Tell Me About Wireless Broadband  

Q: What are the capabilities of Wireless Broadband?
A: Wireless Broadband allows you to search the Web and download large files up to 50 times faster than a 28.8K “dial-up” modem. All the activities you perform on the Internet can be done much faster.

Q: Can I use my telephone or fax machine when I'm online?
A: Yes. Broadband wireless does not use your phone lines.

Q: Will I be able to use the Internet if the Broadband Wireless connection goes down?
A: You will still be able to access the Internet by using your current access method (dial-up, ADSL, cable, etc.)

Q: Why did America Connect perform the recent Wireless Internet trial?
A: America Connect was working under a grant provided by the Rural Internet Access Authority to determine the interest in and viability of Internet access in rural parts of North Carolina. Due to expensive infrastructure costs, Broadband services are not widely available in many rural parts of the state. Advances in wireless technology make Broadband connectivity much less expensive.

Security Concerns

Q: Is Wireless Broadband secure?
A: No Internet connection is 100% secure, but America Connect uses the most advanced technology to make your Internet connection as secure as possible. Each transmission is encoded and includes the unique ID number of the modem unit you are using. Only when your modem unit number matches the number in the encoded transmission can the transmission be decoded.

Q: Will Wireless Broadband interfere with my satellite TV, cell phone or cordless phone?
A: No. The Wireless Broadband uses a different radio spectrum than these other devices. Some of the equipment used in this trial used a radio spectrum adjacent to the DARs band currently utilized by XM Satellite Radio system and Sirus Satellite Radio. Because of this, there was the possibility that the service could have interfered with those services. During the recent trials, no interference issues were reported.

Q: Will weather interfere with Wireless Broadband services?
A: The equipment used in most the Wireless Broadband networks is remarkably reliable in poor weather conditions. HOWEVER, lightning can cause interference. It is suggested that all electronic equipment be turned off and unplugged during an electrical storm.

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Service Overview

Q: Is America Connect Broadband Wireless commercially available?
A: No. America Connect has been operating a trial of new technology covering a relatively small geographic region. The Wireless Broadband service is not generally available to the public.

Q: Are roof mounted antenna's required to use the Broadband Wireless services?
A: No. This is a test of new wireless technology that is called non-line-of-site (NLOS). The wireless modem connected to your computer contains multiple beam forming and arrayed antennas designed to collect and amplify signals that penetrate walls and windows. For Participants who are too far from a base station for the basic modem, we will provide auxiliary equipment that usually mounts to the side of the structure.

Q: Are there situations where a Wireless Broadband service would not work or be available to me?
A: There are various reasons why service may not be available, including:

•  As the distance from the base station increases, the signal strength decreases. We will be testing as far as 5-8 miles radius to determine signal strength.

•  Types of building structures and materials may prevent penetration of the signal.

•  Location within a structure either helps or impedes reception. Connecting the wireless modem to a PC in a room with windows and/or on a higher floor has a better chance of receiving the service than a connection in an interior room or basement.

Q: Where are the base stations located?
A: Towers and structures within the community.

Q: Will the wireless modem work on more than one PC or with a home network?
A: The modem itself can only be connected to a single device. However, the modem can be connected to almost any cable/dsl router to support multiple PC's or a home network.

Q: Will I be able to get America Connect Wireless Broadband service in the future?
A: This most recent service offering was provided under an equipment and market trial in connection with an RIAA grant. America Connect will evaluate the results of the trial to determine if the technology meets our quality and performance standards. After the trial period has ended a commercial decision will be made.

Q: When will the trial end?
A: The most recent trial was completed in June 2006.

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Other Questions/Concerns

Q: What household/personal devices may be affected by this technology?
A: Wireless Broadband operates using radio frequencies. The technology involved is very new and not all interference issues are known at this time. Participants with hearings aids and/or pacemakers should consult with a physician before using a Wireless Broadband service.

Q: Will Wireless Broadband services be compatible with Voice Over IP services?
A: Yes. However, the quality of the voice will depend on many factors, including signal strength, radio interference, and current conditions on your local network or the Internet.

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