Skyway ADSL Internet Access

ADSL2+ Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about our Network and your Internet access see, Network Access and Equipment.

What is ADSL2+?

There is more than one kind of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) in the telephone world today. Telephone companies analyse geography, markets and support and choose a technology they believe will best fit the marketplace.

ADSL2+ is the latest generation of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) deployed in BC and Alberta. Asymmetric because upload and download speeds are not equal; Digital because the technology transforms a regular phone line to a digital connection. The ADSL2+ signal is "split off" using a splitter placed between the wall jack and your telephone equipment.

ADSL2+ is always up so you do not wait to connect as you do with dial-up Internet access. Like other digital phone lines an ADSL2+ line can be used simultaneously by multiple users. ADSL2+ does not interrupt alarm systems, point of sale terminals, fax or phone calls and these services do not affect the quality of ADSL2+.

How fast is ADSL2+?

ADSL speeds are measured in Mega Bits Per Second (Mbps). One Mbps is one thousand Kilo Bits Per Second (Kbps). ADSL2+ services are sold according to potential download speeds of 6.0 Mbps and 3.0 Mbps. Upload speeds are set to 1 Mbps although line conditions can reduce this.


6.0 Mbps ADSL downloads 4 times faster than a T1.
3.0 Mbps ADSL downloads 2 times faster than a T1.

Achievable speeds depend on the attenuation of your phone line, measured in dB loss. The dB loss increases the further your location is from a Telus or Bell Canada Central Office.

under 40dB, qualifies for 6.0 Mbps

under 68dB, qualifies for 3.0 Mbps

over 68dB, does NOT qualify for ADSL2+

Please visit our Network: Speed Test for more information about meauring speed and to test the speed of your existing service.

 

Does ADSL2+ cost more than ADSL?

No. The 3.0 Mbps service is the same price as was our 1.5 Mbps service. The 6.0 Mbps service is $30/month more and is the same price as was our 2.5 Mbps serivce. Customers moving from 4.0 Mbps to 6.0 Mbps will save $30/month. Skyway's rates are available online.

 

Where is ADSL2+ Available?

Our 3.0 Mbps service is available thoughtout British Columbia (BC) and Alberta (AB). For example:

British Columbia (BC)

Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Annacis Island, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Clearbrook, Cloverdale, Duncan, Esquimalt,Fort Langley, Kamloops, Kelowna, Ladner, Langley, Maple Ridge, Merritt, Mission, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Newton, North Vancouver, Penticton, Pitt Meadows, Port Kells, Port Moody, Prince George, Richmond, Squamish, Vancouver, Vernon, Victoria, West Vancouver, White Rock

Alberta (AB)

Airdrie, Calgary, Canmore, Chestermere, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Nisku, Peace River, Red Deer, St. Albert

ADSL2+ ports required for the 6.0 Mbps service are not as widespread. Please contact info@skywaywest.com to confirm availability or when ADSL2+ ports are scheduled for your area.

 

Do I need a new phone line?

ADSL2+ can be added to phone lines supplied by Telus, Group Telecom, Allstream (AT&T Canada), Sprint, Bell Canada, etc. The phone line used for ADSL2+ can be shared with an alarm system, point of sale terminal, modem, fax or voice calls because a splitter splits off a separate frequency for the ADSL2+ signal. You cannot use a line connecting to "Interconnect equipment" such as a telephone system, a PBX or a Key system.

ADSL2+ can also be added to "dry dsl". Dry dsl is a copper line that cannot be used for regular telephone services. It is typically $5 or $10 a month.

How do I obtain ADSL2+?

Skyway is working with Telus to upgrade all our customers ADSL2+ ports according to a schedule set by Telus. We began with customers located in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary and are upgrading 20 customers a month. Customers with a 1.5 Mbps are upgraded to 3.0 Mbps and those with 2.5 Mbps or 4.0 Mbps are upgraded to 6.0 Mbps. The upgrade is free.

Upon request, Skyway will upgrade existing ADSL customers from 1.5 Mbps to 3.0 Mbps regardless of there being an ADSL2+ port available. If ADSL2+ ports are available, we will upgrade 1.5 Mbps to 3.0 Mbps and 2.5 Mbps and 4.0 Mbps customers to 6.0 Mbps. There is a one time charge of $75. Contact support@skywaywest.com, 604-482-1212 if you wish to upgrade.

New customers interested in ADSL2+ should call Skyway (604.482.1225 or 1.877.771.1077). We will first help you determine if ADSL2+ is available in your area. If unavailable, we will tell you if it is scheduled for your area in the near future. Skyway will help you determine all your ADSL2+ needs and make all the neccessary arrangements for your ADSL2+ access including equipment, configuration and installation.

 

What equipment do I need?

Skyway services include all the equipment you require including an ADSL2+ router and if necessary, a splitter/filter.