One Zone FAQ's

Overview
Using One Zone™
Using One Zone™ within your home or office
Security/Safety
Username and Password
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting - Text Messaging
General Information – Toronto Hydro Telecom


Overview

Q: What is the Toronto Hydro Telecom One Zone™?
A: One Zone™ is Toronto Hydro Telecom’s wireless Internet access zone. Using 802.11g standard technology One Zone™ users are able to access email, connect to their office remotely or simply surf the web from any location within the zone – offering customers completely untethered access to Canada’s largest hot zone.

Q: How is the Toronto Hydro Telecom WiFi network different from the WiFi service provided already by Bell, Rogers and Telus?
A: Toronto Hydro Telecom’s solution to the dead zones that are currently found in downtown Toronto is to install radio access points on existing streetlighting poles in order to ensure consistent connectivity. Currently, radio transmitters are located arbitrarily in coffee shops, fast food outlets, train stations or hotels, depending on the service provider. Toronto Hydro Telecom’s solution will offer seamless, unfettered access to the Internet from any location with the ubiquitous WiFi zone.

Q: Why does Toronto need a WiFi network?
A: Toronto is the economic engine of Canada, and as befits the largest city in Canada, it will now have the largest WiFi network in Canada. Toronto Hydro Telecom’s WiFi network will provide one service area with comprehensive WiFi coverage – none of the other carriers can make this claim.

Q: Where can I access the Toronto Hydro Telecom One Zone™?
A: The Toronto Hydro Telecom One Zone™ will be launched in 5 stages beginning in September 2006. By year-end six square kilometers of the downtown core will be blanketed in wireless Internet access. For a full coverage map please see the coverage maps section in the media centre.

Using One Zone™

Q: What do I need to take advantage of One Zone™?
A: All that is required to access the One Zone™ network is a WiFi enabled device, a web browser and a username and password.

Q: What is Toronto Hydro Telecom One Zone™’s SSID?
A: The SSID for One Zone™ is One Zone™_High Speed Internet

Q: How do I access One Zone™?
A: To gain access to One Zone™ WiFi follow the easy steps below.

  • Open your WiFi enabled device
  • Use the network connections manager on your WiFi enabled device to view available wireless networks.
  • Select the SSID One Zone_High Speed Internet
  • Open your web browser and visit the new user page.
  • Enter your mobile phone number in the space provided.
  • You will instantly receive a text message containing your username and password.
  • Enter your username and password.
  • Start surfing.

Q: What is the cost to access the Toronto Hydro Telecom One Zone™?
A: Toronto Hydro Telecom is pleased to offer the One Zone™ service to all users free of charge for a six month time period.

Q: How much will it cost to subscribe to One Zone™ after the free trial period ends?
A: There will be three price points. Customers will be able to purchase the service on a pre-paid monthly basis priced at $29. Alternatively, they can buy a 24-hour subscription for $10, which entitles them to use the network for 24 consecutive hours. The third option is an hourly subscription that costs $5.

Q: Can I connect remotely to my office email using One Zone™?
A: Yes. If your company has Virtual Private Network software, or subscribes to a web based e-mail service, you can log onto the One Zone™ service, and connect to your mailbox or network.

Q: How fast will data travel over the One Zone™ network?
A: The One Zone™ network has been engineered for scalability, which means that the speed can increase depending on the location and on consumer demand. Speeds of up to 7 megabits per second can be achieved on the One Zone™ network.

Using One Zone™ within your home or office

Q: Will One Zone™ WiFi work inside?
A: The One Zone™ WiFi network was engineered for optimal use outdoors and in buildings directly adjacent to the coverage area; however, if you would like to use the network within your home, and you’re in the coverage area, we suggest purchasing a WiFi Modem.

Q: I would like to replace my fixed Internet connection with One Zone™ WiFi, is this possible?
A: Yes. If you would like to replace your Internet connection with One Zone™ WiFi you will be required to purchase a WiFi Modem.

