for a slower speed
anyway? I really need high speed internet!
Sorry, no. In order to assure the highest quality service 3dB Wireless will not perform an installation unless
it conforms to our standards.
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I requested service and the technician said my neighbor's trees were blocking the signal, but there is clear signal
at the end of my driveway. What can I do?
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At your option you can install (or have someone else install) a post in the clear location, and we will return
(for a $37.50 return visit charge) to install your service on the pole. We will then run cable to your residence
(if within 300 feet), but you will be responsible for burying the cable.
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Can I keep my existing email address from another company?
Sure, but if you are paying for it now or it is associated with a service you are currently paying for you will
probably have to continue paying for it.
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Will I get a new web browser and home page?.
You can use any web browser you wish (Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, etc.).
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