dragNet: 1996 ISDN research


ISDN Research OK, here's the info: ISDN carries a one-time installation charge of $116.50. We would also need a terminal adapter (Motorola BitSURFR Pro), which is $399. Ameritech's site isn't clear, but the $399 might include the $116.50 mentioned above as a special. Then we get into the monthly rates: Monthly IDSN rate is $32.20. This is in addition to normal your residential phone bill. Extension fee is $26.00 a month ExchangeNet 64k is $40.00 a month, unlimited usage ($20 one-time startup fee) ExchangeNet does not yet offer 128k lines, but when they do, they will be upwards of $80/mo. ExchangeNet's prices are significantly cheaper than the other service providers in the area for both 64k and 128k. 128k anywhere is expensive. I had hoped to be able to use one 64k line during the day and both at night. At least this way we always know we have one line free. Variable cost factors are: 1. Is ExchangeNet long distance? Their Akron number is 330-253-1007. 2. Extension fees. Sample landlord numbers from Kent: 678-1692 extra $26 (your friend and mine) 673-1133 flat $32.20 678-1387 flat $32.20 (this was interesting because it's in the same exchange as Jim) 626-8384 not available 296-2131 extra $26 678-1957 flat $32.20 These numbers are from the Ameritech site linked above. Related Information I found MacWorld reviews of ISDN adapters (they rated the BitSURFR Pro the best) and the new Jaz drive. There was an article in Inter@ctive Week about ISDN LifeGuards, a toll-free service from Motorola for people who own or are interested in the BitSURFR. The service will take down your number, find out if service is available in your area, and then handle the requests to both your telephone carrier and Internet service provider. Connectix released their Color QuickCam.

ISDN Research

OK, here's the info: ISDN carries a one-time installation charge of $116.50. We would also need a terminal adapter (Motorola BitSURFR Pro), which is $399. Ameritech's site isn't clear, but the $399 might include the $116.50 mentioned above as a special. Then we get into the monthly rates:

Monthly IDSN rate is $32.20. This is in addition to normal
                             your residential phone bill.
Extension fee is     $26.00 a month
ExchangeNet 64k is   $40.00 a month, unlimited usage 
                    ($20 one-time startup fee)

ExchangeNet does not yet offer 128k lines, but when they do, they will be upwards of $80/mo. ExchangeNet's prices are significantly cheaper than the other service providers in the area for both 64k and 128k. 128k anywhere is expensive. I had hoped to be able to use one 64k line during the day and both at night. At least this way we always know we have one line free. Variable cost factors are: 1. Is ExchangeNet long distance? Their Akron number is 330-253-1007. 2. Extension fees. Sample landlord numbers from Kent:

678-1692   extra $26    (your friend and mine)
673-1133   flat  $32.20
678-1387   flat  $32.20 (this was interesting because 
                         it's in the same exchange as Jim)
626-8384   not available
296-2131   extra $26
678-1957   flat  $32.20

These numbers are from the Ameritech site linked above.

Related Information

I found MacWorld reviews of ISDN adapters (they rated the BitSURFR Pro the best) and the new Jaz drive. There was an article in Inter@ctive Week about ISDN LifeGuards, a toll-free service from Motorola for people who own or are interested in the BitSURFR. The service will take down your number, find out if service is available in your area, and then handle the requests to both your telephone carrier and Internet service provider. Connectix released their Color QuickCam.

Last updated at 14:21 on Tuesday, August 8, 2000