Q: What is wireless Internet and how does it work?

A: It is a high-speed (Broadband) Internet access medium. Wireless Internet uses radio signals to transmit Internet service to subscribers' computers at speeds that far exceed those provided by traditional telephone line-based Internet services.  A small antennae is placed on the client's building that has a line of sight to one of the CIS towers. That antennae provides the link between your computer or network and the Internet.

Q: What is the difference between dial-up and wireless?

A: Speed and cost. With dial-up Internet service, the speed is 56 kbps (kilobits per second) and it ties up a telephone line. According to the plan selected from CIS, wireless Internet allow speeds anywhere from 128 kbps up to 256 kbps and higher.

Q: Which is better and why?

A: Wireless is more cost effective because users are able to get their e-mail faster, receive files faster, and send files faster. It's always on, and again, it does not tie up one of your phone lines.

Q: Are wireless towers the same as cell phone towers?

A: No, they are on a completely different frequency band and their power output in watts is much greater than the CIS wireless towers.

Q: What type of equipment do I need in order to sign up for CIS services?

A: Users need a computer with an Ethernet card. An Ethernet card is a network card that is in the computer. Most businesses have a network to link their computers already established. The Ethernet card allows one computer to talk to the radio modem, or if on a network, allows it to talk with other computers within the company.

Q: Can we eliminate any equipment we currently use?

A: If you have a second phone for Internet, it is no longer required for wireless.

Q: What type of equipment is used by CIS and where is it installed?

A: We use a small antennae that is 10 by 10 by 6 inches. It is installed anywhere on your building where there is a clear line of sight to any of CIS's towers. A small wire is run from that to either your computer or wherever your network is installed.

Q: Is the equipment leased, or may we buy it?

A: The equipment is owned and maintained by CIS and is included in the monthly cost of the service .

Q: How long does installation take?

A: That depends on the building itself, but anywhere between 60 minutes and three hours. If it is necessary to run wire from one side of a larger building to the opposite side, for example, installation will take longer. Most of the installation time is spent on running wire.

Q: How is CIS going to save me time and money?

A: Users will save money by not having to pay for a second telephone line, and productivity will be increased due to the high speeds available through wireless Internet. Because wireless Internet does not rely on telephone lines or cable, it is on 24/7. The only time it would be off is in the event of a natural disaster or other significant emergency.

Q: If I'm within range of a CIS tower, can I use my mobile laptop computer?

A: Not at this time. However, "Hot Spot" services as described in the question are currently in the development stages and should be available in the near future.

Q: Do you have technical support services available?

A: Yes, CIS clients have support services available throughout the day.

Q: What other services does CIS offer?

A: Web hosting, which means your Web site can be hosted on the CIS server. We also offer general computer services.

Q: Who do I call for more information?

A: Call CIS at (712) 441-0423