Press

Other World Computing (OWC) today announced it has upgraded its OWC.Net Internet service to support the new V.92 dial-up modem specification from the International Telecommunications Union. OWC.Net is the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the greater Chicago area to support the technology.

The V.92 specification introduces three new features that will add convenience and performance for OWC.Net’s dial-up customers, including Modem-on-Hold, Quick Connect and PCM Upstream (Pulse Code Modulation).

Even with the growth of broadband Internet technologies, such as DSL and cable, dial-up modems that use standard phone lines will remain the primary means for most people to access the Internet for the foreseeable future,” said Larry O’Connor, president of OWC. “By upgrading our system to support v.92, we are ensuring that the majority of our subscribers have access to the latest technology in Internet connectivity, including faster log-in and upload times and several new features.”

According to a recent survey by Park Associates, more than 75 percent of the 46 million dial-up subscribers in the United States are satisfied with their quality of Internet service. Jupiter Media Metrix estimates by the year 2006, only 40 percent of U.S. online households will be accessing the Net at high speeds.

Features of V.92:

• The Modem-on-Hold feature allows users to receive incoming phone calls or make outgoing calls while staying connected to the Internet. The application suspends the data connection between the modem and the ISP, or puts the modem on hold, so the user can pick up an inbound call or place an outgoing call.
• Quick Connect shortens the time it takes to connect to the Internet by remembering the phone line characteristics and storing them in memory. The new feature cuts in half the 25 to 27 seconds it typically takes to connect to the Web, also known as the “modem handshake.”
• PCM Upstream boosts the upstream data transfer rates between the user and the user’s ISP. This feature reduces the upload times for large files or email attachments.

OWC.Net provides dial-up and DSL services, as well as e-business services for the greater Chicago area. Currently, OWC.Net is the second largest independent ISP in McHenry County, Ill.

Pricing for dial-up Internet access through OWC starts at $17.95 per month or $49.95 per quarter. Subscribers can save more than 15 percent by signing up for an annual prescription at $179.95. Annual discounts are available for teachers and professors. All dial-up accounts include unlimited access, up-to five e-mail addresses, five megabytes of space for a personal Web site and online technical support.

In order to take advantage of V.92, users must have a V.92 modem, call waiting to be notified when someone is calling, and 3-way calling to initiate a call while they are online.

For specific terms and conditions or to sign up for Internet services through OWC, please visit www.owc.net.