Dialup Internet service changes ahead

UTD maps strategy to deal with new challenges

There are upcoming changes in the telecommunications industry that may affect you. If you're a subscriber to ACC's dialup Internet service, please note the following information.

Because of the nature of the marketplace and changing customer needs, UTD is seeking to widen consumer options for remote Internet access that doesn't limit subscriber choices. The goal is to have similar access to University network services whether you're a customer of a traditional telephone-line connection to the network or you use more current services such as cable modems, which are much faster.

To ensure that customers can use any Internet service, UTD, along with other University partners, is researching options so that any customer from any Internet service provider (including cable modems) can install software on their computer that will verify their access to the University network. When verified, the customer will then be provided with a University network address so that current ACC-provided services will be the same as those offered by other Internet service providers. This also will allow people to switch providers.

Customers should note that ACC (AT&T) will soon discontinue the part of its service that gives that University network address and will offer only the AT&T commercial product. Customers will be contacted directly regarding the amount of refund they'll receive and deadlines that will affect them so they can plan for alternate services. In addition, current ACC customers who have subscriptions that run past June can expect that their subscriptions continue until June 30 with no billing for May and June.

UTD wants to respond to customer needs and feels that this multiple service offering is the best way to do it. If you would like to send e-mail comments, please send them to comments@utd.rochester.edu.