Learn more about the new and enhanced features.
1. What does this new company mean to me as a customer?
Prodigy is now the nation's third largest ISP and the nation's top broadband DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) ISP. Prodigy will be in a better position to deliver customers the Internet experience they've been asking for through high-speed DSL Internet access and aggressive deployment of next-generation services, such as personal videoconferencing, video on demand and home networking.
2. Will my personalized start page change?
Prodigy Internet may provide an upgraded look and feel, but your start page will still be customized around the information you find most important. Plus, you'll enjoy more features with your new Prodigy start page such as Prodigy Instant Messaging, Prodigy chat, online communities, and more.
3. What specific benefits will I see?
The transition of SBC Internet Services customers to the new Prodigy will include the availability of a number of enhanced services. Among them:
4. When will I see these changes?
Throughout the second half of this year, SBC will transition existing customers to Prodigy Internet so they can enjoy the rich features of Prodigy's service. The transition will take place by region, beginning with Southwestern Bell Internet, followed by Pacific Bell Internet, Nevada Bell Internet, Ameritech.net, and SNET Internet.
5. How will I know when the transition takes place?
There will be customer information distributed directly from SBC before the transition. Updates will be posted regularly on the SBC Internet Services web site. On the day of transition, you will be automatically directed to the Prodigy Internet start page.
6. Will my email address change?
No. Current SBC customers will retain their current email addresses even when they transition to the new ISP. New customers who sign up for Prodigy service through SBC will have a prodigy.net email address.
7. Will my dial-up access numbers change?
You will use the same dial-up access numbers to connect to the Internet as you do now. When you dial in, you will be automatically directed to the Prodigy start page.
8. Will I need to download or upgrade software?
When you dial in as usual, you will be automatically directed to the new Prodigy Internet start page. You can choose whether to download software upgrades or receive a disk at that time.
9. Will I receive the same level of customer service?
Absolutely--trained customer service representatives will continue to serve you. You will still be provided with the answers and guidance that make your online experience easy and enjoyable.
10. Will the customer service numbers change?
No. We know customer service is critical to you, so support numbers will not change.
11. Will my service be disrupted?
Our goal is to make this a seamless transition for our Dial-up, ISDN and Basic DSL Internet Service customers. You don't need to take any action at the time. Continue using SBC Internet Services as you do today.
12. I'm also a business customer who has dedicated Internet access; will my service change?
This partnership affects only our Dial-up and DSL customers. There will be no change in service for customers who subscribe to dedicated Internet access.
13. Will Prodigy Internet offer DSL service?
Yes. Prodigy Internet will offer SBC's industry-leading broadband DSL service.
Prodigy's Basic DSL service will include both DSL-transport and Internet access, a downstream speed of 384 Kbps, an upstream speed of 128 Kbps, and a single dynamic IP address. It will also include email, 6 MB of personal web space, a dial-up account, chat, instant messaging, online communities, Usenet newsgroups, nationwide roaming, and technical support--all for just $39.95 per month.
14. Whose network will connect me to this new service?
You will continue to have access to a top-rated, advanced, highly reliable network. SBC will be the preferred provider of network services to Prodigy.
15. Will I continue to be billed for Internet service as I am now?
You will continue to be billed for Internet service the same way your are billed today, either through your credit card or local telephone bill (if that option is available in your service area).
16. Will my customer service phone numbers change?
No. You will continue to have 24/7 customer support available through the same toll-free phone numbers you have been using.
17. Will Prodigy Internet cost more than I'm paying now?
Your monthly Internet access fee will not change from $21.95 for dial-up access.* Special discounts will be available with SBC packages.
*SNET customers now paying $20.99 will see less than a dollar per month increase to $21.95 for a wide variety of enhanced services and online features.
18. What if I don't want to migrate to Prodigy; is there a penalty for dropping the service?
Only if you have purchased SBC Internet service for a special price that required a one-year term agreement.
19. Where can I get more information?
SBC will send you direct correspondence about the Prodigy transition as news develops. Regular updates will be posted at this web site.
You can also visit sbc.com for more information.