Broadband over Powerlines - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I connect the BPL Adapter to a power strip or surge protector?

A: No, the BPL Adapter should be plugged directly into your wall outlet. Surge protectors and power strips may cause interference with your broadband signal.

Q: Is it possible that some of my wall outlets may work better than others?

A: Yes, if you feel your access speed is not what it should be you might try plugging the adapter into a different wall outlet.

Q: How do I know if I already have a network card in my computer?

A: Look on the back of your PC for a connection that looks like a wide telephone connection. If your PC is less than a year old you should have a network card built-in to your PC.

Q: If I need to purchase a network card – what do I look for, where can I buy it, what will it cost, and how will I install it?

A: Any PCI Ethernet 10/100mbps network interface card (NIC) will do. You can buy it at most any store where electronics/computer parts are sold. The price should run from $20 to $40 dollars. Installation instructions should accompany the card.

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Q: How will my BPL service be billed?

A: Your BPL will be billed with your electric bill that you receive each month from the REMC. The broadband service is billed in advance, so your first bill will be for 2 months ($59.90) and every other bill will be for $29.95.

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Q: How do I set up my e-mail?

A: You are allowed up to 5 e-mail addresses with the BPL service. To set up your e-mail accounts, simply call tech support at (888) 423-2275. Your e-mail address will appear like this: username@bpl.coop.

Q: How will I access my e-mail? Explain Webmail and how I get to it?

A: Through the web, you can access your e-mail by going to http://mail.bpl.coop and using the login that tech support gave you when you setup your e-mail account(s). There is a drop down to choose which interface you would like to use: Administration, Professional, Express, and Mobile . Each interface is different. Administration offers the most features and is the most advanced interface while the Express and Mobile interfaces are more basic and simpler to use. Try out all the interfaces to find the one you like the best.

You can also access your e-mail with Outlook, Outlook Express, or any other e-mail client program. Call tech support and someone will help you setup your e-mail client.

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Q: What spam filtering and virus protection is included with the service and how does it work?

A: IBEC uses Postini e-mail virus protection and spam filtering. Your BPL service includes this protection. Any e-mail that comes to you will be scanned for known viruses and evaluated as either legitimate or spam.

Q: If the spam filter blocks my e-mail, can I access the blocked e-mail?

A: Yes. The spam filter service will send you an e-mail notifying you that an e-mail was blocked and will provide a link to access the service so you can review the message.

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Q: Since my broadband service will be “always on” will there be a data security issue with files on my PC?

A: No, there is no security risk with your PC or your data files due to the firewall protection built-in to the system. You are basically on a private network when you are connected to our broadband service.

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Q: If my broadband service goes down, can I get on the Internet through a dial-up connection? If so, how do I do that?

A: Yes. Your BPL service includes 10 hours per month of nationwide dial-up. The local access number for Martinsville is: 765-792-4100. There is no additional cost for this service.

Q: Is there a limit on how many hours I can use the dial-up service?

A: You are limited to 10 hours per month.

Q: If I am traveling, can I connect to the Internet while I’m gone? If so, how do I do that and what phone number do I connect to?

A: Yes, you can. You can call IBEC support at (888) 423-2275 and someone will give you the local access number for the area you are in and will also help you set it up.

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Q: How do I access the 25mb of web space allotted to me through my broadband account?

A: Call tech support to setup your web space.

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Q: How do I contact tech support?

A: Call IBEC Customer Service at (888) 423-2275. Tech Support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

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