Road Runner Announcement
Updated October 1, 2001
Dear University of Southern Maine Student, Faculty member, or Staff Member:
To address your educational need for off-campus Internet connectivity, Time Warner Cable of Maine is offering you a significant discount on Road Runner service. This is a very special offer available only through the University of Southern Maine.
The University of Southern Maine and Time Warner Cable of Maine have entered into an agreement to provide reduced cost, high speed Internet service to off-campus matriculated and registered students, faculty, and full-time staff. As part of its on-going commitment to education, Time Warner Cable is making Road Runner Internet service available through the University at volume pricing. As part of the cooperative agreement, USM will provide a Road Runner Help Desk for on-going support, will bill the subscribers, and will provide University email services to the University subscribers.
With over five years of broadband technology investments made locally by Time Warner Cable of Maine, we are fortunate to host one of the leading cable modem systems in the world. For you, that means that fast, reliable, cable modem service is available today in most locations of Cumberland, York and Aroostook counties. The University of Southern Maine was the first university system in the country to offer integration of cable modem technology as part of their educational program.
If you are already familiar with Road Runner, you know that it is a state-of-the art, high-speed, online Internet service which is delivered via special cable modems. Unlike dial-up modems, cable modems eliminate busy signals and time charges. Your connections do not affect simultaneous cable television reception by others in the household, and they don't tie up your phone lines.
Road Runner connections will more fully simulate the LAN type connections which on-campus students enjoy when accessing the University servers. With Road Runner, you won't need the older dial-up access method to get to the University's web sites and you'll be able to make full use of the University's e-mail system. Road Runner is a service which is provided over the cable line currently installed in your home or apartment. Your personal computer is directly connected to the cable network as a second "drop" with your existing cable television lines (just like having another television). Access to University network services and the Internet as a whole is available 24 hours a day, every day.
More than 30,000 homes and businesses have subscribed since Road Runner was formally launched on April 2 of 1997. Monthly, more than 600 new Road Runner customers join the program, including dozens of USM students, faculty, and staff.
The University volume pricing arrangement for Road Runner service is $34.95 per month per user account. Road Runner service includes rental of the cable modem and unlimited use of the service. It is available through USM in Cumberland and York Counties and where cable service is offered by Time Warner. You don't need to be a cable TV subscriber to have Road Runner service. However, Time Warner can run a new cable drop only in serviceable areas.
The reduced pricing of this offer is available to matriculated (degree program) students, full time University employees, and current teaching faculty. You must be pre-approved by University administration to participate in this program.
Free installation is offered for standard computers which will accept a standard Ethernet adapter card or a USB port, and for Macintosh computers which will accept a standard external Farallon Ethernet transceiver. Time Warner Road Runner does not provide ethernet cards for laptop computers. Check with the University for more details on purchasing a card for your laptop computer.
The installation includes the cable extension to one computer, one 10BaseT Ethernet adaptor for your computer or USB cable, the cable modem, client software, and manuals. The installation will also include all configuration of the hardware and software as well as verification of the connection. The service will be ready to use immediately. The cable USB modem remains the property of Time Warner Cable of Maine. The Ethernet adapter, cable, software, and manuals become the property of the subscriber.
Follow these steps to apply for your Road Runner service:
- Read and agree to the terms of the Subscriber Agreement.
- Submit your application along with payment to
University ComputingThe University requires a two-month payment at sign up of $69.90. For questions about registering or completing the form, call USM at (207) 780-4453.
144 Luther Bonney Hall
PO Box 9300
96 Falmouth Street
Portland, ME 04104. - The University will notify Time Warner. Time Warner will notify you to schedule a Road Runner installation date.
If you want more information on Road Runner service, you can visit their web site at www.twmaine.com.
Thank you for considering Road Runner, and good luck during your new school year.
Best Regards,
Merton A. Nickerson
Director, University Computing Technologies
University of Southern Maine
