Q: I use a dial-up connection on a 56k modem. Can you describe
how much faster Road Runner is compared to what I use now?
A: Many factors can influence the delivery of data, particularly once
you are out on the Internet. These factors can include how busy the Internet
is at the time you're using it, and how many hits the site you are visiting is
getting. Road Runner offers speeds up to 100 times faster than traditional dial-up
connections over its high-speed network*. And because your local cable company
has special "caching" or holding computers, we can put videos, music and popular
web sites inside your community's Road Runner for even faster, better delivery. Another factor that influences the speed you get can
be the kind of computer equipment you are using. While Road Runner will work
as long your setup meets the minimum requirements, users meeting the recommended
requirements rather than the minimum requirements tend to experience faster speeds.
Q: My kids like to watch the Discovery Channel, and often would like to get to the Discovery web site during a show. If I get Road Runner, can they still watch TV while they are using Road Runner to get to the web site?
A: Absolutely! In fact, we have heard a lot of families will keep their computer and their TV in the same room, so when a television show makes reference to more information on the web site, the kids can go to Road Runner and investigate while the show is still playing. It's a great technique for educational and news events. We even provide TV listings on Road Runner so that you can plan your family TV viewing along with using the Internet all at the same time.
Q: Right now, I'm paying for an extra phone line and my dial-up service: do I need to keep them if I get Road Runner?
A: Not unless you enjoy the expense. Road Runner costs about the same as having that extra phone line and dial-up service, plus you get all the time-saving benefits! If you'd like to find out more about Road Runner pricing, click here.
Q: The DSL providers say that cable modems are "shared" and will slow down when too many people in my neighborhood come online. Is that true?
A: Thank you for asking. Truth is, ALL Internet technologies, including DSL, are shared and no one can guarantee or control speed, due to variables inherent to the Internet. What the DSL companies want you to believe is that cable modems will slow down when more users come online and that DSL does not slow down because it is "dedicated", not shared. There are two other things you should know about DSL and speed.
- DSL slows down the further you live from their facilities.
- DSL's "dedicated" connection is only for the short distance between your home and their facilities. From that point on, it is pooled with all other traffic.
One DSL provider even built a series of marketing campaigns around this message. However, the DSL provider was instructed by a court of law to stop running the campaign because the message was not true. It is not true because a properly designed and managed cable modem system (such as Road Runner's) accommodates the popularity of the service.
It is one of Road Runner's major priorities to take all the appropriate steps regarding design, management and capacity that maintain a high-quality, high-speed online experience for our subscribers.
Q: We'd like to have our kid's computers and the family computer connected to Road Runner. Do you offer any type of networking?
A: It can be frustrating when the kids are doing research, gaming, and
chatting
online?and you want to check your email or do some shopping. In some areas,
Home Networking is available. Home networking provides the same great speed and
always on access to all your computer(TM)all from a single Road Runner connection.
There? no expensive equipment to buy, and a technician can install it quickly.
Check your local provider find out if Home Networking is available in your area,
and to learn more about low monthly fees and simple installation for home.
