Lakota Network is the connectivity to the outside world through Internet  technology.  C.R.S.T. Telephone Authority saw the need to develop Internet services for the reservation area to guarantee excellent service and also to provide a premium Internet gateway.  In November of 1998, Lakota Network began the leap into the 21st Century and now boasts 300 Internet subscribers and the number grows daily.

Lakota Network offers T-1 connectivity leaving the Eagle Butte exchange for all customers of its service area.   The base monthly rate is an affordable $17.95 per month with unlimited access.   Customers are pleased with the speed of service and the affordable rates being offered.  The company continually hears praises of  "quick connection to service" and "no disconnects or downtime while on the net" from its satisfied customers.

C.R.S.T. Telephone Authority's Board decided that Internet service was an essential technology service offering and Lakota Network could support these organizational goals.  This technology commitment allows the residents of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to remain equal with the rest of the world in terms of Internet connectivity and to have access to the world of information.

*Basic Rate Interface (BRI) ISDN divides the telephone line into 3 digital channels: 2 “B” channels and one “D” channel, each of which can be used simultaneously. The B channels are used to transmit data, at rates of 64k or 56k. The D channel does the administrative work, such as setting up and tearing down the call and communicating with the telephone network. With two B channels, you can make two calls simultaneously.

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1. What is IDSL?

Internet Digital Subscriber Line, unlike dial-up, is a connection that is always connected to the Internet.  On average, connectivity with IDSL is twice the speed of a regular dial-up connection. IDSL is a service that is based on Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) technology.  ISDN is a system of digital phone connections that allows data to be transmitted simultaneously across the globe using end-to-end digital connectivity (IDSN allows multiple digital channels to be operated at the same time through the same regular phone lines used for analog lines).  Because our exchange, C.R.S.T. Telephone Authority, supports digital connections, a digital signal is transmitted across the IDSL instead of a an analog signal.  This gives a much higher data transfer rate than analog lines (an uncompressed data transfer speed of 128 kb/s).  An advantage of IDSL is the improvement of response time for interactive applications (i.e. games).  IDSL can go anywhere ISDN can, at a distance of up to 50,000 ft with the currently used versions, and can run through most DLC. 

2. What are the charges for IDSL?
 
There is an installation charge of $200.00.  This includes the cost of a $50.00 deposit that must be paid prior to installation.  This deposit will be refunded after one year for the use of the Customer Premise Equipment (CPE).  The monthly charge for the IDSL line is $39.54, for Internet access is $17.95 and for the lease of equipment is $12.50.  A total charge of $69.99 will be billed to your telephone bill per month.  Because your IDSL comes with only one e-mail account, any additional accounts are $3.50 each.

3.  How long does it take from request - to install?

Upon qualification and approval for service, 5 business days.

4. Will anyone need to enter my home?

If you do not already have a phone jack installed, personnel must have access to your premises to install one for you.  If you do have at least one phone jack, the IDSL can run on the same line.  The only difference is that IDSL runs data and this will not interfere with your regular phone line.

5.  If I am living in an apartment complex, can I get IDSL?

Yes. Your application will undergo the same process for qualification.

6.  Can I get IDSL if I live outside of town?  How far can IDSL reach?

It depends on the quality and distance of the line that you have going to your residence.

7.  What are the computer requirements to have an IDSL connection?

Requirements depend on what you will be using the IDSL for.  Ifyou use the IDSL line to view video-on-demand or other memory and processor hungry functions, you may find your PC is too slow.  Your computer should be running at least Windows 95, 64MB of RAM, a 500 MHz processor and have a network interface card (NIC).

8.  Will my Macintosh work with IDSL?

Yes. Your computer must meet the same requirements listed in question 7.

9.  Do I have to purchase a modem or other equipment outright?

No.  You will be leasing the equipment from the C.R.S.T. Telephone Authority at the amount of $12.50 per month.  In addition, we do require a deposit of $50.00.  This will be refunded after one year of use.  yourone year has expired and you have been refunded the $50.00 deposit, another $50.00 deposit and remaining installation charge of $150.00 will apply.

10.  What is the fastest speed that IDSL connections are capable of?

128 Kbps versus the 56 Kbps (dial-up).

11.  Why does my ISP prefer me to sign a contract?

This is to ensure thatafter the extensive and time consuming efforts in establishing your  connection to the IDSL service, you as a customer will agree to keep it for the set amount of time.

12.  Will I have to pay another installation charge if I move?

Yes.  It is considered a new installation and therefore, you will be charged the $200.00 installation fee.  If you move before your one year has expired, the deposit will be carried over and a new charge of $150.00 will bedue.  If you move after your one year has expired and you have been refunded the $50.00 deposit, another $50.00 deposit and remaining installation charge of $150.00 will apply.

13.   What if I break the contract?

Penalty for breaking the contract is loss of the $50 deposit. You will then be required to return the leased equipment in good working order or be charged for it.  Youwill also be charged if a C.R.S.T. Telephone Authority or Lakota Network representative must go to your premises and retrieve the equipment from you.

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