Unleashed Info/FAQ

A:  Unleashed provides wireless high-speed Internet access to any user with a Wi-Fi enabled PDA or laptop computer. Unleashed service is available in locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

A:  Wi-Fi, which stands for "Wireless Fidelity," is a certification for a wireless local area network (WLAN) products based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

A:  A hotspot is an area where Wi-Fi service is available. An Unleashed hotspot is an area where the Unleashed Wi-Fi service is available.

A:  Unleashed hotspots are equipped with a unit that transmits a signal to your wireless 802.11b or g device. First, the wireless network card must be properly installed and configured. Next, when you launch your web browser, you will be automatically directed to the Unleashed welcome page. On the welcome page, you will be prompted to enter a username and password or sign up for the Unleashed service. Once you provide a valid username and password or you sign up and purchase service, you will be able to access the Internet.

A:  This stands for "Service Set Identifier" and refers to the actual name of a given wireless network. Anyone attempting to access that particular wireless network will need to know the "SSID" in order to connect. Please note that "SSID" does NOT provide any actual security on the wireless network itself, it is simply an identifier to separate one wireless network from another.

For Unleashed service, you will need to set/select the SSID as "Unleashed-Public-Inet-PenTeleData", without the quotes (the SSID is case sensitive).

A:  You will need a laptop computer or other wireless device equipped with a Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) network card. If your device does not have a wireless network card, you can purchase one for most laptop and handheld computers from PenTeleData's Computer Patrol or an electronics retailer. You will also need a web browser installed on the computer or wireless device.

A:  A wireless network card is a Wi-Fi device that allows your computer to connect to a wireless network or service like Unleashed. There are several types of wireless network cards available, including 802.11a, b, and g. In order to use the Unleashed service, you will need an 802.11b or g wireless network card.

A:  Wireless network cards can be purchased from PenTeleData's Computer Patrol, electronics retailers, and sometimes directly from the manufacturer of your laptop or handheld computer.

A:  Yes. If your employer has given you a VPN (Virtual Private Networking) client, you should be able to access your corporate network while using the Unleashed service.

A:  If you are a High-speed Cable, High-speed DSL or a Dial-up customer, you may send and receive e-mail through the Promail e-mail server. For support information related to the Promail server, go to http://www.ptd.net/support/e-mail/ and click on "How to setup your e-mail software to use SMTP Authentication." If you use another e-mail provider, you will need to use either web mail or connect to your provider's mail server using authentication. If you experience problems sending and receiving e-mail while using Unleashed, please contact your e-mail provider for assistance.

A:  Yes. Unleashed service gives you complete access to the Internet, so you may update your personal website while connected to Unleashed.

A:  Unleashed does not provide you with a newsgroup service; however, if you have newsgroup service through PenTeleData or another provider, you are able to access newsgroups while using the Unleashed service.

A:  Although peer-to-peer software will operate in a limited fashion at Unleashed hotspots, sending or receiving copyrighted material is against PenTeleData's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). To view the PenTeleData AUP, please click HERE.

A:  To increase security and minimize the chance of receiving viruses, PenTeleData does not allow any inbound connections to computers attached to the Unleashed network.

A:  Unleashed pricing information is available at http://www.ptdunleashed.com.

A:  An Advantage Day Pass is valid for the 24 hours following its purchase.

A:  Just visit any Unleashed hotspot and sign up on the Unleashed welcome page.

A:  More information about hosting an Unleashed hotspot is available at http://www.ptdunleashed.com. You may also contact PenTeleData Marketing at 800-281-3564 extension 2393 or 610-826-9393 for more information about hosting a Unleashed Wi-Fi hotspot.

A:  Yes. For more information please contact the PenTeleData Commercial Sales Department at 800-281-3564 to speak with a representative.

A:  You may find a complete list by visiting http://www.ptdunleashed.com.

A:  Detailed instructions for setting up your wireless device are available at http://www.ptdunleashed.com/support.

A:  For current High-speed cable and High-speed DSL subscribers, you should see a login form in the top left corner of the Unleashed login page. Please enter your PenTeleData e-mail address (i.e. myemail @ptd.net). This is the same e-mail you use for logging into other features like Usenet (newsgroups) and your personal web space. For password, enter the password you use to check your e-mail. Finally, click "submit" and once you are verified, you can begin browsing.

A:  For current dial-up subscribers, go to the account management page at http://www.ptdunleashed.com/control and login using your e-mail address and password. On the account management page, click on the "Manage Services" link and add the Unleashed service to your account from that page. You may also contact PenTeleData Customer Service for assistance at (800)281-3564.

A:  If you do not currently have a High-speed cable or High-speed DSL account, you will need to sign up for Unleashed. To do so, click on the "Sign-up Now" link near the bottom of the welcome page. This will take you to the new account form, where you will need to enter your information including your name, address, and a valid credit card. Next, select a plan and click "Continue." The system will verify your information and display a success page once processing is complete. Click on the "Start Browsing" link to start using your new Wi-Fi access.

A:  How to change or set up the SSID will differ from device to device. Please consult the documentation for your wireless device to determine how to properly change the SSID.

A:  If you lost or cannot remember your password for the Unleashed service, please contact our Customer Service Department at (800)281-3564 to speak with a representative.

For High-speed cable or High-speed DSL subscribers, your Unleashed password is the same as the password for your primary e-mail account. If you do not have an e-mail account with your High-speed cable or High-speed DSL service, please contact our Customer Service Department.

A:  If you are experiencing difficulties connecting to the Unleashed service, you can call our Technical Support Department at (800)281-3564 to speak with a technician.

A:  If your account has been used during the past 6 months, you may add time by going to the account management page at http://www.ptdunleashed.com/control.

A:  To get to the account management or 'control' page, point your web browser to http://www.ptdunleashed.com/control.

A:  This stands for "Wired Equivalent Privacy" and refers to the encryption of data on a wireless network. Unless you know the pre-determined "WEP Key" for a particular wireless network, you will not be able to access it. WEP adds security to wireless networks, as the "WEP Key" described above uses either 64-bit or 128-bit encryption.

A:  No. In order to access Unleashed, users must disable WEP on their wireless device.

A:  All of the information you provide when signing up for Unleashed including your credit card number, name, address, and other information is encrypted via SSL technology when it is sent from your computer to PenTeleData.

A:  No. Any information sent or received through Unleashed and the Internet in general is not secure. You should encrypt all confidential information. PenTeleData does use encryption during the sign up process.

A:  You can call our Technical Support Department at (800)281-3564 to speak with a technician. Technical Support will attempt to answer any questions related to Unleashed that were not covered here. You can also e-mail your questions to support@corp.ptd.net or click HERE to send us a question by using our online form.