1. What does PrairieNet do?
2. What makes having PrairieNet better?
3. Do I need a phone line?
4. Who owns the access equipment the "antenna"?
5. Is there hardware or software I'll need to install?
6. What will happen to my service in bad weather?
7. What about VPN's, Remote Desktop and other network tools?
9. How secure is PrairieNet?
10. How is my data transferred and received?
11. Please explain "Upload/Download" speed.
12. How does dial-up compare to broadband?
13. Will this work on my MAC?
14. Will this work on my PC?
15. How quick can I get PrairieNet?
16. What happens in a basic installation?
17. Is your service guaranteed?
18. I have questions about billing or service. Who do I talk to?
19. How will I receive my monthly bill?
20. What is included in the basic installation?
21. Extra cost (if needed)
22. Will VPN work with your service?
23. Is your service secured?
24. Does PrairieNet perform installation during inclement weather?
25. Are there any third-party routers & switches which are related to slow performance?
1. What does PrairieNet do?
Since 2002, PrairieNet has been the leading wireless Internet service provider ( known as an WISP) in Parker County. We provide High Speed Internet access via state-of-the-art fixed wireless technology. Residences, Businesses and Munincipalities in Parker County, TX, and the surrounding areas. 
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2. What makes having PrairieNet better?
Competitive prices, better speed for your buck, the highest quality cutting edge technology available, solid local customer service means better value and certainly better service for our valued customers.
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3. Do I need a Phone line?
Not at all. PrairieNet allows you to free-up the phone line you once used for dial-up. No more second phone line or even the need to use the phone line you currently have. You will never miss calls, nor will incoming calls get a busy signal due to our internet service. We do this by connecting to your computer via Ethernet - a device found in most computers or easily installed if absent.
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4. Who owns the equipment the "antenna"?
You own your equipment. That being said, if you get a discounted Install (under $300) Prairienet advances you the equipent for your use and the equipment will be paid in full after 12 months of service. If the equipment stops working you will have to pay for new or replacement equipment. PrairieNet offers an Equpment Protection Plan that will keep your costs low if your equipment fails.

5. Is there hardware or software I'll need to install?
PrairieNet customers will not need to install any hardware or software. PrairieNet does not install software on your computer either. The Service uses the Native network ability of your PC or MAC. Nothing more is needed

6. What will happen to my service in bad weather?
Adverse weather in most cases will not affect your service - with the exception of "acts of God". Our equipment and technology is otherwise unaffected, insuring uninterrupted service.
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7. What about VPN's, Remote Desktop and other Network tools?
They all work just fine. Infact Hundreds of customers tele-commute to work everyday through their PrairieNet connection.

9. How secure is PrairieNet?
PrairieNet is as secure as any other Internet connection. PrairieNet customers are advised for a number of reasons to purchase a FIREWALL ROUTER to protect your computers from unwelcome intruders. Our servers are also protected by effective fire walling, so you’ve got coverage from our end.  And, we also filter SPAM before it ever gets to you.

10. How is my data transferred and received?
PrairieNet uses radio frequencies to transmit your data to and from the fibre backbone of the Internet. The old copper telephone network is avoided completely. A PrairieNet receiver is placed on the exterior of your home or business, which in turn communicates with one of many PrairieNet cell towers in Parker & Tarrant counties.

11. Please explain "Upload/Download" speed.
Download is information coming from someplace to you. When you browse to a web page, you are "downloading" that page. When you get a file from some place on the internet, you are downloading that file. Upload is sending information from your computer onto the internet. The most common upload for most users is the simple request to "download" a new web page. The download speeds listed are burst rates. PrairieNet policy on burst rates is based on industry (Cable and DSL) policies with regard to speeds listed. We cannot guarantee that results from popular online tests will result in the speed listed on a particular package. We strive to provide as quick a service as possible and will always work to make the test results as close as possible to the rate listed. Business packages are not based on burst rates and should always show the rates listed. Our guaranteed minimum download rates for all packages are listed below. Remember that our guaranteed speeds are superior to most DSL and Cable providers. Be cautious not to purchase internet service from providers that DO NOT publish their minimum guaranteed speed.
Guaranteed Speeds for Residential Service - are 40-50% of published rates due to network and physical conditions. Should a customer not be able to attain the speeds of their desired package it is perfectly acceptable to downgrade to a package that is attainable.

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12. How does dial-up compare to broadband?
A 56K dial-up modem (in optimum conditions) will download a 1MB file in 2 minutes, 19 seconds. A 1000K (1M) connection will download a 1MB file in 8 seconds. A 2000K (2M) connection will download a 1MB file 4 seconds. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as an information service with a carrying capacity in excess of 200 kbps (200K) upstream and downstream (upload and download). Broadband is instant Internet access with an always-on connection. Quickly download larger files and multimedia content. Stream richer video and higher quality music. Effortlessly play multiplayer 3D games over the internet.

13. Will this work on my MAC?
Yes.

14. Will this work on my PC?
Yes.
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15. How quick can I get PrairieNet?
Orders for PrairieNet are processed Online, in person or by telephone. Upon signing up for service, you will receive confirmation of your order within a couple of business days by phone call from PrairieNet. A customer service representative will contact you during that time and confirm the date and time you requested for installation AND the service will be installed if available. The process, from beginning to end, can take as little as one or two business days (contingent on availability of installation dates and times).

16. What happens in a basic installation?
A PrairieNet professional installation consists of the following steps:
(1.) Generally, we will verify that from your location the conditions are right for adequate signal strength to receive service.
(2.) Mount the PrairieNet receiver (receiver size correlates to your distance from the tower) at your location.
(3.) Consult with you on where to terminate the service.
(4.) Install the appropriate length of cable.
(5.) If purchased, install your wireless router and wireless card(s) in your computer(s). Network will be installed.
(6.) Before the technician leaves they will verify that your software, equipment and antenna are functioning correctly and that your new high-speed internet service is operating properly.Installation prices listed on our website are discounted for 12 months of service. There is a $40 deposit on used equipment if you return the receiver and power adapter.