Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless FAQs
What are the minimum system requirements?
The minimum system requirements are:
- Intel/Windows Systems
- Operating System: Windows 98, NT, 2000 or XP
- CPU speed: Pentium 166MHz or faster
- Memory/RAM: 32 MB for Windows 98, 64MB for
NT, 2000 and XP
- Available Disk Space: at least 150MB
- Either USB Port or Network Interface Card/Ethernet
Card (depending on distance from tower)
Macintosh Systems
- Operating System: MacOS 8.5 or higher
- CPU: PowerPC 601 (603 or higher preferred)
- Memory/RAM: 32 MB, 64MB preferred
- Available Disk Space: at least 50MB
Other Systems (Linux, UNIX, etc.)
- These systems should work if you have support
for TCP/IP and an ethernet interface
Do I need to use a phone line?
No. Cobalt will never tie up your phone line. With Cobalt you can talk on the phone and surf the Internet at the same time.
If I get connected through Cobalt, do I need a separate
ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
No. Cobalt is your ISP through our "always on" connection. Unlike many cable modem or DSL (digital subscriber line) services, we don't require you to pay an additional charge for an ISP service on top of your connection to us - it's all included in one low monthly fee comparable to what you are paying now for the old, slow dial-up modem.
What hardware is included in Cobalt's service?
Cobalt will help you get all the hardware and software you need to get up and running. This includes an antenna, (a 10” x 10” x 2” panel), all of the equipment to connect it to your computer, and all of the mounting equipment.
Do I have to put an ugly satellite dish on my roof?
No, our technology uses a small flat 10” x 10” x 2” flat panel wireless bridge.
Can I hook up more than one computer to Cobalt's service?
Yes. All you need is your own router or switch.
Can I host a server?
Yes. Additional charges apply for public IP addresses - please call us for details.
If I sign up with Cobalt, can I still keep my other
ISP e-mail address?
As a Cobalt customer, you'll get up to five e-mail addresses
included in our basic service plan and you can get additional
addresses for an additional fee. And, as long as you
are still a customer with your other ISP, you can keep
your other ISP e-mail addresses.
How fast is Cobalt's service?
Cobalt has speeds up to 390 times faster than a typical dial-up connection for both downloads and uploads. Speeds vary by location and are also affected by several factors such as network traffic, CPU speed and operating system configuration.
How much does the service cost?
Cobalt provides service to residents and businesses. The residential package costs $49.99/month and the business package costs $59.99/month. Please call 713-532-9000 for more information.
Why is my neighbor able to receive Cobalt service
and I am not?
In order to receive Cobalt service, you must have line of sight to one of our towers. Trees, buildings, etc. may interfere with line of sight from one home/business and not from another. In many cases, Cobalt can overcome these obstacles even when the tower is not visible with the naked eye.
Do I have to sign a contract?
A 12-month contract is required.
What's included in the monthly service charge?
Here is a short list of some of the features you will
receive in our standard Cobalt service plan:
- Unlimited high-speed Internet access
- Always on, constant Internet connection-no
busy signals
- Up to five e-mail accounts (charges apply for
additional e-mail accounts)
- Web page hosting (size varies by package)
- Fully compatible functionality with corporate VPNs, VOIP, and gaming
How do I pay for my Cobalt account?
For your convenience, Cobalt currently accepts payment through Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. For a business, Cobalt accepts corporate checks.
Is there a prepayment option?
Yes, if you prepay for one year, Cobalt will give you
a 10% discount.
Is there a fee if I cancel the service?
There is an early termination penalty equal to the sum
of all months remaining on your current contract. You
must also pay for services through the date of termination.
Does Cobalt offer a dial-up number for access when I'm
away from home?
Webmail is available at no additional charge with your
Cobalt service! Regardless of your level of service,
you can take advantage of Cobalt's Webmail for free!
Webmail is a product that allows you to check your e-mail
from any computer; home, work, or anywhere that has
any type of Internet access. Webmail also offers a calendar,
notes, to-do lists, and group scheduling, all accessible
from any computer that has Internet access.
