Q: What is ISDN?

A: ISDN is a digital phone line service which requires a special phone line and a special type of modem, but which generally eliminates all phone line quality issues and allows connections at 64k per active line. ISDN is an acronym for Integrated Services Digital Network

Q: How much do you charge for ISDN access?

A: We have two ISDN plans, one that is time limited at 300 channel hours (300 hours at 64k, 150 hours at 128k, or a mix of the two), and the other (which is more expensive) that is unlimited. Please call for more details.

Q: Why do I get charged at twice the hourly rate if I use both channels (128k)?

A: Because when you use two channels you are using two of Valley Internet's ISDN lines. This essentially means you are using the 'space' of two people.

Q: Why have a limit on ISDN at all?

A: ISDN connections require us to use more expensive hardware. Also, the average analog connection is using around 33k of bandwidth . A single ISDN connection is 64k, more than twice the bandwidth. Finally, many ISDN users are 'power users' that would stay on 24/7 if possible.

Q: How do get an ISDN line?

A: Contact your local phone company. All BellSouth customers in the Lincoln and Marshall County areas should be able to get ISDN service.

Q: How much more will it cost?

A: Not much. The charge for the standard residential ISDN service (2 'lines') is approximately $40.00 a month. For businesses the cost would be approximately $130.00 a month.

Q: Can I use normal phones and accessories with an ISDN line?

A: Not directly no. Most (but not all) ISDN modems have what are referred to as POTS ports. POTS means Plain Old Telephone System. You can plug phones, analog modems, fax machines, answering machines, etc.. into a POTS port and they will function normally.

Q: Should I replace my normal phone line with ISDN or add the ISDN lines?

A: Generally I'd say add the ISDN if you can afford it. ISDN has some drawbacks when used for general communications, the primary being that ISDN lines require power from your house in order for your POTS devices to work. If your power goes out, phones plugged into your ISDN modem will not work unless you have some sort of backup power supply.