Bell Canada, 1998

Datapac(TM) is a nationwide public data communications network offered through Bell and the other members of the Stentor alliance. It's similar to the long distance telephone network used for voice calls but is designed specifically for data communications.

Datapac is compatible with many different types of computers, with speeds ranging from 300 to 256,000 bps, and can be used for a wide variety of applications. It also offers many optional features that allow you to enhance the performance, security or convenience of your operations.

The service uses a technology known as packet switching, which means that information is transmitted in "packets" of 256 characters, or bytes.

Reliability and accuracy are key benefits of the Datapac network. It is digital from end to end, and has built-in error-checking features to ensure that the information you send is error-free, whether its destination is across the city or around the world. If one transmission route is unavailable, Datapac's alternate routing capability finds another instantly. In addition, a 24-hour surveillance system monitors every line and component of the Datapac network.

Datapac is available virtually anywhere in Canada, and provides connections to public data networks in the U.S. and more than 100 countries throughout the world.

How to access the service

You don't need any special equipment or hook-up to use Datapac. All you need is what you probably already have: a PC with a modem.

There are two ways you can access the network:

• on a "dial-up" basis using your regular telephone line and modem if your data communications needs are occasional or intermittent; or,
• on a dedicated access line from your premises if you need continuous communications for four or more hours per day, or if fast response times are critical to your business.

What is Datapac used for?

Here are just a few of the ways Canadian businesses use the service:

• personal banking services
• credit verification
• retail point-of-sales-networks
• reservations systems
• inventory control
• data collection
• inquiry/response
• order entry
• file transfers
• electronic mail
• interactive/person-to-person communications.

How much does it cost?

That depends on the amount of data you send. Datapac is a usage-sensitive network, which is a particular advantage if you have low-to-medium volumes of data to send. The cost is no more and often much less than sending data over regular telephone lines, and it's always error-free when it arrives.

There are two basic billing components:

the type of service used to access the network	This is charged: - by the month for dedicated access lines; or - by the minute for Public Dial calls; or, - by the minutes for international calls. Rates vary by service type and speed and by international network (where applicable).
the amount of data (usage) that is sent across the network	This is charged in segments, with each segment containing up to 256 characters of customer data. rates within Canada are based on mileage. International prices vary by network and are not mileage dependent.

There are also one-time service charges for the installation of new access lines or changes to existing lines.

For more detailed information about Datapac rates, see:

• Dedicated access rates
• Optional features
• Usage rates (domestic)
• Usage rates (international)

To find out more about Datapac...

The Datapac Information System is an on-line bulletin board that contains up-to-date information about the Datapac family of services. Using a computer terminal, you can access it free of charge from any Datapac Public Dial port, and from most dedicated access lines and international gateways by calling DNA 92100086 (English) or 92100086,B (French).

Public Dial port telephone numbers for Datapac 3000 and 3101 are listed in the White Pages of your local telephone directory under Datapac.

In addition, the Datapac Customer Assistance Centre is available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST.

Telephone	1-800 267-6574 or, (613) 781-6798
Fax	(613) 781-3845
Envoy100	DATAPAC.HELP

You can also call your Bell sales representative for more information or call toll-free 1-800-267-6574.