Can I host a Web site?
One of the many features available with Cobalt's service is web page hosting. The size allowed for web page hosting varies by package. Contact us for more information.
What Web browser does Cobalt support?
Cobalt will work with any browser.
Can I get Cobalt wireless Internet access for my business?
Yes! Cobalt offers service packages for every size of business. Pricing and services vary by package. Domain name registration/hosting, web page hosting, and VPN (virtual private networking) are also available-additional charges may apply. Click here for more information about our business services.
Wireline FAQs
What is T1?
T1 is a member of the T-carrier system. T-carrier is a
communications system used for carrying voice and data
transmissions in a digital format. T1 meets the needs
of businesses having multiple users on a system requiring
fast speed and broad bandwidth. For a fixed monthly rate,
businesses can communicate via both voice and data on
this circuit.
A T1 provides a high speed, point-to-point digital transmission
line (up to 1.544 Mbps). It is widely deployed and readily
available in most regions. It is currently the most common
way that medium to large size companies connect their
LAN to the rest of the world.
A Cobalt T1 provides your business with high-speed,
dedicated access to your applications, the Internet,
or other business locations. Cobalt's T1 are also scalable
so that they can provide more bandwidth and faster access
for your business needs. Our reliable and scalable T1s
provide speeds of 1.544Mbps.
Cobalt's T1s transfer data between two points at 1.544
Mbps symmetrically, and are ideal for customers who
need high-speed connectivity to the Internet or as a
link in a virtual or real private network. A T1 connection
moves information at nearly 70 times that of a traditional
modem. They are also extremely reliable. Depending on
what they are doing, T1 lines can generally handle many
people. For general browsing, hundreds of users are
easily able to share a T1 circuit comfortably. Most
small Internet providers have a T1 (or a fractional
T1) line as their connection to the Internet. In addition,
a T1 connection is a dedicated link and unlike ISDN
and analog modem connections, a T1 connection is always
on.
Why purchase a T1 when DSL is so much cheaper?
T1 circuits are transported over a more robust channel.
DSL is designed to be a lower cost alternative to the
more traditional data communications product, such as
Frame Relay and T1's. One of the ways this lower cost
is achieved is by having DSL circuits share more of
the data transport infrastructure. With 1.54 Mbps DSL,
your data traffic shares the connection with other DSL
circuits running at slower speeds. On the other hand,
a T1 line is dedicated to transporting only T1 traffic.
Another note of importance is that an DSL line is not
only slower than a T1, but DSL is not currently available
everywhere. A T1 is much more readily available and
downtime maintenance is better and faster. This is a
must for any business that depends on the Internet to
survive!
How does a T1 work?
A T1 uses pulse code modulation and time-division multiplexing
to deliver voice and data information simultaneously.
T1 is a digital transmission service that can be divided
into 24 voice channels for carrying voice and data.
The entire 1.544 Mbps bandwidth, or any portion of this,
can be used as a single high-speed data channel. A T1
line can carry both data and voice signals on the same
line with the data part of the line continuously connected.
What type of service is a T1 line?
T1 is a dedicated high-speed digital line.
Does a T1 have more capacity than ISDN?
Yes, T1 has more than 10 times the capacity of an ISDN
connection.
Are there any special equipment requirements for
a T1?
Yes. To use a T1, an entity needs a router with a built
in T1 link and a Network Interface Card (NIC). An entity
also needs a CSU/DSU.
What is a CSU/DSU?
A T1 is made up of 24 digital channels. This requires
a digital connection device (CSU/DSU {customer switching
unit/digital switching unit}) to connect to four wires
to carry the information. All T1lines require that a Channel
Service Unit (CSU) be connected between your Data Terminal
Equipment (DTE), i.e., a personal computer, and the T1
line. A CSU serves both as a surge protector (to protect
your equipment from voltage anomalies such as lightning)
and a monitor of the line itself.
A CSU is used to connect Non Data Terminal Equipment
to a T1 line. A CSU/DSU [Channel Service Unit / Data
Service Unit] is a piece of equipment that connects
a circuit to the customer's equipment (such as a router).
