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This page contains answers to common questions handled by our support staff.

 


   

What is SatWeb ADSL?

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a broadband (very fast) modem technology that turns an ordinary telephone line into a combination of voice telephone and dedicated Internet access. In other words, you can still use your telephone to make voice calls as normal, but you can also stay connected to the Internet 24/7 and never pay Telkom call rates (as you would with a dial-up service).

SatWeb's ADSL Internet access service provides you with significantly higher speeds than most other forms of access available in South Africa, at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated digital line.
 

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What are the advantages?

ADSL will dramatically increase the power of your existing telephone line, providing a super quick, permanent connection to the Internet. With ADSL, a single telephone line becomes a true multi-purpose tool, allowing you to make full use of the Internet while talking on the phone or sending a fax at the same time. And, your family and friends won't receive an engaged signal because you're online.

With ADSL, the performance of your Internet access will not be affected if you are simultaneously using the phone or sending a fax. ADSL access provides an always-on connection with no dial-up necessary.
 

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What sort of speeds can I expect?

Depending on the Telkom ADSL line-option you choose:
DSL 384 - 384kbps download / 128kbps upload
DSL 512 - 512kbps download / 256kbps upload
DSL 4096 - 4096kbps download / 384kbps upload

These speeds are not guaranteed, and actual speeds may vary depending on the site you're connected to. The line length, the quality of the copper wire in your phone line, and other factors may also affect the speed.

When operating under optimum conditions, ADSL will provide up to 16 times the speed of a 64K ISDN connection for downloads. (assuming a 1024kbps line speed)

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Are there limits on the traffic?

Yes, SatWeb packages are capped. They range from the entry level 1GB right up to the "heavy" usage 20 GB option

When the user exceeds the ‘subscribed to’ data cap, the international connection will be fully restricted while the local connection is allocated to a bandwidth segment shared by all excess users. The account will subsequently be suspended at a threshold of 30 GByte.

It is important to note that it is not possible to carry over any unused capacity to the next month.

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Is my IP address always the same?

No; ADSL users are assigned a single dynamic IP address each time they log in. This means that the IP address of an ADSL user may change each time the user logs in.

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What type of telephone line do I need?

An ADSL phone line (which can only be obtained from Telkom)

For all intents and purposes, your line will remain a normal phone line, and may be used as such, but it will also have the added functionality of ADSL for Internet access.

ADSL lines are not available in all Telkom local exchanges. In order to confirm whether or not your local Telkom Exchange is ADSL enabled, please visit ADSL_Checker. An ADSL line can then be ordered by phoning Telkom on 0800 DSL DSL.

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What modem do I need and how do I set it up?

An ICASA approved ADSL Ethernet or USB modem, which can be purchased either from Telkom, SatWeb or most reputable computer stores.

For the technically minded, use the following settings: Protocol is PPPoE, Encapsulation is LLC, VPI is 8 and your VCI is 35.

For the less technically minded, the easiest solution is to simply contact us by phone.

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What does "shaped" and "unshaped" mean?

Telkom has implemented traffic shaping policies on traffic generated by ADSL users. Exact details of these traffic shaping measures are not available. It appears that these measures are intended to prevent applications, like peer-to-peer (P2P) networking programs, from using large amounts of bandwidth. It is likely that these traffic shaping measures may have the effect of degrading specific Internet applications.

The shaped ADSL packages favour what Telkom considers to be “business protocols” over “non-business protocols.” The protocols used for email, web browsing, and normal downloads accomplished with either a web browser or an FTP program are given priority over other protocols. When the network is busy, protocols other than those mentioned here are treated as less important and, in effect, will simply operate slower.

Unshaped packages treat all protocols the same and provide the best possible performance for online gaming, online trading, VOIP, telephony programs, and all other non-standard applications.

SatWeb packages are "shaped"

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What are all the costs involved in SatWeb ADSL?

You will need to order the ADSL line service from Telkom before you can use ADSL for Internet access. The Telkom costs for the line services are as follows:*

Installation (once off) – R490.00 (Contact us about the "self install" option for savings on this fee)

Monthly Telkom ADSL service subscription (dependant on speed chosen)
DSL 384 - 384 kbps download / 128 kbps upload – R 152.00 pm
DSL 512 - 512 kbps download / 256 kbps upload - R 326.00 pm
DSL 4096 - 4096 kbps download / 384 kbps upload – R 413.00 pm

The ADSL Line Service prices are over and above your existing telephone monthly line rental and voice telephone calls. In other words, you will still pay for voice telephone line rental and calls you make on the line, but you will not be charged by Telkom for Internet access.

Telkom's ADSL line service can be ordered from Telkom by dialing 0800 237 500 (0800 ADSL 00).

You can also order an ADSL modem from Telkom, and if you sign up for a 24 month contract for the ADSL line, you receive the ADSL modem “free”. Alternatively we can supply you with either a USB or Ethernet ADSL modem depending on your needs. (Please contact us for current pricing!)

If you order your ADSL line on the Telkom website, be sure to select the option "I have an ADSL enabled Internet Service". (SatWeb!!)

The ADSL packages we offer are “capped” (i.e. limited to maximum monthly downloads) and are priced as follows:

SatWeb monthly subscription Telkom monthly ADSL rental Total monthly cost
R 100.00 (1gig) R 152.00 (384 K) R 252.00
R 190.00 (2 gig) R 152.00 (384 K) R 342.00
R 245.00 (3 gig) R 152.00 (384 K) R 397.00
R 410.00 (5 gig) R 152.00 (384 K) R 562.00
R 550.00 (7 gig) R 152.00 (384 K) R 702.00
R 785.00 (10 gig) R 152.00 (384 K) R 937.00
R 1500.00 (20 gig) R 152.00 (384 K) R 1652.00

* All prices listed include VAT @ 14% & are subject to confirmation by Telkom (e&oe!)

(Thanks to elribe@telkomsa.net for reminding us 23/02/2008 to update our Telkom information)!

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Is SatWeb ADSL a guaranteed service?

As the Service is provided over Telkom infrastructure and Telkom does not provide any guarantees in respect of quality of service over its ADSL infrastructure, no guarantees in respect of quality of service are given by SatWeb!.

The only thing we CAN guarantee, is that we look after our customers!

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How do I sign up for ADSL?

You can download the application form for the Internet Service Provider part here! Just complete the form and fax it through to us!

Alternatively contact us by email or by phone during office hours for more information.

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Can I have my entire home or office network connected?

Yes. For simple situations, we can assist you in configuring your network over the phone. However, more complex scenarios may require you to have a networking technician visit your location. Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you assess your needs.

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How many months am I committing myself for if I join? 12? 24?

One! You pay monthly in advance - We find it unnecessary to bind people to lengthy contracts! If they are satisfied with our service, they will stay of their own accord!

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I am still confused about this whole SatWeb ADSL-Thing; What now?

contact us by email or by phone during office hours for any assistance! We will gladly attend to ANY questions or queries you may have!

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Do you offer 24/7 technical support?

No!

The cost of offering 24 hour customer support would inevitably impact adversely on our pricing and require us to increase subscription fees.

Experience has also shown that 24 hour support is rarely, if ever necessary, providing our systems are maintained properly and are up and running!

(Having said the above: If we encounter a serious problem on our side, we always work around the clock if necessary, to minimise impact on our customers!)

 

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Last modified: 26-Feb-2008.


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