MHTC is excited to announce that DSL Internet access is now available in many of the communities where we currently provide dial-up Internet access. DSL offers a much faster alternative to a dial-up modem connection. Best of all, DSL is quite affordable! View a list of the current MHTC DSL service areas.

DSL Internet access is an always-on, high speed, Internet connection that allows you to place and receive phone calls while you are on the Internet. Persons who use a DSL Internet connection no longer have a need for a second phone line. Since the DSL service is always on, your DSL connection includes unlimited access to the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Best of all your connection speed is significantly faster than a regular dial-up Internet connection. View a comparison of transfer rates that will you receive with a DSL connection as opposed to standard dial-up Internet access.

List of MHTC DSL Access Areas In Southwestern Wisconsin

Frequently Asked Questions about MHTC DSL Service

How much does MHTC Net DSL service cost?
The cost of MHTC Net DSL differs depending on your location and the type or "flavor" of DSL that you wish to use. Please contact us toll-free at 1.800.843.5827 for DSL pricing information specific to your area and needs.

Why is MHTC DSL service not available in all areas that are served by MHTC dial-up Internet access? 
DSL Internet access is different than dial-up Internet access as it requires special equipment at your telephone company's central office. The DSL equipment requires that customers who utilize DSL Internet access are located within an acceptable amount of distance from the telephone company's central office. Upon requesting DSL Internet access from MHTC a line verification test must be completed by the telephone company to ensure that you are within the allotted distance.

Why do MHTC's DSL services vary depending on location?
DSL services vary depending on who your local carrier (LEC) is. Each LEC employs different switching, telephone, and DSL equipment. Due to these differences DSL pricing, availability, and type of service may vary depending on your location and LEC. View a list of the current MHTC DSL service areas.

How is DSL Internet access different than other ways of connecting to the Internet, such as cable Internet access or dial-up Internet access?
DSL utilizes your existing phone line to provide both data and voice transmissions by splitting the telephone line into 2 channels. This is one significant advantage of DSL Internet access as it allows you to talk on your phone line while being connected to the Internet. Furthermore, there are no limitations on when or how long you may use your DSL connection as it is always on, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Perhaps the greatest advantage of DSL Internet access is the speed at which you can transfer data over the Internet. DSL allows you to browse websites, send/receive email, and transfer large files without the inconveniences usually associated with a dial-up Internet connection (waiting to dial-up and connect busy signals, slow connect and transfer speeds, frequent disconnections from the Internet, etc.). View a comparison of transfer rates (the speed at which data is transferred). Finally, your DSL connection speed isn't affected by your provider adding more customers. Persons who use Cable Internet access often note that their connection speed significantly drop as more and more users are added to their neighborhood "node". DSL access is independent of these neighborhood "nodes" that cable Internet acccess utilizes and is thus not affected should more people in your area decide to use the service.

What does the DSL service include?
Services included with DSL accounts vary depending on package and location. Most DSL accounts include a minimum of:

• Unlimited Internet Access (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• One Email Address (with 25MB of email storage)
• Two Additional Email Addresses
• 25MB of Web Server Storage
• Virtual Domain Hosting
• Unlimited Email Aliases (with virtual domain only)
• Dynamic IP Address (except business accounts with static IP)

Are there service or system requirements in order to use DSL?  
Yes. The service and system requirements include:

• Line Certification Test from your LEC (ensures your can access DSL service)
• Operating System with Ethernet support (Any version of Windows, Mac OS, etc.)
• 10 BaseT Network Interface Card (Ethernet Card)
• Category 5 (CAT-5) Ethernet Cable
• DSL Device/Ethernet Modem (may require voice filters)

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Comparison of Data Transfer Rates

The above graph demonstrates the highest theoretical downstream transfer rates possible via differing connections to the Internet. Data transfer rate is defined as the amount of data that can travel from one place to another in a given period of time (usually seconds). The faster data transfer rate that your Internet connection achieves, the faster you will be able to receive files or data. Fast data transfer rates also improve the quality of multimedia feeds on the Internet such as audio (RealAudio, etc) and video feeds.

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