Q: What is DiamondNet?
A: DiamondNet is the new fiber optic communications system that the City of Sallisaw and the Sallisaw Municipal Authority launched in February of 2005. This system brings advanced video, Internet, and telephone services to the residents and businesses of Sallisaw.
Q: What is a Fiber to the Home System?
A: A Fiber to the Home system (FTTH) is an advanced telecommunications technology that utilizes 100% fiber optics throughout the entire system. Unlike traditional cable or telephone systems that use copper wire or a mixture of coax and fiber optics, the FTTH system is more reliable, provides virtually unlimited bandwidth and requires less maintenance once it is constructed.
Q: What can we do with the fiber optic system?
A: The fiber optic system will allow the Sallisaw Municipal Authority to offer state of the art television, Internet and telephone services to the community. Services will be more reliable, faster, and clearer. More importantly, since the community will own the system, DiamondNet will have a community flavor. Overall the FTTH system will improve the quality of life in this community and provide a strong economic development tool by attracting new business and enhancing the competitiveness of our current business community.
Q: Are the services an improvement to what is available in the community today from other providers?
A: Yes, very much so. We offer clearer television reception, more entertainment channels to choose from, more television packages, high definition programming, faster Internet connection speeds and unique telephone service packages. All of our services are designed to bring more value for your communications and entertainment dollar. As a truly local provider, we are committed to fair pricing. In addition, we don't use contracts or other legal means to trap our customers. Our customers select DiamondNet because of the everyday value we provide.
Q: Who owns the system?
A: The community of Sallisaw owns the FTTH system and its employees are residents of the community.. In the past, the cable television provider in the community experienced numerous ownership and name changes, averaging about one every four years. DiamondNet will have one name and one owner for the life of the system. As your neighbors, we strive to provide you with excellent service. When you need help, just pick up the phone or come see us on the main floor at City Hall on Choctaw Street. We are here to serve you.
Q: How does your Internet service compare to dial-up?
A: Typically dial-up Internet services connect at less than 49.9kbps. Our connection speed on the fiber network will only be limited by the Internet package you purchase for your home or business. DiamondNet users will have access to connection speeds ranging from 2MB to 10 MB. Also, our system will be an “always on” connection; therefore you will not need to tie up your phone lines. Our system will not require a cable modem for Internet access, all you need is a computer with a network card.
Q: If cable modems and DSL service is available in Sallisaw today, why do we need this new fiber system for Internet access?
A: The data capacity of cable modem Internet service is limited to 1Mps for downloads and DSL only goes up to 1.5Mbps. These capacity limitations will not serve the long-term needs of Sallisaw residents and businesses. Therefore, the DiamondNet system will be designed to offer a full range of Internet access packages, at various speeds up to 10Mbps. Unless specified otherwise, DiamondNet will have the same connections speed for both uploads and downloads. For example: If you purchase a 2MB connection speed for your home, DiamondNet will provide you a 2MB connection both ways; you can upload from your computer to the Internet at 2MB and download from the Internet at 2MB. This is a distinct advantage, and a major improvement in the Internet access choices available in our community.
Q: I own a business in Sallisaw; can I advertise on the system like businesses in other cities?
A: Yes. We have two community channels; one channel for community event notification and one channel available to purchase advertising on.
Q: After the system is paid for, what will happen to the revenues generated by DiamondNet?
A: Any excess revenues generated by DiamondNet will go back into the City in form of streets, parks, public safety and other City services and capital improvements. In the past the providers of these services took millions of dollars out of our community; DiamondNet allows those dollars to stay in the community today.
Q: Is Sallisaw the first city in the United States to operate a fiber telecommunications system like this?
A: No. In the last several years many cities throughout the United States, some larger and some smaller than Sallisaw, have either constructed a hybrid fiber coax system (HFC) or a fiber to the home system (FTTH). The Fiber to the Home Council reports that as of April 2004 there were 128 communities or developments that have already deployed FTTH services with active customers. These communities have had excellent success with their systems, most even exceeding their initial service penetration estimates.
Q: Will I need special equipment to use FTTH services?
A: No. All necessary equipment will be provided at installation. In general, the FTTH system will use the current wiring in your home or business. Where needed, your installer will provide any additional cabling.
Q: What are the minimum specifications for my PC?
A: DiamondNet recommends the following guidelines for your PC in using our Internet service:
- Operating System: Windows 95,98, Me, 2000, XP. Macintosh 8.0 or higher.
- CPU: 100MHz or greater
- Memory: 32MB or greater
- Free Disk Space: 100 MB or greater
