FAQs

Cell Phone FAQs

Does Polar Communications sell cellular phones?
Yes, Polar Communications is an authorized agent for Verizon Wireless. We sell phones, accessories and help you choose a calling plan that’s right for you.

What coverage regions are available?
With America’s largest and most reliable network, Verizon provides nationwide coverage including all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.

What cell phone accessories can I buy from Polar Communications?
We have car chargers, travel chargers, cases, hands-free headsets and Bluetooth headsets available.

E-Statement FAQs

What is E-statement?
E-statement is a service provided by Polar Communications that allows you to check your bill online. Not only can you view your bill, you can sort it according to numbers called, view the calls you’ve made that have not yet been billed, download your statement and much more! E-statement from Polar Communications is easy to use, free of charge and can be accessed through Polar Communications’ website at any time.

Do I need to register to use E-statement?
On Polar Communications’ homepage, click on E-Statement. Click on Create A New Login and enter the appropriate information to create an account. Click on Create Login and an e-mail will be sent to you to complete registration.

Can other people look at my E-statement?
Polar Communications’ E-statement services are password protected. The only way another person could view your account is if you release your password.

Can I change my password for E-statement?
Login to E-statement and then click on Change Profile. Follow the prompts to change your password.

I have some other questions about using E-statement. Can I get more help?
Login to E-statement and then click on FAQ for a listing of other Frequently Asked Questions. As with all of our services, if you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

Cable TV FAQs

Where is cable TV available?
Cable TV is available in the following cities: Fordville, St.Thomas, Michigan, Cavalier, Park River, Petersburg, Crystal, Neche, Hoople, Adams, Hensel, Mountain, Pisek, Edinburg, Gilby, Inkster, Lakota, Niagara, Pembina, St. Vincent and Mayville. We are also bringing our cable TV services in to rural areas of our service territory. Call us today at 701-284-7221 to see if you qualify for cable TV from Polar Communications.

What cable TV channel packages are available?
Go to our Cable TV page here.

Are there movie channels available that I can add?
Polar Communications has several premium channel add-ons available, including Encore, Cinemax, Starz!, HBO and several combo packs. Please call our office for details.

Local Phone FAQs

What is the basic monthly rate for local phone service?
The basic monthly rate varies, depending on the exchange. Please contact Polar Communications for specific billing rates.

What are all these other charges on my bill?
Please contact Polar Communications for answers regarding specific charges.

Why is my first month’s bill so high?
The first bill includes installation fees, the regular (partial) month billing and 1 month advance billing.

Can I buy phone headsets from Polar Communications?
Yes, Polar Communications stocks several models of phone headsets.

Can I get caller ID?
Yes, caller ID and many other calling features are available to all Polar Communications exchanges. Polar Communications also has caller ID units and phones available for purchase.

Can I get voice mail, so I don’t have to use an answering machine?
Yes, voice mail is available on residential or business phone services. Voice mail can be accessed remotely from any phone, anywhere.

I called MCI to change my long distance carrier. Why am I still getting billed by my old long distance company?
When changing your long distance carrier, you also need to notify Polar Communications so that we change that information in our switch. Otherwise you will continue getting billed by the previous long distance carrier.

What is a PIC freeze?
This is a freeze on your pre-subscribed interexchange carrier (PIC), basically your long distance carrier, so that it cannot be changed without your consent. There have been some instances where long distance carriers have tried to add customers to their base without notifying the customers.

Why do I have to notify Polar Communications when I start or buy a business entity, but keep the same name and phone number?
We create a new member number for each residential or business account. These member numbers are used for tracking capital credits.

What are capital credits and when are they paid out?
Capital credits are dividends paid to our customers. Each June and December, Polar Communications pays out capital credits to its members, depending on the company’s financial well being. Capital credits may be returned in full at age 75 or to the estate of a deceased person.

Advanced Services FAQs

I love my broadband connection at home, but I have two computers. Can I set up a network so that both computers can access the Internet?
Yes, you can set up a network at home with an inexpensive router. Each computer would need a network interface card (NIC) to connect to the router. Our Special Services Dept. can install NIC’s and a router for you. Call Polar Communications at 284-7221 (800-284-7222) to get all the details. Network Solutions XML Manual can be found here.

DSL FAQs

What are the minimum PC requirements for DSL?

