Ohio State is negotiating a contract with an outside Internet service provider to alleviate the HomeNet dial-in congestion. University Technology Services hopes to have the plan in place by early spring quarter, said Charles R. Morrow-Jones, director of networking and connectivity at UTS. “I mainly use the Internet for research and design, and for communicating in group projects,” said Ross George, a senior majoring in electrical engineering who lives off-campus and subscribes to the HomeNet service through OSU. “From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. it is almost impossible to get through to HomeNet,” George said. “Computers are available on campus but it’s not convenient (or safe) to be walking home at midnight from the computer lab.”Many students rely on Internet access to keep up in their classes. David E. Orin, an electrical engineering professor, puts homework hints and solutions, course announcements and lab files on the Internet.”It’s convenient for students,” he said. “They can do their homework at anytime, however, access is a big issue.” The outside Internet provider will provide a much higher quality of service, said James F. Davis, director of UTS.Most in-state students will be able to access OSU’s Internet from their parents’ home with a local phone call, Davis said. The outside provider also has local dial-in points in 1,100 cities worldwide, which can benefit out-of-state and international students. “Our modem pool will stay in place free of charge for short-term items such as e-mail, but the outside provider will be available to those who need a higher level of service,” Davis said.The HomeNet user will call into the outside provider, the provider is connected to the OSU Internet. The user’s log-in and password will remain the same, Davis said.The identity of the outside Internet service provider cannot be disclosed at this time because the contract is still under negotiation, Morrow-Jones said.In addition to using an outside Internet provider to alleviate congestion, UTS has made it possible for departments to purchase dedicated modems, and should have the dorms connected to the sonnet lines by fall quarter, Morrow-Jones said.The cost of the outside service will be $4.95 for three hours, $12.95 for 60 hours and $17.95 per month for 100 hours of service per month, Morrow-Jones said. Service can be adjusted or cancelled at any time.The biggest disadvantage of the outside provider is the provider will only bill to a credit card, Morrow-Jones said. “Unfortunately, the outside provider would not budge on this.” “Hopefully with all the different options available, OSU’s free-of-charge Internet service will become less congested,” Davis said.