Your broadband questions answered

Getting connected to broadband

What are the minimum computer specifications?

PC
Pentium 200Mhz
32MB RAM
16-bit sound card
Four-speed CD-ROM player
Video card/display 800 x 600, 256 colours
150MB free on hard drive
Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP or Windows Vista™
A USB port
Please note: Pipex Homecall Broadband is not currently compatible with Intel Chipsets Macs or Windows XP 64 bit.

Mac
PowerPC 601 or equivalent
200Mhz
32MB
Two-speed CD-ROM player
Video driver/display 800 x 600, 256 colours
100MB free on hard drive
Mac OS 8.6 or higher (OS X v10.0 users will need to upgrade to OS X v10.1 to use the supplied Modem)
A USB port

Windows Vista™ Update 12/06/07

Pipex is pleased to announce that it fully supports Windows Vista™. Customers who order Pipex Broadband after 12/06/07 will now receive a Windows Vista™ compatible installation CD. Pipex will also make Windows Vista™ compatible drivers available for download from our website in the near future.

Do I have to pay for internet call charges while using broadband from Pipex Homecall?

No, you don't. The only cost is your flat-rate monthly subscription charge.

You can stay online as long as you want without paying another penny.

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How many computers can be connected to my broadband connection?

We recommend connection of no more than 6 computers to your broadband connection.

What is the difference between 'anytime' dial-up internet services and broadband?

'Anytime' dial-up services usually give you free internet calls at any time, day and night, for around £14.99 per month. These are flat-rate internet access services with speeds up to 56Kbps.

Pipex Homecall broadband provides you with always-on, high-speed internet access for a flat monthly fee.

With our broadband service you can still continue to use your phone to make calls, fax or even dial the Internet (e.g. using an ordinary dial-up internet connection with another computer) when online.

What is a filter and why do I need it?

Filters - also known as micro-filters - are small plastic devices that you need if you are using a broadband modem on a phone line that is shared with ordinary phones. It makes sure that the digital broadband signals do not interfere with ordinary voice signals - and allows you to chat on the phone while at the same time surfing the Internet at high speed.

Pipex Homecall has sent me a modem pack, which includes filters. What do I do with the filters?

You need to install a filter for any telephone that is connected to the same phone line as Pipex Homecall broadband. To do this simply disconnect each telephone from the wall socket, plug a filter into the socket and then connect the phone cable to the filter.

You will also need to use filters if you have other devices connected to your phone line, including answering machines, fax machines, conventional modems (used with another computer at home) and digital satellite TV receivers with a built-in modem.

Can I use a phone extension cable with the filters?

Phone extension cables can cause problems so we advise you not to use an extension cable.

How many filters do I need and where can I get more if required?

The filters enable the broadband modem and phone services to be used at the same time. In order to avoid any interruptions to your phone service a filter is required for every phone socket you use for any device, such as a phone, answering machine or fax machine.

The modem installation pack comes with two filters. You can buy extra filters from all good computer retailers. The filters cost around £7 each.

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