• Other issue questions 
    -- Why would I host my web site with Compton?
    -- Will I get value from PowerGATE at the monthly fee currently charged?
    -- Why can't I get the service in my area?

What is PowerGATE?

PowerGATE is Compton Communications' High-Speed Internet access service.

The service delivers the full power of the Internet to your computer using a cable wire instead of a phone line.  With Compton's service you get the Internet at speeds up to 350 times faster than a 28.8k modem.  No dialing in, no busy signals, no unexpected disconnects, absolutely no hassles. Turn your computer on and you're surfing. 

How fast is the network?

Incomparably fast. PowerGATE provides speeds up to 350 times faster than a standard telephone modem.  Broadband cable technology is able to carry much more information much faster and much quicker than dialup telephone modems. For example a 3.5 MB file takes more than 16 minutes to download using a typical dial up connection, at best 30 seconds on a DSL line, compared to as little as about 10 seconds on PowerGATE.  The speed is largely only limited by what the Internet is capable of delivering at any given time.  Slowdowns within the Compton network are virtually unheard of.

What makes it so fast?

PowerGATE is so fast because we take advantage of the high bandwidth capabilities of our cable TV lines. These lines are coupled with Compton's superior network architecture and produce a performance-engineered, scaleable network.

What are the basic features?

High Speed Internet access via cable to deliver a much richer online experience than dial up.

Constant connectivity; no dial up, no log in, no busy signals.

PowerGATE does not tie up your phone line.

What hardware and software are included?

A network card (if necessary) and free rental of  a cable modem are included.  Compton will retain ownership of the cable modem, which must be returned in case of cancellation of service.

Are there installation or setup fees?

Yes.  Our technician installation is $29.95 (compare to $99 for our competitors).  There are no setup fees.

What are the system requirements?

PowerGATE currently supports  Windows XP, 2000, Windows NT 4.0, and Mac 0S 8.1 or higher.   Windows 95/98/Me may also be usable, but are no longer supported by Microsoft.  As such, our ability to support users with those operating systems may be limited.  Accordingly, we recommend that you upgrade if you're using any of these versions of Windows.

The following table outlines the system requirements:

 MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

 For high-speed Cable modem service you must meet the following MINIMUM system requirements: (Subject to change from time to time) 

Configuration Required

Windows NT4/2000/XP  

Linux 2.x

Mac OS 8.0 or higher w/Open Transport

CPU

Pentium II 400

Pentium II 400

Power PC

System Ram

128 MB 

32 MB

32 MB*

Disk Space

125 MB for Internet Explorer and Outlook Express install

Enough room for your preferred internet software

approx. 75 MB for Netscape and related software

Sound Card

16 Bit

16 Bit

Built-in

Video/ Resolution

SVGA 800 x 600

SVGA 800 x 600

Built-in Colour 800 x 600

Available Slot

Built-in Ethernet/PCI/PCMCIA/USB(only on XP/2000)

Built-in Ethernet/ISA/ PCI/PCMCIA

Built-in Ethernet/ Nubus/PCI

CD-ROM

Required

Required

Required

 *For Mac OS 8.0 or higher an additional 20 MB (Virtual Memory) is required.

We do recommend the following system requirements for optimum performance:

Configuration Recommended

Win 2000/XP or Linux 2.4

Mac OS 8.0 or higher

CPU

Pentium III 800

G3

Memory/System Ram

512 MB

64 MB + 20MB Virtual Memory

How do I find out information about my system?

If you are unsure about your computer system specifications, you can easily find out using the following guides: Get information about my PC, or get information about my MAC. 

Windows 95, 98, ME, XP - Control Panel - System - etc.

NT - Diagnostics 

Can a laptop be used?

Yes, provided it meets the minimum configuration requirements.

Software Questions: 

What TCP/IP programs can be used?

Any standard TCP/IP software will work with the PowerGATE network.  Appropriate configuration parameters will be made available. 

What web browsers can be used?

Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer, as well as any other browser such as Mozilla, Opera, etc.  We currently recommend Mozilla Firefox as the browser to use. 

Can I retrieve mail from other servers?

You can retrieve mail from a different mail server by setting up another account in your Mail Preferences.

How large of an e-mail can I receive?

You can send and receive e-mails up to 10 Megabytes in size.

Network Questions:

Can I watch TV and be on the Internet at the same time?

Yes! You can surf the Net, watch TV and talk on the phone, all at the same time. 

If I don't subscribe to Compton's cable TV service can I still get Internet service?

Yes!  However, there is an additional charge of $5.00 per month if you are not a cable TV subscriber. 

Can I connect to PowerGATE using more than one computer?