Q: What is a WiFi Modem?
A: A WiFi modem is a device that enables you to optimize the One Zone™ WiFi signal within your home or office. In addition the WiFi Modem will enable you to connect to the One Zone™ WiFi network through your desktop PC – essentially converting a WiFi connection to a wired connection when required.

Q: Where can I purchase a WiFi modem?
To learn more about WiFi modems or to purchase a WiFi modem online visit:

1. Ruckus Wireless at http://www.ruckuswireless.com/products/metroflex/ (One of our favorite products)
2. PePlink at http://www.peplink.com/howtobuy.php (One of our favorite products)
3. Tiger Direct Canada at http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=1594&
4. Dlink at http://www.dlinkshop.com/product.asp?sku=1961885

Q: Will you rent me a WiFi modem?
A: No. We think you’re better off in the long run buying your own.

Q: Do you support these WiFi modems?
A: No, third party retailers supply these products, so we do not provide product support.


Security/Safety

Q: Is the One Zone™ network secure?
A: A WiFi Internet connection to a secure website is just as secure as a traditional wireline connection. However, Toronto Hydro Telecom recommends that its customers take steps to secure their data over any Internet connection. This may include encryption software and the installation of personal firewalls.

Q: Can my computer be hacked when I’m connected to One Zone™?
A: Like any Internet connection, One Zone™ may provide a conduit for hackers to access your machine. We strongly recommend the use of a personal firewall to prevent these attacks (Windows XP SP2 has a personal firewall built in, make sure to activate it).

Q: How do I know that the login page for One Zone™ is actually yours? I’ve heard of “spoofing” where a hacker intercepts the wireless signal to steal personal information.
A: The One Zone™ login page is a secure page, so you will notice a small lock symbol in the bottom of your browser. Make sure to check the certificate associated with this page and be sure the certificate is valid, has a valid name that matches the name of the page being viewed, and the certificate has been issued to “welcome.to.tht”

Q: Are the signals emitted from the WiFi Access Points safe?
A: Toronto Hydro Telecom is in full compliance with federal guidelines and regulations that pertain to radio frequency emissions and electromagnetic fields. These regulations include Health Canada Safety Code 6 and Industry Canada RSS-102.

Toronto Public Health has indicated it is satisfied with Toronto Hydro Telecom’s technical compliance and with the stringent requirements that we have placed on our vendor of record.

Q: What equipment are you using for this network?
A:The One Zone™ network consists of a series of radio access points, with equipment supplied by Siemens Canada through a partnership with BelAir Networks. Billing, authentication and gateway systems have also been provided by Siemens.

The radio access points, which are installed on street lighting poles, provide users with ubiquitous and untethered service at speeds that are as fast as, or faster, than existing high speed Internet access offered by our competitors.

Username and Password

Q: How do I receive my One Zone™ username and password?
A: To receive your username and password select the “new user” button on the One Zone™ login page and enter your mobile phone number in the space provided. You will instantly receive a text message containing your username and password.

Q: Do I require a new username and password for each time I access the system?
A: No, your username and password will remain valid for six months. After the
six-month trial period users will be required to subscribe to the service.

Q: Can I change my username and password?
A: At this time you are required to use the username and password as provided. As One Zone™ nears completion new features of the service will allow users to change their usernames and passwords.

Q: Can I login with more than one device at once with my username and password?
A: No, for security reasons we have limited simultaneous logins.

Troubleshooting

Q: I have entered my cell phone number in the space provided, but I didn’t receive a username and password – what should I do?
A: First make sure that the login page indicates a username and password has been sent to your mobile phone. If you still have not received your login credentials return to the SMS login page and re-enter your mobile phone number. Sometimes a text message may not be delivered properly and requires a second attempt.

Q: Can I stay connected to the network 24hrs a day?
A: For security purposes the One Zone™ network automatically times out a user after 15 minutes of inactivity. However, when you are ready to hop online again simply re-enter your username and password and you will immediately be connected again – the connection is available 24/7.

