FAQ

Wireless

1. How does the service work?

   The Storm Wireless Internet Service is a high-speed (two-way) symmetrical service that uses radio frequency (RF) waves to move the data. The entire network meets or surpasses all Industry Canada (ICAN) safety standards in place today. We use 2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz license exempt equipment to transmit our signals. It is a line-of-sight system that has a coverage area of approximately 8 Kilometers from the broadcast tower.

   The system operates in an "always on mode" and there is no time limit on the service. Because the system is "always on" it is STRONGLY recommend that you get a firewall for your household. If you currently have an email address with Storm and you are upgrading, your email address will remain the same as it currently is.

   The system would have a dish installed on your house/property/building and would be connected to a modem internally that is attached to your computer. Visit our Storm Wireless Photo Gallery.

2. How far does the service work from the tower?

   You must be within an 8-10 km radius from the tower to receive our wireless service. This service depends on line of sight and special requirements pertaining to visibility with one of our towers.

3. What is meant by Line-of-Sight?

   Line-of-Sight means our installers must be able to go on top of your roof or building and physically be able to view the tower, and the tower is not obstructed by trees, buildings, structures, or hills.

4. How do I know if I am close enough or have visibility?

   To find out the status of your possibility of service you must have a FREE site survey conducted. The service ranges from 8-10km from each tower. To get a survey, you need to contact Storm directly and schedule one in your area.

5. How do I get a ** Wireless Site Survey ** conducted?

   To get a site survey to see if you can have Wireless Internet at your location, please fill out the online order form and in the comments section mention 'SITE SURVEY' so we can follow up with you.

   Note: Once the online form is received by a staff member they will narrow down whether the location is able to receive service or not (in accordance with areas listed above). If you do not hear from a staff person, please feel free to call us during regular business hours with the following details:

   Your Full Name, Home Phone, Business Phone, Full Address (including township), Major Cross St/Hwy.

6. How long does it take until a site survey can be conducted?

   Our installer will not conduct the site survey until the service tower is up and running. Upon application for a site survey it will take place within 5-10 business days. ***Please note that this period is dependant on current workloads, and there may be much longer delays due to high demand.

7. Is there a charge for the site survey?

   When the survey is conducted, if visibility is verified, and you are able to receive service, but do NOT have the service installed - a $50 charge will apply. If you are unable to receive service or there are extra charges for the service and you decide to have have it, there is NO charge for the site survey.

8. What if I move to another location? Can I keep my HighSpeed Wireless active?

   If you move to a new location, we can conduct another site survey to see if you are able to subscribe. In the event you are, there may be a small $250 service install charge that will apply to get you reconnected. If you are an existing client, you will NOT pay the entire initial setup fees again.

9. Do you have photos and samples of what the wireless systems look like?

   Yes. You can find these in our photo gallery by clicking here. If you have additional questions, or need to see what works for you best, please feel free to contact our sales or technial support team.

10. What does the service come with?

    Our Residential Wireless service operates with dynamic IP addresses and you can not "serve" hosting from this residential service. The basic service package comes with storage space and email accounts (see the chart above). The Commercial Wireless service operates with static IP addresses so you CAN "serve" from this service. This option comes with varied throughput limits, email accounts, website hosting and a free dial-up account.

11. Can I get TV service with my Wireless Internet as well?

    Sorry. Not at this time. Our service is good for highspeed Wireless Internet only.

12. How fast is the service compared to Dial-up?

    The service is VERY fast and depending on the setup can be up to 20x faster than dialup. You can compare the wireless service to a fast DSL connection with speeds up to 7MB on residential connections, and up to 100MB on business connections.

13. Do I get a deal and save money if I have a business account already?

    You may qualify. Please contact us so we can review your account.

14. Can I connect several computers to the one wireless connection?

    Yes. Depending on the setup, you can add the wireless connection to a network and share the connection on your local premise.

DSL

1. Who can get this service? Where is it available?

   Anyone in Ontario or Quebec where DSL service exists. Please call our sales department and we will verify your phone number through the Bell Nexxia database.

2. Who can NOT get this service?

   This service is not available to people outside a DSL line upgrade (at the central office) provided by Bell Canada (ie. you may have a phone line with dial-up but the technology has not been upgraded in your area for DSL yet). Additionally, a customer using a Sprint and/or AT&T line must get a letter from AT&T/Sprint stating that they will allow the service to be on the line. Please contact us for more details.

3. How does the service work?

   The service is provided through your phone line, yet does not block your phone line. You dial into our server with a user name and password, to access the web or your email.

4. When I'm online can I use my phone?

   Yes.

5. What do you get with the service?

   The package includes unlimited time online, 5 emails, and a 5 meg web directory. There is also 10 hours of regular dial up internet access included. The service comes with one dynamic IP.

6. Can I pay extra to have a Static IP instead of a Dynamic IP?

   Yes you can. Static IP's are now available to residential clients for an additional $25/mth. For specific details, please contact someone in our sales department.

7. Is there an installation charge?

   Yes. To have one of our technicians install the modem and service for you at your home there is a charge of $130. If you would like to do it yourself (self install), there is no charge.

8. Is there a self install option?

   Yes. You can install the modem yourself, for no cost. We courier the modem to you within 5-6 business day, however, we will not provide you with technical assistance to install it.

9. If I were to sign up for Storm HighSpeed access, must I rent or buy a Storm modem?

   No. You can have your own DSL HighSpeed modem, but please contact us to see if it is compatible (ie. we don't support USB modems).

10. Why do I need filters? and how many DSL line filters do I need?

    Filters are often required by DSL Users at each telephone outlet where a phone is to be used. They may be purchased for $6.90 tax included at Storm's offices. Please contact us for more details

DIALUP

1. Who can get this service? Where is it available?

   Anyone who is a local phone call to us or to Superaje in Perth can receive this service.

2. How does the service work?

   The service is provided through your phone line. You dial into our server with a user name (8 character maximum) and password, to access the web or your email.

3. When I'm online can I use my phone?

   No. With this service your modem is dialing up through your phone line therefore you are unable to use the phone. If you try to use the phone you will not hear a dial tone, you will hear loud static, and may disconnect yourself from the internet. People trying to call you will receive a busy signal.

4. How much is the service?

   We have a variety of packages ranging from 40 - 720 hours per month; the cost varies with which package you choose.

5. What do you get with the service?

   All packages include web access, e-mail, news access, and a 5 Meg home page.

6. Is there an installation charge?

   No.

7. Does someone have to come to my house to set up the service?

   No. Everything is set up with you over the phone with the help of one of our technicians.