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Merge now offers Broadband, Highspeed Internet
What is it?
Merge Broadband is full on, up to 5 megabit per second, highspeed internet. Web sites load in seconds, files download as fast as the internet can serve them up, email - including those photos from relatives - comes in up to 50 times faster then on dial up service. Our customers have been looking for a faster solution, we've been looking for one that we can roll out to you at a reasonable price. This is it. We feel that this is the best highspeed package for the price, in the region.
Does it tie up my phone?
No. While DSL service is through the phone line, just like the dial up service, it uses a frequency range outside the range used by voice calls. So DSL service can be "always on" without interfering with your ability to make or receive phone calls. The only thing you need is an inline filter for the telephones or other devices in the house, that connect to the phone line. Merge provides 2 filters free of charge, extra ones are available for $5.00 each. These are the same filters - probably better quality ones - that some retailers are selling for up to $16.00.
Do I need any special hardware?
To receive DSL service, you need to have a network (ethernet) card in your computer. You need a DSL modem. And you need inline filters for each phone. Merge has network cards available for $19.95 (plus gst & pst), and we can install them for you. The modems are available to rent for $5.00 per month, or you can buy them outright for $89.95 (plus gst & pst). And we provide 2 filters with each modem. If you already have a network card, no further installation is needed - the modems plug into the phone jack on the wall, and the network card on your computer. They are pre-configured to connect to our DSL service for you, so it's just a matter of plugging in the wires and turning it on. A couple monior changes might be needed to your network card configuration, but the default settings for them usually are fine.
How will I be billed for DSL Service?
The charges for your DSL service will be due on the 1st of each month. Your first month of service will probably be less then $34.95, as we'll prorate the charges to the 1st of the following month. Our preference is to automatically debit a credit card on the first of each month, but for customers with a good payment history we may make exceptions. Modem rentals will require a credit card as security for the modem. Payments by any other method must be received on or before the 1st of each month - so if you don't want us to bill your credit card, just send us a payment before the automatic charge goes through on the 1st.
Are there any limits to usage?
The service includes unlimited hours. You can be connected 24/7. However, there is a limit to how much data you can transfer in and out of your machine. That limit is 5 gigabytes a month. If you go over 5 gigabytes, we'll bill the extra usage at $2.50 per 500 megabytes of transfer above 5 gB.
How much is 5 gigabytes?
For normal usage, 5 gigabytes is pretty close to unlimited bandwidth. Where you'll start using more bandwidth is if you were to start downloading files from the assorted internet services. The typical music mp3 file, from somewhere like www.puretracks.com is about 5 megabytes. You could download approximately 600 songs without going over your bandwidth limit.
What does it cost?
For the DSL rates, please see our Rates Page
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