Volume 5 Issue 8

March, 2000

Now Offering DSL!

We are in the process of contracting with Rythms Networks to provide Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) access in our service area.
Many ISPs already offer DSL, but we waited until it was actually being deployed to team up with a DSL provider. Rythms is the first to provide DSL in our entire service area.
It is only a matter of days now until we complete our contract with Rythms and begin taking orders for this type of access.
Even then, DSL service will be limited. DSL has limitations based on your distance from the telco Central Office. This limitation determines the speed of service available to your area.
Once our contract is completed, we will be able to provide you with your DSL options from our office terminals.
Until then, we have started a waiting list and will contact those on that list very shortly.

Another High-Speed Option

There is another low-cost, high-speed option available for those who cannot get DSL service. It is called Multi-Link service.
This is available through various software packages, though they do not work very well. A better solution is using a hardware-based solution called a WebRamp.
The WebRamp will connect up to three 56K modems to the network and combine that bandwidth for use on your PC and/or local area network.

Change of Non-56K Numbers in Salem

Customers dialing into our Salem facility using 28.8K or 33.6K modems should change the phone number they use starting March 14.
The new access number for these modems will be 7415305.
Please call us if you need help changing the phone number.
Again, only those customers using 28.8K or 33.6K modems need to make any changes - this number change does not apply to customers using 56K modems!
The number change is part of our new Digital Centrex service with Bell Atlantic and will make room for future expansions planned later this year.

Help Desk Notes

Quite a few subscribers had problems connecting recently. Troubleshooting uncovered that almost all had their network settings altered. This usually happens after installing new software, but no single software program was identified as the culprit. The fix was to simply correct the network settings.
If you experience any trouble with your connection, please call us, so we can help you correct your settings.
We're here to help!

SysAdmin's Corner

A network outage at OEM.NET caused our access to the Internet to fail on February 4 between 4:30pm and 5:45pm. The outage was widespread throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states.
We will be transferring all virtual websites to another web server this month in conjunction with an OS upgrade. No significant downtime is anticipated during this transfer.
We will also be implementing a new mail server, which is scheduled for cutover in April.

Subscriber Referral Program

Are you pleased with our service? Do you know someone who is unhappy with their current Internet/On-line service?
Why not do them and yourself a favor?
Just recommend our service. If they subscribe, we'll give you a free month of access!
They will appreciate your advice and you'll save a little money.
Again this month, over a dozen subscribers are getting their access in March for free - by referring new subscribers.

Everybody wins!

Internet Training

There is a new, helpful link on our Help Page called New User University. We also suggest you register for our new web-based training service! See this month's insert for details or visit the website at www.courses.cove.com

What's New at the Cove is a monthly publication of Cove Communications.

Publisher/Editor, Bill Ostaski

27 Congress Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 741-5300
(978) 282-3399
office@cove.com

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