Q: I have connected to the One Zone™ network, but the connection is very slow – why?
A: As with all wireless networks, One Zone™ signal strength will vary depending on location and distance relative to the closest access point. Other factors including foliage can also affect the WiFi signal. If you are using the WiFi network indoors you may want to try a WiFi modem. If you are located within the zone (view network coverage map) and still have a slow connection, try changing locations – you may have an obstacle between yourself and the nearest access point.

Q: My Wireless network manager automatically associates with another WiFi signal – why?
A: If your WiFi enabled device automatically connects to another WiFi network it means that you have selected another WiFi network as your preferred network or that you are in closer range to another network.

To make One Zone™ your preferred wireless connection, open your network device manager and view available wireless networks. To select One Zone as your preferred network select “change order of preferred networks”.

Q: I have read through the FAQ section and I still can’t connect – is there a number that I can call for assistance?
A: If you require further technical assistance please call 416.599.DATA and select option 1. A member of our support team would be happy to assist. However, please note that in some instances where equipment may be faulty you may be required to contact your WiFi enabled device manufacturer directly.

Troubleshooting – Text Messaging

Q: I have entered my cell phone number in the space provided, but I didn’t receive a username and password – what should I do?
A: First make sure that the login page indicates a username and password has been sent to your mobile phone. If you still have not received your login credentials return to the SMS login page and re-enter your mobile phone number. Sometimes a text message may not be delivered properly and requires a second attempt.

Q: I have a mobile phone, but have never used the text messaging feature – how do I make sure the feature is active?
A: In order to ensure your mobile phone’s text messaging capabilities are active please contact your mobile phone carrier directly.

Q: I am a “pay as you go“ mobile phone subscriber, can I receive text messages?
A: Generally “pay as you go“ subscribers do not have text messaging capabilities. If you would like to receive text messaging capabilities please contact your carrier directly for options.

Q: I have recently changed my mobile phone provider, but my number hasn’t changed – I am having difficulty receiving my login credentials, why?
A: In some cases moving your mobile phone number from one carrier to another may limit your ability to receive text messages, please contact your provider for clarification.

Q: I just have a new mobile phone and a new number, but haven’t received my login credentials – why?
A: SMS messaging for the One Zone system is delivered by extracting information from a database. In some cases, new phone prefixes (i.e. 416.XXX.5555, where XXX is your prefix) may not be listed within the database. This may inhibit a text message from being delivered to your phone.

However, we are constantly adding new prefixes to the database so please check back at a later date.

Q: I am visiting from the US, where I regularly receive text messages, but I can’t seem to receive my login credentials – what’s the problem?
A: In some cases roaming agreements between providers may not allow users to send and receive text messages. Please contact your provider for further information.

Q: I have followed all of the steps to receive my username and password and still have not received them, is there anything else that may have delayed my message?
A: Please check that you have entered your cellular phone number correctly in the space provided. The number should be 10 digits in length and appear with no dashes or spaces. In addition, please make sure that you are entering the area code attached to your mobile number.


General Information – Toronto Hydro Telecom

Q: Who is Toronto Hydro Telecom?
A: Toronto Hydro Telecom is a subsidiary of Toronto Hydro Corporation. Toronto Hydro Telecom owns and operated a 450 km fibre optic network connecting over 400 buildings within Toronto and operates as a competitive data services provider within the 416. For further information on all of Toronto Hydro Telecom’s services please visit www.thtelecom.ca

A: What is Toronto Hydro Telecom’s relationship with Toronto Hydro Corporation?
Toronto Hydro Telecom Inc. is an affiliate of Toronto Hydro Corporation, which is 100 per cent owned by the City of Toronto.

 

 
 
   
©2006 Toronto Hydro Telecom Inc.
One Zone is a registered trademark of Toronto Hydro Corporation
 
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