Data Truck How It Works

Data Truck Internet Service is delivered to you using a microwave radio signal.

We begin by installing a small (typically 2-foot x 2-foot) antenna. The antenna can be installed on the roof using a tripod, the side of a building, or on a nearby support structure; it needs to be within line-of-sight of our transmitting tower. Using standard RG-6 coax cable, we connect the antenna to our modem inside your home or office. The modem then connects to your computer, router, or network using a standard LAN cable, and voila!, you're surfing the web faster than ever!

Typical Antenna Mounted to Structure

We use licensed radio frequencies in the Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Service (MMDS) band for two-way communication. MMDS has been used for several decades as a means of providing "rural cable" television service to consumers outside the reach of standard cable television networks. The FCC approved the use of MMDS channels for two-way data service in 1998 and growth has been phenomenal ever since.

History of MMDS

More information on MMDS

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can I keep my current e-mail addresses?

A. Yes. Although our packages include several @DATATRUCK.COM e-mail addresses, your current e-mail provider may be used to continue your e-mail hosting. (additional fees may apply, contact your current provider for details). You can also access any of the free e-mail services such as HotMail, Yahoo!, or GMail.

Q. Can I keep my current web site?

A. Yes. Like e-mail, web hosting can be done independent of internet service. Most internet customers have need for three services that are many times offered as a package, but may be sold separately: e-mail, web hosting and the actual internet connection itself. Data Truck provides the internet connection and e-mail addresses (when needed), and can assist you in finding a suitable host for your web site.

Q. What do I need to get started?

Network Connector

A. This depends on the number and type(s) of computers you wish to connect to our Internet service. If you need to connect only one stationary computer, that computer will need a NIC (Network Interface Card) to connect to our modem. Most newer computers come with a NIC pre-installed, and they are readily available at local retailers. We can assist you during the installation of your service.

Router

Installation involving a wireless computer, or two or more computers, requires a router. Your router connects to our modem and "splits" the internet connection to multiple computers, and provides the Wi-fi signal for your wireless computer(s). A "small-office/home-office" router typically retails for around $50 ~ $100 and is available from several local retailers. As an added benefit, a router will also provide basic firewall functions to improve the security of your network.

Q. Why do I need an antenna and modem to get your wireless internet service? My computer already has wireless; can't I just use that?

A. No. This is a question we hear all the time. The term "wireless" is a bit ambiguous in technology, and some explanation is necessary to better understand the answer.

The wireless adapter built into your computer is most likely Wi-fi (also known as 802.11 a, b, n, or g). This is a short-range wireless technology, using low-power signals on unlicensed frequencies and designed to provide local internet access within a building or small area (usually about 300 foot radius). The signal is transmitted from a Wi-fi router or access point, which needs to be connected to an internet provider.

In contrast, our MMDS wireless uses high-power signals on FCC-licensed frequencies to deliver service over long distances from our tower (about 15 miles radius). An outdoor antenna and modem are required to receive our signal. Even if you were close enough to our tower to receive the signal without an outdoor antenna, your computer's wireless "speaks" a different protocol than our tower so they wouldn't know what to say to each other.

This is basically the same reason you cannot use your home cordless phone as a cellphone. Both devices are wireless but they use different frequencies and protocols and therefore are not interchangable.

Q. How fast is your Internet service?

A. FAST! Our packages provide you with speeds between 2 and 5 Mbps (megabits per second) depending on the service you choose. This means we can send up to 2 - 5 million bits of information to your computer every second. Dial-up internet service can deliver 25 to 50 Kbps (thousand bits per second). Satellite and DSL service varies, but is typically between 256 - 768 Kbps.

Q. Is your service limited? How much can I use it per month/day/etc?

A. Our service is unlimited. You are always connected to the Internet with Data Truck, and you can use it as little or as much as you want, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We do not place hourly or download restrictions on our service, or charge extra for over-usage.

Q. My satellite TV/internet service sometimes stops working during bad weather. Does Data Truck suffer from similar problems?

A. Not usually. The reason satellite service is sometimes problematic is that the signal is being received from a geostationary satellite in space. This signal must travel about 22,000 miles and has to pass through Earth's atmosphere before it reaches you. During bad weather the signal also has to pass through weather and dense clouds in the atmosphere, which distort and attenuate the signal before it is received. Our signal is delivered from a terrestrial tower 1 1/2 miles south of Watertown, SD and travels in a path parallel to the surface of the earth. The signal has a much shorter trip and does not need to pass through the upper atmosphere, therefore it is much less likely to be affected by weather.

Q. Sounds great! How do I get started?

A. The first step is a site survey. Click here to place a request. One of our professional technicians will check your location for sufficient signal strength and suitable installation options. We'll discuss our findings with you and hopefully schedule a time to install your new Internet service.