Rocket Web - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is it?
Our equipment will allow up to 1100kbs transmissions. We currently throttle your speed down to 128kbs or 256kbs. You can transmit or receive at these speeds unlike 56k modem technology which receives at 45k on average and transmits at about 28k. If you live outside the city limits of Montrose, your modem is more likely to see 26-28k connections. Bottom line...128k is 4.5 times faster and 256k is almost 9 times faster than the average 28k modem connection.

Do I still have to dial in?
No. Your Internet connection should always be on. Currently, dedicated dial up connections cost $120.00 to $150.00 per month. Dedicated 128k ISDN accounts cost about $300.00/month ($225.00 to your ISP plus $75.00 to US West/Qwest monthly).

Are there other High Speed alternatives in Montrose?
Yes! You can have US West/Qwest install an ISDN line in your home. This will get you 128k at a cost of about $125.00 per month and you still have to dial in. Dedicated, always on, ISDN costs about $300.00 per month. 256k+ Frame Relay connections cost hundreds per month plus $2000.00+ for hardware.

What do I need for this to work?
At this time, you will need a PC with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP/Linux or Macintosh. Your PC should have a Pentium class processor or better (i.e., no 386s or 486s please) with at least 16 Mb of Ram, but the more the better. You will need to be able to see one of our radio towers with a minimum of obstructions (i.e., no trees or walls in the way).

How does it all go together?
We will need to put a small antenna outside your home and align it with our tower. A cable will be run into your home and connected to your PC or network.

Seems kinda pricey?
Compared to dial-up ISDN, we're less than half the cost, plus you get a dedicated connection and you don't have to buy an expensive ISDN modem. Dedicated (always connected) ISDN is much, much more. If you add your dial-up fees plus the cost of your second line, you are probably paying about $45.00 per month for a 26-45k connection. Contrast that with less than $40.00 per month for a full dedicated 128k wireless connection from RocketWeb and the savings become apparent.

The basic account allows for 1,000 megabytes of monthly transfer. What does that really mean?
1,000 megabytes is a mountain of data. For instance, the average web page on the net today is about 35k including pictures and text. 1,000 megabytes is 1,000,000k. If you divide it out, 1,000 megabytes is almost 29,000 web pages. Do you know anybody who ever read a 29,000 page novel in one month?

How about the weather? Will rain, snow, high winds, clouds, etc. affect my wireless Internet connection?
Assuming that you're not referring to monsoons, blizzards, hurricanes, or tornadoes, the answer is No. Our system is robust enough to cut through inclement weather with no loss in the quality of your connection.

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