DialupAtCost provides high quality dialup where all you pay for is dialup. The service is equal to premium ISPs with the same availability, low user ratio and carrier class access servers. The only difference is that you are choosing a self serve ISP.
Are DialupAtCost internet connections reliable?
DialupAtCost uses carrier class technology to provide the best possible internet connection to you. However, your dialup connection still relies on your telephone line and modem in your computer which is outside DialupAtCosts control. On a properly configured computer with a good quality modem and noise free telephone line you can expect fast reliable connections.
Can I use a Macintosh computer with DialupAtCost?
DialupAtCost uses industry standard PPP connections that are compatible with Macintosh. There is no software required, you simply use the dialer included with Mac OS.
Unlimited access is defined as 700 hours per month, which works out to over 29 days continuous use. You are allowed access to all dialup numbers but must only make one connection at a time. If no data is transmitted or received within 20 minutes or your computer has been connected 12 hours straight, you will be disconnected but you are free to reconnect immediately afterwards.
What is included in dial-up service?
Dialup internet access gives you complete access to the internet including websites, chat programs, newsgroups, online games and whatever else is publicly available online. The only restriction is on SMTP port 25 which prevents DialupAtCost clients from sending SPAM. You can optionally obtain a DialupAtCost email address, see service section (professional email) for more information.
DialupAtCost continually updates our policies and procedures to protect you against SPAM, see Troubleshooting: DialupAtCost SPAM prevention and how you avoid being blacklisted.
What are the system requirements?
A computer with a modem capable of a PPP connection can connect to the internet through DialupAtCost. We recommend minimum a V.90 modem. For Windows clients, we recommend minimum Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) as support is no longer available for older versions. Macintosh users should have Mac OS version 8.5x or higher. Linux users can determine thier own system requirements.
Do I need to install software on my computer?
For the sake of simplicity, DialupAtCost uses the standard software bundled with your computer system. Your computer should come equipped with everything you need to establish a PPP connection to a TCP/IP network. Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and recent versions of MacOS have all the software you need to connect to the internet. No additional software is required unless you want to take advantage of Accelerated Web Surfing.
An upgraded V.90 similar to V.92 is supported with the following characteristics:
What type of modem should I buy?
Most modems can be configured to work with DialupAtCost, however, for the sake of reliability and speed we recommend a V.90 modem. Avoid software modems as they are known to be less reliable. Depending on your telephone line quality in your area, you may have to modify your initialization settings. Unreliable connections can normally be fixed by lowering the connection speed or forcing the modem to use the V.34 protocol. A good resource for modem information is www.modemhelp.net.
Can I install DialupAtCost on more than one computer?
You are free to install the DialupAtCost on as many computers as you like, but remember that only one dialup connection can be active at a time and there is a limit of maximum 700 hours per month for an unlimited account.
What technical support is available?
Troubleshooting and technical support information is provided in the Members section of this website on the support page. Email support is available from support@dialupatcost.ca. Depending on the circumstances, someone from the support department may schedule a voice call to help troubleshoot the problem.
Where is DialupAtCost service available?
Dialup access numbers are available all across Canada. For a complete list and information about local calling areas, see the Complete List of Access Numbers.
Can I use the internet with Call Waiting on my telephone line?
The internet will work with Call Waiting, but depending on your configuration you may experience some resulting problems. Our recommendation is to disable Call Waiting while on the internet, see Troubleshooting: Disabling dialing rules and controlling the dialing process. Having Call Waiting enabled can cause your computer to disconnect or stall when someone phones you. If you do get disconnected, then usually many rings have passed and you will probably miss the call. The person phoning will think you are not answering the phone.
How do I sign up for internet service?
All signups must be done from DialupAtCosts Signup page.
