FAQ
Technical Requirements
Questions specific to the technical requirements for successfully installing and operating Dynamic Broadband service.
- What are the minimum system requirements for Dynamic Broadband service?
- Does Dynamic Broadband use my current phone line?
- If I get connected through Dynamic Broadband do I need a separate ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
- What hardware is included with Dynamic Broadband service?
- Do I have to put an ugly satellite dish on my roof?
- Can I hook up more than one computer to Dynamic Broadband service?
- Can I host a server?
- Can I use any TCP/IP stack with Dynamic Broadband service?
- If I sign up for Dynamic Broadband, can I still keep my other ISP e-mail address?
General Product Information
Questions about the availability, price, speed and features of Dynamic Broadband service.
- What is Dynamic Broadband service?
- How fast is Dynamic Broadband service?
- How can broadband wireless internet be the same price as dial-up?
- Why is my neighbor able to receive Dynamic Broadband service and I am not?
- Do I have to sign a contract?
- What's included in the monthly service charge?
- How do I pay for my Dynamic Broadband account?
- Is there a prepayment option?
- Is there a fee if I cancel the service?
- Does Dynamic Broadband offer a dial-up number for access when I am away from home?
- Can I have more than one e-mail address?
- Does Dynamic Broadband have an e-mail box size limit?
- Can I host a Web site?
- What Web browser does Dynamic Broadband support?
- Can I get Dynamic Broadband for my business?
- What DNS servers Should I use?
- Why did technical support have me change my DNS servers?
What are the minimum system requirements for Dynamic Broadband?
The minimum system requirements for Dynamic Broadband are:
- Operating System: Windows 95, 98, NT and later, Mac: OS 8.5 or greater
- CPU speed: PI 100 or better. Mac: Power PC
- Memory/RAM: 32 MB. Mac: 32 MB
- 10 Base T network Card
- Ability to run Microsoft Internet Explorer/Outlook Express or Netscape Navigator
Does Dynamic Broadband use my current phone line?
No. Dynamic Broadband will never tie up your phone line. With Dynamic Broadband you can talk on the phone and surf the Internet at the same time.
If I get connected through Dynamic Broadband do I need a separate ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
No. Dynamic Broadband 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 the Dynamic Broadband service?
Dynamic Broadband will help you get all the hardware you need to get up and running. This includes a subscriber unit antenna, all of the equipment to connect it to your computer, and all of the mounting equipment. Other items, such as hubs, Ethernet cards, and firewalls are available for an additional charge.
Do I have to put an ugly satellite dish on myroof?
No, our technology uses a small flat panel antenna. Click here to view a typical installation.
Can I hook up more than one computer to Dynamic Broadband service?
Yes. You can have multiple computers connected with any Dynamic Broadband package. There is no additional monthly service charge for multiple computers; however a router will be needed to hook up multiple computers. Our firewall/NAT router can be purchased for a one-time charge of $157.50.
Yes. Additional charges apply—please call us for details.
Can I use any TCP/IP stack with the Dynamic Broadband service?
Yes. Dynamic Broadband will support only the IP information provided by Dynamic Broadband on the following operating systems:
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows ME
- Windows NT with Service Pack 4 or Higher
- Windows 2000
- Macintosh OS 8.5 with Open Transport version 1.1 or greater
- Linux
If I sign up for Dynamic Broadband, can I still keep my other ISP e-mail address?
As a Dynamic Broadband customer, you'll get as many e-mail addresses as you want for you and other members of your business/household. And, as long as you are still a customer with your other ISP as well, you can keep your other ISP e-mail addresses.
What is the Dynamic Broadband service?
Dynamic Broadband provides broadband wireless internet access in the upper Midwest. With Dynamic Broadband, you get Internet speeds many times faster than a typical dial-up connection for both downloads AND uploads. But, speed isn't the only advantage. Our wireless internet connection is always on so you'll never have to connect to or disconnect from the Internet again. Whenever your computer is on, you're connected--no phone line required! Imagine no dialing in, no busy signals, no unexpected disconnects, and no charge for a second phone line--absolutely no hassles! This is the Internet service you've always wanted!
How fast is Dynamic Broadband service?
Dynamic Broadband has speeds up to 100 times faster than a typical dial-up connection for both downloads and uploads. Speeds vary by town and are also affected by several factors such as network traffic, CPU speed and operating system configuration.
How can broadband wireless internet be the same price as dial-up?
If you're like most people, you are probably paying between $10 and $30 per month for your current Internet service. Many of you also want to be able to surf the ‘net and talk on the phone at the same time, therefore you have a second phone line. Depending on your service provider, you'll pay an additional $15 to $30 per month for a second phone line. Those of you with slow, often busy, dial-up service are sometimes paying as much as $60 per month for your inferior service. Dynamic Broadband is for you!
Why is my neighbor able to receive Dynamic Broadband service and I am not?
In order to receive Dynamic Broadband service, you must have adequate signal from one of Dynamic Broadband's towers. Trees, buildings, etc. may interfere with this signal from one home/business and not from another.
Our standard contract is 12 months.
What's included in the monthly service charge?
Here is a short list of just some of the features you get with Dynamic Broadband product:
- Unlimited high-speed Internet access
- Always on, constant Internet connection—no busy signals
- Unlimited e-mail accounts
- Web page hosting (size varies by package)
- Customer Support 24 hours a day, seven days a week
How do I pay for my Dynamic Broadband account?
For your convenience, Dynamic Broadband currently accepts payment through Visa, MasterCard or Automated Bank Draft (ACH). Business accounts also have the option of receiving a monthly mailed invoice
Yes. You can pay for one year of Dynamic Broadband service in advance and receive one month of Dynamic Broadband service free!
Is there a fee if I cancel the service?
There is an early termination penalty-see Terms of Service for details. You must also pay for services through the date of termination. The standard disconnect fee of $75 applies to all cancelled accounts
Does Dynamic Broadband offer a dial-up number for access when I'm away from home?
Webmail is available at no additional charge with your Dynamic Broadband service! Regardless of your level of service, ou can take advantage of Dynamic Broadband'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.
Can I have more than one e-mail address?
You may have an unlimited number of e-mail addresses as part of the monthly fee.
Does Dynamic Broadband have an e-mail box size limit?
Yes, 20 Mb. We recommend using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) for businesses transferring many large files.
One of the many features available with Dynamic Broadband service is web page hosting. The size allowed for web page hosting varies by package. You can use text, along with graphics, sound, and animation.
What Web browser does Dynamic Broadband support?
Dynamic Broadband will work with any browser; however, we will provide and support Internet Explorer.
Can I get Dynamic Broadband for my business?
Yes! While Dynamic Broadband also offers residential service, it was initially created for the business user. Dynamic Broadband 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.
What DNS servers should I use?
We have four DNS servers.
- Cedar Rapid: 216.203.115.234
- Marshalltown: 216.203.122.200
- Sioux City: 216.203.105.226
- Waterloo: 216.203.112.122
Use the two closest DNS servers to your location.
Why did technical support have me change my DNS servers?
The IP address block 209.152.108.x is being leased to Dynamic Broadband. The lease is running out, and the lessor is requesting we give the block back. We do not know when we are going to give these back yet, but we know that day is coming so in preparation we have assigned new DNS addresses to our servers and are asking people to start switching to the new address.