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Unlike the dial-up connections required for analog modems, your DSL connection can be turned on almost instantly. Since DSL is always available, there are no more busy signals and no more waiting for the connection to happen - it's there at the click of your mouse.

Am I eligible?
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To determine if you are eligible for DSL service from URDirect call 210-692-9911 or email sales@urdirect.net. We will need to obtain the following information:

Name
Address
Telephone number (you wish to have DSL installed on)
Work number
Home number
Computer operating system

FAQ:

What is DSL?
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DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL technology utilizes higher frequencies on standard copper telephone wires to transmit data at speeds up to 7.5Mbps (Megabits per second). This is the same wire that is already installed in hundreds of millions of homes and businesses throughout the world. DSL is an "always-on" service, thus eliminating the need to dial an external phone number for connectivity. In many cases DSL solves the bottleneck problems often associated with what is commonly referred to as the "last mile"- the link between the end-user and their network service provider. Before DSL became available, this link was achieved by using dial-up analog modems with speeds ranging up to 56 Kbps, and other less cost-effective options. The generic term for the family of DSL service is xDSL, where the (x) is a placeholder for the letter used for specific speed of DSL. Each DSL speed provides different data communication speed capabilities and limitations. Exact DSL service performance is based on the following factors:

1. The distance between a user's premises and the local telephone company's central office.
2. The DSL equipment used at both ends of the connection.
3. The management of the network of the ISP you choose.

I want to order this service. What do I do?
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To order DSL service from URDirect call 210-692-9911. Our representative will explain the product features and benefits to you. If it is determined that the service is available in your area, we will then verify the distance and quality of your line. This process may take up to one business day. Upon completion, we will call you to explain the results of the line testing. If the line test reveals you qualify for the DSL service, we will begin setting up your account for DSL services and handle everything for you.

Will all customers qualify for DSL service?
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No. In addition to having DSL available in their central office, customers must be less than 17,500 feet or three miles from their central office to qualify for DSL service. Approximately 60 - 65% of customers out of each central office will qualify for the service. Eventually, the evolution of network technology will allow us to reach the small percentage of customers who are on the most distant ends of our local networks.

Do I need a new modem?
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Yes, current analog modems are not compatible with DSL and you will need a new modem.
What other equipment will I need?
The three basic things you need to begin using DSL are : A DSL modem, an Ethernet Card for your PC to connect to the DSL modem and a splitter to split the voice and data portions of the line.

I have prepaid a 6 month account with Urdirect already, can I get the unused balance applied to my DSL service if I switch?
Yes. It will be handled automatically in our system once your DSL services goes active.

Are DSL speeds guaranteed?
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URDirect will make every attempt to connect the customer's service at the optioned speed. It is important to note that DSL service is provided with a best-effort (Unspecified Bit Rate) Quality of Service on Southwestern Bell's ATM backbone, and as such, Bell does not guarantee a specific constant throughout. It must also be noted that line speed depends on the quality of your copper pair and the length of that copper pair. The cutoff length for the copper pair is 17,500 feet. If your home is further that 17,500 feet from your central office then DSL will likely not be available to you. When we check for availability of ADSL for you, Southwestern Bell will qualify your line to make certain that DSL will work for you. Actual output to Internet sites may also be impacted by conditions on the Internet backbone which are out of the control of Online Computers

Can I talk on the phone while connected to my DSL line?
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Yes. One of the most appealing features of DSL is your ability to use the same POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) line to speak and surf simultaneously. A passive splitter also known as a low-pass/high-pass filter, which separates the POTS and DSL signals onto different wire pairs facilitates this function. The customer premise splitter allows two wires to activate phone jacks and the other two to activate data jacks. The splitter at the central office provides separate POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) and DSL signals, which go to the PSTN (Public Service Telephone Network) and the DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Loop Access Multiplexer), respectively. Both splitters must be present and compatible to allow for simultaneous voice and data transmission. To ensure customers have this functionality the DSL Modem, which will be provided to customers, comes with a splitter compatible with our Network.

How does DSL compare to cable modems?
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Cable modems promise to support transfer speeds of up to 10 Mbps, which is a significant advantage over DSL as well as T1 and ISDN. While this speed is possible, it is unlikely, because of the way cable networks are structured. Cable network users share a semi-LAN connection to the Internet with other members of their neighborhood. Thus transfer speeds will be decreased as the amount of users online increase.

What kind of equipment will I need?
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There are basically three things you need to begin using DSL. A DSL modem, an Ethernet Card for your PC to connect to the DSL modem and a splitter to split the voice and data portions of the line. URDirect offers a setup kit which includes all of the above for $199.00. If you already have an Ethernet card, there will, unfortunately, be no discount.

What kind of router will I need for the Business Service?
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URDirect purchases DSL routers from ASI, a supplier and subsidiary of Southwestern Bell. While we recognize that there are many brands of routers on the market which claim to be compatible with Southwestern Bell's technology, we have not had an opportunity to test them.