  • Windows XP or 2000, Mac OS
  • 200 MB Free Hard Disk Space
  • Pentium II
  • 64 MB RAM
  • NIC Card/Ethernet Card
  • CD Rom Drive
  • OS Installation Media/Discs

Macintosh, Linux and Unix operating systems will be case by case.

Where is DSL available?
DSL is available in all Polar Communications-owned exchanges. Subscribers with a cable pair that has 900 ohms or less resistance qualify for DSL. This is approximately three miles of cable from the central office to the subscriber. Polar Communications needs to qualify all installations. Qualifying your location is easy and costs nothing. Please call our office with your location, and we’ll check to see if you qualify.

What are the rates for DSL?
Click here for internet pricing.

What kind of speeds can I expect with DSL?
Up to 5mbps.

Do I need a certain modem for DSL?
You need a DSL modem that is compatible with Polar Communications’ DSL Network. Polar Communications sells DSL modems for $99 or you can lease a modem for $3.95/month.

Can two computers use the DSL simultaneously?
Yes, with a combination modem/router. If you have a modem with only 1 LAN port, you’ll need to install a router to connect both computers to the Internet. When scheduling your installation, a Customer Service Representative will be happy to help you with modem & router purchasing or leasing options.

How do I access my e-mail using DSL?
You will need to set up your software mail program with your username and password that is provided by Polar Communications. If you need help with this, call the Internet Help Desk at 888-700-POLAR (888-700-7652).

What are the requirements for my computer before I can get DSL?
Your computer will need an Ethernet adapter (also known as a Network Interface Card (NIC)). If your computer does not already have a NIC, Polar Communications can sell and/or install one into your computer. There is a one-time charge of $29.95 for purchase and installation of a NIC for desktops. Contact Polar Communications for wireless options.

My computer already has a modem installed. Do I still need a NIC card?
Yes, a NIC card is different from a modem and is required for DSL Internet service from Polar Communications.

Are there any other additional charges besides the $125 installation fee ($250 without a contract?)
Yes, your phone line also requires a filter. The phones can be filtered either at each individual phone or in the protector depending on the existing phone wiring in the house. The cost per filter is $10. Also, if the computer requires a NIC card, see question above.

Can I use DSL with my wireless router?
Yes, if the router is compatible with our DSL modems. If you need help setting up the wireless router, Polar Communications can help. This is considered a networking service and is billed at $75 per hour.

Am I protected from hackers or viruses when I have DSL?
You would need to install a firewall to protect from hackers and viruses. Polar Communications highly recommends the use of a firewall. A firewall is any device or software program that prevents unauthorized access to your computer or network. Getting and maintaining the firewall is the user’s responsibility. Polar Communications can assist in most cases with a charge of $75 an hour. For viruses, Polar Communications does have an email scanner implemented with an automatic virus scanner on all incoming emails. Viruses can still be received through accessing certain websites or by downloading files off the internet. Polar Communications is not liable for any unauthorized access or viruses obtained.

Why is there an installation fee?
The installation fee covers the cost of setting up your phone line for DSL connection, connecting one computer to the DSL line and also the technical and administrative implementation required at the Polar Communications office. Polar Communications staff remains on site until everything is working correctly.

What are the advantages of a DSL from Polar Communications?
Polar Communications offers SPAM filtering, virus scan and webmail for your e-mail account. For the SPAM and Virus scan, Polar Communications uses a Message Center for your e-mail to come to first. This is where your spam and e-mails with viruses can be filter before it hits your inbox, protecting you and your computer! We also provide free webmail to our DSL customers. Webmail allows you to access your e-mail anywhere or anytime with any computer that has internet access. Click here to access your webmail. Polar Communications also offers 2 megabits of space to use for web pages. As in all services, Polar Communications provides the convenience of having all of your services on one bill.

Wireless FAQs

What are the minimum PC requirements for wireless internet services?

  • Windows XP or Mac OS10 or later
  • 200 MB Free Hard Disk Space
  • Pentium II
  • 64 MB RAM
  • NIC Card/Ethernet Card
  • CD Rom Drive
  • OS Installation Media/Discs

Macintosh, Linux and Unix operating systems will be case by case.

Where is wireless internet available?
Wireless is available in approximately a 35-mile radius around our tower locations. See our coverage map. The technology is line of site. Contact us today at 800-284-7222 to qualify your location.

How does wireless work?
Our wireless runs on the Licensed MMDS and licensed 700 MHz frequencies. The customer will require an antenna, down converter and wireless modem at their location. Between the modem and the customer computer is an Ethernet connection, therefore, a NIC card is required.

