Internet Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Wisper Wireless?
Wisper Wireless is a form of high speed, or broadband, Internet access that uses a radio frequency instead of phone or cable lines. Wisper provides high speed, cost effective solutions for Internet access via wireless - NO PHONE LINES NEEDED! There is no need to worry about slow downloads, busy signals, or disconnections anymore, with Wireless Internet your computer is always on the Internet. Using a brand new technology, Wisper offers the best cost effective, high-speed Internet access around.
How fast is Wisper Wireless?
Wisper Wireless connection speeds allow the customer to connect at speeds anywhere from 1mbps all the way up to 100mbps (with additional hardware), which is nearly 50 times faster than the fastest alternative.
What equipment is needed?
The customer will need an external radio , a network capable computer, and a cable to connect the two. Battery backup is also highly recommended, and surge-suppressing devices should be used with all computers and their various connections.
What is FlexConnect?
FlexConnect is what makes Wisper Wireless so flexible and scalable. With FlexConnect, we can change your connection speed within seconds, usually with no additional hardware. To expand a standard T1 connection, you’d have to have another T1 installed, which can take up to 3 months and requires additional hardware. DSL users can be upgraded within a few weeks, but DSL top speeds just don’t compare. And Wisper Wireless with FlexConnect can expand to up to 5mb with no additional hardware and up to 100mb with additional hardware.
Can I change plans?Yes. We call that FlexConnect (see previous question).
Will I have to learn anything new to use this system?You will have to learn to enjoy the Internet the way it was meant to to be...fast! If you already know how to use a web browser, you will find our system totally transparent. You are always online. You click on your browser icon, and you are online with no delay - no waiting for a phone line or a connection.
I'm tired of dealing with huge service providers, fine print, and hidden costs. Is Wisper any different?YES! We hate "run-around" as much as you do. That's why we staff knowledgeable, live people to take care of our customers. All monthly service and activation fees will be explained by one of our representatives before you sign up. We may offer the newest in technology, but we have old-fashioned ideas for how to treat our customers.
Is this the same as satellite Internet?No! Wisper Wireless is faster and more reliable than satellite solutions. The biggest hassle with most satellite connections is that your data must travel from your computer, into space, back down to their office and then to the server of your choosing. This results in a travel time of hundreds of milliseconds. With Wisper, your data travels to your tower and in a few hops it is in St. Louis and sent to the internet's fiber network. Our average ping time is about 35ms, which is much faster than any satellite internet connection. Also, within the past few years, satellite internet companies have been imposing bandwidth caps. Usually these are very low limits and if you exceed that limit, expect a large bill next month or to be shut off! Wisper has no bandwidth caps, so feel free to transmit and receive as much as you would like.
What kind of support can I expect?Our installation technicians are well-trained in hardware installation. They will install the radio equipment and router. Then, our team of network technicians will work with you over the phone (or on site, if necessary) to resolve any issues regarding your connection. Wisper does not provide any support for the network beyond your router or gateway computer, neither commercial nor residential. Our tech support, likewise, cannot monitor, configure, troubleshoot, or fix anything on your own network. If you are a business customer and have contracted internal support via Wisper, you will need to speak with your representative before contacting support.
Can I share the internet connection with the rest of the computers in my house?Yes. We require a routing device with a firewall already set up, which can be a computer or small Cable or DSL modem sharing router. If you purchase a router through us, we will configure it for your network. We cannot help you configure or maintain beyond the router, unless otherwise arranged with your Wisper representative.
I have multiple, non-adjacent offices. Can I connect all of them?Yes! This is known as a multi-site connection and we call it MultiConnect. Even if your offices are across town, on the other side of the state, or on the other side of the country, we can securely connect your offices in our service area using our wireless technology. Once connected, your network operates behind a firewall as though each of your offices resides in the same building, virtually eliminating inter-office faxing and document emailing. You also gain the piece of mind that our highly trained staff of network technicians manages your entire distributed network from a centralized location. Utilizing MultiConnect’s granularity, you choose who on your network can get to the Internet, limiting either entire offices or specific users. If you have multiple, non-adjacent offices, then Wisper Wireless with MultiConnect is exactly what you need. Speak with one of our friendly sales reps to determine what’s best for you.
How many computers can I connect?As many as you want, behind the router. Be aware that they will all share the bandwidth provided to you.
Will the antenna look ridiculous on my house?You may have seen earlier-generation antennas that looked like large pizza boxes on poles. The antenna used by Wisper is about the size of a half-gallon milk jug. It seamlessly blends into the side of the house or roof after installation.
Can I install the equipment myself?No. It is our policy to allow only Wisper technicians to install the equipment.
Why should I request more information?
When you submit a request for more information, you're not just submitting a request; you're also providing us with useful geographic data. As more potential customers submit this information, we get a better idea for the location of our next tower. Tower location is essential when it comes to providing the excellent wireless Internet connectivity that Wisper, Inc. offers. Don't worry, we do not sell or otherwise distribute your information – it is used only by us to contact you and to map the geographic distribution of potential clients.