Modem Pool Changes and Internet Service Providers

On February 1, 1997, off-campus modem pool service at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be transferred to multiple commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs). If you have been accessing your UNL account (e.g., UNLINFO, UNLGRAD1, BIGRED, CSE, etc.) to read electronic mail from home by using a modem, it will be necessary to obtain modem access BEFORE February 1 from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Beginning on that date, the existing modem pool will be accessible only from campus locations without alternative means of connecting to the network. (Note: dial-in access to systems having separate modems, such as UNLVM, will not be affected.)

During the past year, various campus forums have discussed meeting increasing demand for dial-in access by outsourcing this service to a commercial provider. This week, UNL finalized license agreements with multiple ISPs. Contracting with multiple vendors will allow more service options than a single vendor would provide. At this time, two vendors have agreed to meet the service requirements specified by UNL. Additional vendors may, at a later date, choose to enter into an agreement to provide the required services.

The following two ISPs have been chosen to provide access service:
 
  Provider                                            Phone Number
 
  Aliant Communications (service is called NAVIX)       436-4959
  Internet Nebraska                                     434-8680

If you have questions about options for service, please contact the ISP directly at the number listed above. When you are ready to order service, contact Telecommunications at 472-2000.

If your home computer supports web browsing, the service provided by the ISPs will also allow use of Netscape (or other World Wide Web browser) from a home computer. The ISPs will provide information regarding how to install the browser on a home computer.

There are multiple options for accessing your electronic mail from your home computer through the service provided by your chosen ISP. Note that transferring service to an ISP will not alter your campus e-mail address or your account on any UNL system. More information about accessing campus e-mail via an ISP can be found at:

http://www.unl.edu/helpdesk/isp

Additional questions may be directed to Telecommunications at 472-2000.