What kind of dish or antenna is required?
Answer: See our wireless pictures.

Can I install the antenna myself?
No. A special meter is required to set the signal level. Polar Communications does the installation for $125 ($250 without a contract). Included in the installation is the antenna, down converter, mast and setup of the modem and one computer. The modem is $99 and must be purchased, or leased for $3.95 a month, from Polar Communications.

What are the rates for wireless internet?
Click here for internet pricing plans.

What kind of speeds can I expect with a wireless internet?
Up to 5 Mbps, depending on tower.

Do I need a certain receiver for wireless internet?
Yes. The antenna and down converter is included in the installation.

Can two computers use the wireless internet simultaneously?
Yes. In order to do so, you must have a router. Polar Communications sells routers for $79.95.

How do I access my e-mail using wireless internet?
You just need to set up your mail software program similar to the setup for a DSL or cable modem setup. Polar Communications also provides free webmail services to all internet customers so you can access your e-mail from anywhere via the Internet.

General Internet Information

What are the minimum PC requirements for high speed internet services from Polar Communications?

  • Windows 98, NT, XP, or 2000, Mac OS10 or later
  • 200 MB Free Hard Disk Space
  • Pentium II
  • 64 MB RAM
  • NIC Card/Ethernet Card
  • CD Rom Drive
  • OS Installation Media/Discs

Linux and Unix operating systems will be case by case.

How do I change my e-mail password?
Click here to start webmail, then log in with your username and password. Along the left side of the screen, choose Options. There is a Change Password menu selection at the top of the screen. You will be prompted to enter your old password, then your new password two times for verification. Now your password is changed. If you use a mail software program such as Outlook Express or Eudora, you will need to change your password setting there, so that your mail will be delivered to the software properly.

I have Polar Communications Internet service at home, but I would also like to be able to check for e-mail while I am at work or out of town. Can I do this?
You can check your mail using our webmail feature any place that you can access the Internet. Just start the Internet browser and type in the following address: https://mail.polarcomm.com/. You will be prompted for your Polar Communications e-mail username and password.

Cable Modem FAQs

What are the minimum PC requirements for cable modem internet?

  • WindowsXP or Mac OS
  • 200 MB Free Hard Disk Space
  • Pentium II
  • 64 MB RAM
  • NIC Card/Ethernet Card
  • CD Rom Drive
  • OS Installation Media/Discs

Macintosh, Linux and Unix operating systems will be case by case.

Web Hosting Information & FAQs

Polar Communications has two web hosting packages:Web Host 1GB and Web Host 2GB. In either case, the customer must register the domain before Polar Communications can host it.

Web Host 1GB
Polar Communications will provide 1GB disk space for a customer’s web page, Domain Name Services (DNS) and five e-mail accounts. This does not include the Internet service or personal e-mail accounts. There is a one-time set-up charge of $35 and a monthly fee of $9.95.
Web Host 2GB
Polar Communications will provide 2GB disk space for a customer’s web page, Domain Name Services (DNS) and ten e-mail accounts. This does not include the Internet service or personal e-mail accounts. There is a one-time set-up charge of $35 and a monthly fee of $19.95.

Please e-mail us at webmaster@polarcomm.com or call us at 701-284-7221 (800-284-7222) for more information regarding web hosting. If you have any questions about these web services, please contact our Internet Help Desk at 888-700-POLAR (888-700-7652).

What is a DNS service?
A Domain Name Server (DNS) service translates domain names (e.g., www.polarcomm.com) to IP adresses (e.g., 66.31.96.9) which is how computers find each other in the world. It also steers email to the appropriate e-mail servers.

What is a static IP?
This service is for business broadband customers. They can choose to use a dynamic IP address or a static IP address. If a customer wants to host their own website, they will need to get a static IP address for their broadband connection from Polar Communications.

What is e-mail hosting?
If you would like your e-mail address to match your domain name (e.g., jdoe@mybusiness.com), Polar Communications can provide e-mail hosting to meet that need. You will still get all the great features of a Polar Communications e-mail account, such as webmail and Postini (virus protection and spam filter), but your e-mail address will be more personalized for your business.

How do I create a personal web page?
Customers need to use HTML software. Many of these software packages allow you to design your page in either HTML code or in design mode, which is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) mode. Generally this software needs to be purchased, but there are several available for 30-day trials. To view a very basic set of instructions for creating a regular web page and publishing it on Polar Communications’ server, click here.