KU Dial-in Service
KU Dial Up Service Ends August 31
Due to dwindling demand, KU will end its dial-in Internet service on August
31, 2007. This decision comes after a careful analysis of the service's usage.
KU's dial-up service peaked in 1999 at 7,000 users,
a number which has fallen to 600 users. Recent trends suggest user demand
will continue to drop as users opt for faster service provided by commercial
vendors. This reality, combined with the expensive cost of replacement equipment
that would be necessary to continue maintaining the service, led
to the decision to end this service.
Current users: Check your monthly dial-in
usage.
Faculty and staff who use the full Outlook client from
off-campus will be able to continue using that program via the KU Anywhere
service (VPN). KU Anywhere will be available in early August. More information
can be found at KU
Anywhere.
Retirees may continue to access their KU email accounts online at:
owa.ku.edu, or through a variety
of email programs.
Below is additional information to help you understand this change and to
help you select an alternate method for Internet access.
FAQs
- Will this affect my KU email account?
No, removing the dial-in service will not affect your KU email account. You can continue to use your same KU email address.
- Will I still be able to get Sophos antivirus from KU?
Yes, removing the dial-in service will not affect your ability to download or update your Sophos antivirus program.
- What Internet access options are available?
There are basically three alternatives for Internet access:
- Dial Up - provides slower Internet access speed, but
is also generally offered at a lower cost. Ties up your existing phone
line so you cannot be online and talk on the phone at the same time.
If you chose a dial up service make sure that they have a local access
number, otherwise you may incur long distance charges. A couple dial
up options with local Lawrence numbers include PeoplePC and NetZero.
- DSL - gives faster Internet access using existing
phone line. This service is available through telephone providers like
AT&T. DSL service offers several advantages
over dial up: it does not require you to dial in, it is always available,
and you can be online and on the phone at the same time. Requires a
DSL modem.
- Cable - gives high speed Internet access using your TV cable line. This service is available through cable providers like Sunflower Broadband, Comcast, Road Runner or Cox Communications. Requires a cable modem.
- What speed difference would I see with these options?
If you are trying to download a 5 MB file using a 56K modem (fastest dial
up speed) it would take approximately 18 minutes. That same file might
take less than a minute on DSL or cable, depending on what level of service
you select.
- What ISP should I use?
KU cannot recommend a specific ISP. You will need to review the speed
provided and the costs of the different options to determine which selection
is best for you. Please review the "Questions to ask an
ISP" to help you
make this decision.
- Will I need a new modem?
If you choose another dial-in service you may be able to use your existing modem. If you choose to use DSL or Cable you will probably need to purchase a new modem. Check with the your ISP for specific details.
- What changes do I need to make to access my KU email after I move to another ISP?
If you are using an email program like Outlook Express, Eudora or Thunderbird
go to email.ku.edu/imap/ for
instructions. If you are current faculty and staff and are using the
Outlook client, you will need to use the KU
Anywhere Virtual Private Network (VPN) service when it becomes available
in early August.
Questions to ask an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- What is the monthly charge?
- Is that a special introductory rate that will increase after a certain length of time (sometimes 3-6 months)?
- If so, what is the full charge after that?
- What speed do you get for that rate?
Some ISPs have different rates for different speeds
- What kind of modem will I need?
If you tell the ISP what computer you have they should be able to make
specific recommendations about the modem you will need.
- How much will the modem cost? Is there a monthly rental fee, or can you purchase the modem through the ISP?
- Are there other installation costs?
Find out if there is a cost to have the modem installed or if this is something
you can do yourself.
- Are there restrictions on how much I can download?
Some ISPs have different rates for different download amounts. If you
go over that amount you may get additional charges. If all you do is
email and web browsing the minimum of 500+ MB will probably be sufficient.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Options
Following is a list of local and national Internet Service Provider (ISP)
options for your review. This is not
a comprehensive list, it only provides a few of the many options available
for alternative Internet Service Providers. Price of plans can range
from $6.95 to $49.95 a month. Please read the information carefully and select
the plan that fits your needs.
Local Options
National Options
- The ISP Guide - a comparison
of national service providers for dial-in and high-speed broadband
internet services
- ConnectMyHighSpeed -
a comparison of high speed (DSL and cable) ISPs
- AT&T - DSL service