The service allows multiple computers to be simultaneously connected to the Internet through PowerGATE. The multiple computer access feature is an add-on advantage to the basic service which eliminates the need for multiple cable modems and/or complex networking solutions. The cost for this is an additional charge of $10.00 per month for each additional computer. (Customer must supply hub and inside the home wiring.)  Customers can, if desired, purchase their own router to split the connection between multiple computers.  However, Compton will not support any problems you may have with your router.

Will new cable be installed in my neighbourhood?

No, Compton uses existing cable lines. 

I want the Internet service and I already have a cable outlet. Is it still necessary to install another line in my home?

Yes, you will need a second cable outlet. The cable connection to a cable modem is a dedicated outlet wired from the existing line to your house to the modem. The outlet has been carefully tested by the Compton cable technician to ensure it is bi-directional and for any possible problems that would interfere with your Internet service but would never affect your normal television reception.  The technician will also install special filters to prevent noise from the television from affecting your Internet connection. 

How can I get cable from the TV in my living room to the PC in my bedroom?

Since both data and television signals travel on the same physical cable, you require a cable splitter with a special filter, to provide multiple connections. To avoid the potential of introducing noise to the system, a Compton cable technician will do the installation of the cable outlet to the second location. If you've already installed splitters or cabling our technician will perform quality assurance tests to make sure it is operational. 

How does the cable modem connect to my computer?

The cable modem is an external device that connects to your computer's Ethernet port or via USB. 

Will I be able to run servers from my home?

Residential customers are not allowed to run servers on their accounts.

What does DOCSIS mean?

DOCSIS - Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification - meaning - is the standard which ensures that your cable modem can be used in various cable providers' networks. It means that the modem is fully interchangeable. Previously, cable modems were proprietary to each cable provider's network. 

Will I be able to access the Internet from my laptop when I am away from home?

We do not currently offer dialup access for users to access the net while away from home.  You can access your e-mail while on the road at webmail.powergate.ca.

Network Architecture & Security Issue Questions: 

Are there privacy issues involved with hooking up to the service?

Certain networking options under the Macintosh or Windows operating systems or third party network software such as Netware or LAN Manager may present privacy issues you need to consider. One such example is file and print sharing capability which, when enabled, is intended to allow two or more computers in a member's home to share files and printers. Such capabilities must be disabled before connecting to the PowerGATE network to ensure that other members, or anyone else on the Internet, cannot gain access to your files and folders.  Privacy issues are not the exclusive domain of cable Internet connections.  No matter what ISP you use, if your computer is not configured correctly, you are at risk from hostile Internet users.  We strongly recommend that you employ firewall software, such as ZoneAlarm.

Will speed suffer as the service membership increases?

No. Compton's network is built for data and is fully scalable.  Accordingly,  we add extra capacity as more members join.

Other issue questions:

Why would I host my web site with Compton?

We have an optical, fibre-based link to the internet. 

Our servers are fully power conditioned, with battery backups for short power outages and diesel generators for longer outages. If the power is out for more then 1 hour, your web site will still be up and open for business. If you host it yourself, you will likely be down. 

Compton employ professional system managers to watch your site. We take care of equipment obsolescence. If you are hosting the site yourself, you must always upgrade your equipment to ensure you are getting the best possible performance. 

Our hub site is protected with security systems and alarms, to protect your site from service outages. 

We allow you to fully manage your site from a remote location, you don’t need to have a machine at your place of business to give you the convenience. 

Will I get value from PowerGATE at the monthly fee currently charged?

Compton's PowerGATE service is cheaper or comparable to our closest competitor, Sympatico HSE, while we offer higher speeds and superior customer service. 

This is a premium service and it costs more to deliver it to our customers than a dialup account from your local ISP would. Our price reflects our costs to deliver the service. 

Time is money. With speeds up to 350 times faster than a regular dial up account, if you value your time it will pay for itself quickly. 

If you have kids at home who use the Internet a lot, this service means you don’t need another phone line. If you already have another phone line because of the Internet, you can actually save money by canceling it. 

If you place any value on getting phone calls when they come in, this service means you always get your calls.

The Internet is now becoming more rich in content that requires high speed.  Our current maximum speed on our flagship Residential package is capped at 7,500 kilobits per second, compared to 7,000 kilobits per second offered by Sympatico HSE.  It's important to note that though Sympatico claims 7,000 kilobits (7 Mbps) their service is extremely distance sensitive, and network overhead means it's impossible for you to actually get 7 Mbps.

Why can't I get the service in my area?

Virtually all of our serviced area is able to subscribe to PowerGATE.  If we do not currently have cable plant built to your area, we cannot offer PowerGATE to you.  However, contact us and express your interest, as we look at building to additional customers on a case-by-case basis.

 


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