So I'm shopping for internet packages for my new apartment. I was wondering about the installation of it. They want to charge almost $100 bucks to do it, and I wanted to know if that's something you could easily do on your own (the site has it listed as an optional thing). I'm getting a 6mbps down/800kbsp up DSL and buying the modem outright. Before any complaints come in; That is the only speed available across the 5 providers I looked into (I live in Northern Ontario).

Basically, I don't have a lot of money and really don't want to pay 100 bucks if it's not needed.

EDIT: Also, what's the benefit of a static IP? And as additional info, I need to have them set-up a dry-loop (I'm not paying for a landline and they need to do that to keep it active)

If the actual cable is already installed to the desired location (if it's an apartment it probably already is) then you should just be able to plug in your modem, give your ISP a call and have them set it up remotely. (You'll probably need to read them the MAC address of the modem).

A static IP in most home situations isn't needed, unless you are planning on running a home business or servers for other people to use. Then it may come in handy. Otherwise you will get an IP from DHCP, which may change occasionally.

You mention cable. I trust it's the same with DSL (which uses the phone lines).

I meant cable as in a general sense, as in the physical wires. But I believe it should be the same situation. Someone else here who has DSL might be able to double check that.

DSL is a bit different in that they may have to "condition" the line. Also, look for the hidden fees like Digital Line Charges and the like that they tack onto the Internet portion. I remember signing up for DSL one time for $29.99 and my phone bill went up a total of $70 due to things like an ISP charge, line charges etc.

Also, DSL performance falls off rapidly the farther you are from the central office, so have them do a Sonar Test on your line. If you have more than 25,000 wire feet, then the DSL service will be spotty, if it works at all. Note, in more urban areas, the line distance is not as much an issue as in rural areas. And, some flavors of DSL do OK on long wire lengths.

Is there a cable company in your area that offers service? See what they have.

As Starforce9 mentioned, it's handy if you're running some sort of service at your end; in my case, I run my own mail server at home so it's pretty much essential. But if you're not planning on doing something like that, I wouldn't bother with the added cost (and lack of anonymity!)

If you're a new customer then you should hustle them for a better deal or tell them that another provider has offered free installation...they will most certainly waive the fee if you speak to a manager or sales rep about it.

This. I'd tell them if they want my business they had better waive lame fee's. Otherwise I'll look elsewhere.

It's all part of doing business! (Wiring, hookup, etc.)

I deal with Shaw here in BC and they rewired my place for free. I bought their hardware outright and am a triple play customer to boot. If they truly want you as a customer they will try and please you by waving these lame fees.

Fortunately I don't have a land-line for them to jack up. It's a city I'm moving to, but it's still in Northern Ontario. That means you either go with the smaller guys, pay less and risk low quality...or get screwed over by one of the big 3 and their outsourced support.

And since that part of Ontario is almost ignored by the province, we have like no infrastructure (READ: Even the big 3 barely offer decent cable).

I actually asked about that, lol. They won't. The big ones might, but the little guys don't budge on the matter. Might be that they are really only renting the lines from the big ones. Anyways, from what CCNA said, I might just bite the bullet and pay the fee. I don't really have the technical knowledge to deal with any issues if they arise.

EDIT: http://www.vmedia.ca/internet/ these are the guys I was looking at. Specifically the cheapest DSL (which is the only one available for my area)

They are. Bell to be specific.

STEP 1: CONNECTING YOUR WIRELESS MODEM

1. Connect the GREY phone line cable into the modem port marked “DSL”.
2. Connect the other end of the GREY phone line cable into the side of the phone filter marked “DSL/Modem”.
3. Connect one end of your power adapter to your modem. Then plug the other end into the power outlet in your wall.

http://www.windstream.com/uploadedImages/Pages/Support/MODEM1.2.jpg

STEP 2: CONNECTING YOUR COMPUTER TO YOUR WIRELESS MODEM

1. Connect the YELLOW Ethernet cable to the “Eth1” port on your modem.
2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your computer (Laptop or Desktop).

http://www.windstream.com/uploadedImages/Pages/Support/MODEM2.jpg

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Note: If you are connecting a computer wirelessly to the modem, the required WEP (Wireless Encryption Key) is located on the bottom of the modem after the word “passphrase”. This is only needed for wireless connections.

http://www.windstream.com/uploadedImages/Pages/Support/MODEM3%281%29.1.jpg

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STEP3: WAITING ON YOUR MODEM LIGHTS TO TURN GREEN

The DSL and Internet lights on your modem will flash then turn solid green. This will take a few moments. Note: The Internet light will flash when there is Internet activity.

*If your DSL lights don’t turn solid green please make sure you followed the steps correctly.

http://www.windstream.com/uploadedImages/Pages/Support/MODEM4%281%29.1.jpg

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Log in to your router’s Web interface by opening a browser and entering the IP address of your router into the address bar.

The IP address should be listed within your router’s documentation. if you can't find it, most routers use a common IP address such as http://192.168.1.1, or

When you log in to your router, you will be taken to the router’s main menu or status screen. There will be several options to choose from.

The Internet section can usually be left at default settings, unless you received specific instructions from your internet service provider. The Wireless section will allow you to set up your wireless network.

For information about how to configure your computer, see your router’s manual. If your router is any of the following brands, click on the link to be taken to the manufacturer’s site to find information on how to configure your computer:

Netgear http://downloadcenter.netgear.com/

Linksys: http://www.linksys.com/us/support/

Belkin: http://www.belkin.com/us/support

D-Link: http://support.dlink.com/

TRENDnet: http://www.trendnet.com/support/

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Hope this helps !!!