It performs line encoding and conditioning functions
and often has a loopback function for testing. If your
DTE doesn't provide a "T1 Out" for a CSU,
then a combined DSU/CSU will be required. Many of these
devices include sophisticated performance monitoring
and diagnostic capabilities. For full T1 service, you
must provide a Channel Service Unit (CSU).
Does a T1 work with my existing phone wires and equipment?
Yes, but it may require special jacks and connections,
or changes to your inside wiring. Your building management
company may need to install new wire. Most office environments
are already equipped, however, with the Local Area Network
wiring required.
Is a T1 installed only on a wire?
No. A T1 can be installed on any of the following:
" Twisted-pair copper wire
" Fiber optics
" Coaxial cable
" Digital microwave
" Infrared lighting
Can I install a T1?
Due to the complexity of the technology, a T1 is usually
installed by your service provider. Cobalt in most cases
can guarantee installation time frames within 10 business
days.
I've heard a T1 referred to as DS-1. What does this
mean?
T1 lines are frequently referred to as DS-1. "DS"
stands for digital signal level, i.e., the actual speed
of each T carrier service. Each flavor of T-carrier
has a different speed. DS-1 is the entire bandwidth
of the T1 service, 1.544 Mbps. DS-0 refers to the speed
of each of the 24 channels of the T1 service, i.e.,
64 Kbps.
Can I lease a portion of aT1?
Yes. If your business doesn't require a full 1.544 megabit
connection, then you can opt for a portion of T1. This
is called a fractional T1. You can get a fractional
T1 and then flexibly grow to the full 1.544Mbps as your
network expands or as your needs change.
What can I do with a T1?
T1 lines are high-capacity lines used to carry voice
and data, and access the Internet. These lines are also
used to connect individual networks to the Internet.
T1 circuits are frequently used to link remote Local
Area Networks (LANs). Also, a T1 can be used to bring
Centrex service to your business.
Centrex is a central office-based service provided
by a local service provider. Centrex, brought to you
by a T1, can route and switch your calls. It can give
you PBX-like enhanced services such as conference calling,
call forwarding, caller ID, and other vertical features.
Using Centrex, you can save money since you don't need
phone operators, administrators, and other resources
needed to manage your phone lines. Another plus is that
you do not need to use on-site switching equipment.
With Centrex, some of the automated features that you
can get include Direct Inward Dialing, Direct Outward
Dialing and Automatic Identification of dialed calls.
Can I use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) with a T1?
Yes. In conjunction with the proper software, FTP will
allow your computers that are connected to the Internet
to exchange files regardless of the computer platform.
This will increase efficiency for your business.
Can I run my own servers?
Yes. You can run your own Domain Name System (DNS),
mail, or web servers.
What are some features of a T1?
Fast Internet access, very high bandwidth and speed,
reliability, "always on" service and increased
security make it highly desirable for many businesses.
What are some benefits of a T1?
A T1 is a cost effective solution for many small to
medium sized businesses and has many benefits including
the following:
" It's efficient, very fast, and cost-effective
for your growing business
" The connection is always on!
" Multiple users can talk on the phone and use
the Internet simultaneously on one circuit!
" Multi-users can download files at a speed that
will achieve all your business objectives!
" You can host your own services (such as an Email,
File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or Web server)
Is a T1 more expensive than a standard telephone
line?
Yes. A T1 is a premium service. It is an extremely high-quality,
state-of-the-art communications service. This increased
expense will be offset by the increased productivity
you'll experience, as well as the potential savings
from not having to pay for Internet connectivity and
business telephone lines.
How much does a T1 cost?
A T1 is a very fast (10 times faster than ISDN and over
100 times faster than 56K dial-up) leased service
and this may come at a premium, but it provides a cost-effective
solution for many businesses. Setup and installation
will probably be your biggest out-of-pocket expenditure.
A T1 is an excellent solution for companies.
What if I want to know more?
A. Just call Cobalt at 713-532-9000. We'll be happy
to answer any questions you have about our efficient,
cost-effective ways to communicate with your customers!
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