FAQ
Quick Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Cellular
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How long does it take to port a number?
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Will I have a local number?
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Can I keep my current cell phone number?
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What towers will I be using?
Internet
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Why do I get Spam or Junk E-mail?
E-mail addresses posted on the Internet in some way, like an ad on Craigslist, attract the most spam. Some spam is generated through attacks on mail servers, methods that don't rely on the collection of e-mail addresses at all.
In "brute force" attacks and "dictionary" attacks, spam programs send spam to every possible combination of letters at a domain, or to common names and words. While these attacks can be blocked, some spam is likely to get through. It is often difficult or impossible to tell how a spammer acquired a user's e-mail address. For more information on how to stay safe online visit Stay Safe On Line. I’m new to the Internet and technology.
How do I learn about Internet safety? For more information on how to stay safe online visit Stay Safe On Line.
There is a wealth of information there. Also, ask friends and family members who can help.
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How can I check my Internet Speed?
Use the Speed Test link in the sidebar menu in the Internet section or Check your Internet speed. It will tell you what speed your device is running at.
If your device is connected using Wi-Fi it will be slower than a hard-wired device. Also, the further you are away from the wireless router the speed will be lower.
The number of devices connected will also slow down the connecting speed.
The best speed test would be a hard-wired device where you will get the full speed you signed up for unless the computer has issues.
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What is VoIP service that I’ve heard so much about? Is it available here? Will it allow me to make phone calls from my computer? Do I need High Speed Internet or other broadband connection to use it?
VoIP service refers to “Voice over Internet Protocol,” which in a general sense means using Internet technology (protocol) to transmit and deliver voice communications. Rather than using the traditional “circuit-switched” (two-way) analog telephone network, VoIP “digitizes” the voice signal into information “packets” that are sent over the Internet or computer network, like data or e-mail. The packets are reassembled at the other end of the connection to produce the voice signal. VoIP is one of the individual components of a larger, more wide-ranging concept of “IP-enabled services” that have developed as an offshoot of the Internet and its technology.
As most Americans are well aware, the growth of the Internet has generated intense interest and popularity in individual access to a boundless sea of web sites. In turn, the availability of broadband (high-speed) network facilities has fed the growth of additional web-based applications and services, including video. In addition to its data/web surfing applications, IP network technology also is able to transmit voice signals – by breaking them down into information packets just like data (e-mail).
Until recently, however, IP network-delivered voice service has been constrained by very poor quality and limited reliability. Recent advancements in IP technology have improved the quality of digitized voice service, and IP networks are becoming more and more capable of carrying voice communications on a par with the traditional network. In fact, VoIP services are increasingly being used to carry long-distance traffic, as well as to meet many business-related applications.
Currently, most VoIP service is what’s known as “peer-to-peer,” which means computer to computer; i.e., both parties must have the same type of IP software and both must be logged on at the same time.
Also becoming more widely available are computer-to-phone and phone-to-phone VoIP applications. From a technical starting point, users must have a broadband connection (High Speed Internet, cable modem, or other) to take advantage of VoIP and other IP-enabled services, so policymakers hope that the benefits of “Internet voice” and other such services will increase American consumers’ acceptance of high-speed, broadband service – and its cost – and, thus, hasten broadband deployment across all segments of the economy, rural and urban.
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Why is security important on my computer?
If you store any data that you would not like publicly broadcast to the world it is in your interest to provide a level of security which protects that information.
With recent epidemics of viruses, trojans, and worms, it has become increasingly important to keep your computer protected.
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Do I need to use Windows Update?
Yes, it is important. Every operating system needs to be maintained and updated on a regular basis to ensure its functionality and security.
The Microsoft Windows Update site provides critical updates, security fixes, software downloads, and device drivers for your Windows-based computer.
When you use Windows Update, your computer is analyzed to determine your current setup. You are then given a list of possible updates for your computer.
Use Windows Update at least once a month to keep your Windows computer current.
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Do I need the Internet to have VoIP Service?
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What is Spam?
Telephone
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What is a PIC Freeze?
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What is slamming?
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What is the Federal Universal Service Charge on my long-distance bill? Do all long-distance companies charge the same fee?
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Are there alternatives to the national long-distance companies?
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How do I sign up for the Do-Not-Call list that prevents telemarketers and others solicitors from calling me at home?
In response to consumer concerns about unwelcome telemarketing calls, the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission established the national Do-Not-Call Registry.
The registry applies to all telemarketers (with the exception of certain non-profit and political organizations) and covers both interstate and intrastate telemarketing calls.
Commercial telemarketers are not allowed to call you if your number is listed on the registry.
You can register your phone number for free, and it will remain on the national Do-Not-Call Registry. You may remove your name from the list at any time.
The Do-Not-Call Registry will not prevent all unwanted calls.
- Calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship;
- Calls for which you have given prior written consent;
- Calls which are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements;
- Calls by or on behalf of tax-exempt non-profit organizations.
- Consumers may register their residential telephone number, including wireless numbers, on the national Do-Not-Call Registry at no cost by telephone or on the Internet.
To register by telephone, you should call 1–888–382–1222. For TTY, call 1–866–290–4236.
You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You may also register by Internet at www.donotcall.gov. Inclusion of your telephone number on the national Do-Not-Call Registry will be effective three months following your registration.
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Can I get one bill for my local and long-distance charges?
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How are PIC freeze orders accepted?
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I still get telemarketing calls! Are there any other options to stop telemarketers from calling me at home?
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How does being a member of a cooperative benefit me?
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How do I opt-out of receiving phone books?
TV
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I just purchased a new TV--How do I program the remote to work with it?
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How do I get service on an old TV?
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Is it possible to get free HD?
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How many programs can I record at once on my Cloud DVR?
You can record 12 shows at one time.
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What is the maximum number of TVs I can connect?
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Do I need a set-top box for each TV?