STI Home ISP Services & Information Web Site Design Business Services Members Only Company Info DSL High-Speed Filtering Services Web Hosting Collocation

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Frequently Asked Questions


What do outbound and inbound speeds refer to with DSL?
Do I have to change my email address if I already have Internet access?
Can I provide my own DSL modem/router?
If I have only one telephone jack, how do I plug in my telephone and my computer?
There is no telephone line in the room I want my DSL line. What do I need to do?
What happens if I relocated but stay within an area where STI provides DSL service?
How long must I sign the term-agreement for DSL?
What is the cost if I cancel my DSL service before the 12-month commitment is met?
Who do I call for DSL support?
What if I decide to change my DSL speed at a later date?
Is a DSL connection secure?
Will DSL interfere with incoming faxes?
What are the minimum computer requirements?


What does outbound and inbound refer to with DSL?
From the user's perspective, outbound file transfer flows away from the local computer toward the remote destination. One way to generate outbound file transfer is to upload files to a server or send an email message. Conversely, inbound file transfer flows to the user's computer. Downloading files and receiving email generate inbound file transfer. Typical Internet users create much more inbound than outbound file transfer.

Do I have to change my email address if I already have Internet access?
No. If you already have dial-up Internet access with STI, then you will be able to keep your current email address and use it with your DSL connection. However, if you have dial-up Internet access with another Internet Support Provider, then you will need to establish a new email address with us.

Can I provide my own DSL modem?
STI will not support any equipment other than that which it distributes.

If I have only one telephone jack, how do I plug in my telephone and my computer?
STI will provide you with a router that has connection ports for both your computer and your telephone line.

There is no telephone line in the room I want my DSL line. What do I need to do?
You may contact your telephone company and arrange to have them add a jack/telephone line or contact any qualified technician or contractor to perform the wiring work. Just be sure it is in place before your scheduled DSL installation date!

What happens if I relocated but stay within an area where STI provides DSL service?
When you relocate, you will have a new telephone line. As a result, this would be considered a new installation because a telephone line needs to be "conditioned" in order to carry DSL. New installation and setup charges would apply.

How long must I sign the term-agreement for DSL?
STI requires that you contract for a minimum one-year term upon first signing up for your DSL service. After that period, your service will automatically be renewed on a monthly basis, unless you cancel the service.

What is the cost if I cancel my DSL service before the 12-month commitment is met?
The cancellation fee is $200.

Who do I call for DSL support?
It is important for you to know whom to call if your DSL line needs service. You can reach our friendly STI Internet technical support at 559-641-9000 or 1-877-447-7362.

  • If your DSL service does not appear to be working, and you do not know the reason, call STI. We recommend that you first check through the troubleshooting sheet provided with your installation packet.
  • If your phone service does not appear to be working, call your telephone company.
  • If your DSL service does not appear to be working and you believe it is your computer, we suggest you contact a qualified, local computer repair shop vendor.
  • If you are running a network of computers, STI cannot assist you in the configuration or maintenance of these computers or the computer network. We recommend you contact a LAN consultant. You can find computer network consultants in the STI Business Pages or in the yellow pages of the telephone book under Computers.

What if I decide to change my DSL speed at a later date?
There is a $30 fee to change your DSL speed. Call STI if you prefer to change to another DSL package.

Is a DSL connection secure?
STI recommends that you protect your computer and personal information while you are on the Internet with a personal firewall and virus protection software. (If you have the VisionNet DSL router with firewall, model number 202-1 or 202-4, firewall software for your computer is not necessary.) DSL is as secure as any other dedicated Internet connection. Your high-speed DSL connection to the Internet allows for your computer to become more susceptible to attacks from hackers and viruses out on the Internet. Some individuals or companies like to add security devices to their circuits, depending on their specific security requirements. There are a series of hardware-based and affordable software-based firewalls for those that want extra security from potential hackers. For more information on firewall protection, visit www.sygate.com or www.zonealarm.com. For more information on virus protection, visit www.mcafee.com or www.norton.com.

Will DSL interfere with incoming faxes?
Your DSL connection will not interfere with incoming or outgoing faxes on the same line. While you are connected to the web through your DSL connection, you will be able to send and receive both faxes and telephone calls.

What are the minimum computer requirements?
Not all computers are capable of supporting DSL. STI's DSL is available to both PC and Macintosh computers.

The minimum requirements for a subscriber's computer are:

Ethernet card: A PC Ethernet card is available from STI (click here for pricing). We recommend you use this card as this is the card STI supports. (NOTE: If you already have an existing Ethernet card, do not remove it from your computer, unless requested to do so by STI.) You should have your computer manufacturer's Owner's Guide and your computer's Operating System on installation media (CD or diskettes).

Minimum System Requirements
  Windows Macintosh
 Processor Pentium-Class Processor PowerPC
 Operating System Windows 9x Mac OS Version 8.0
 Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or comparable browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or comparable browser
 CD-ROM Media CD-ROM or DVD Drive CD-ROM or DVD Drive
 Disk Space 100 MB of free disk space 100 MB of free disk space
 Hardware Ethernet Card Ethernet Card


STI HOME | ISP SERVICES | WEB DESIGN | BUSINESS SERVICES | MEMBERS ONLY | COMPANY INFO
DSL | GLOBAL ROAMING | WEB & EMAIL FILTERS | WEB HOSTING | COLLOCATION