I can't get DSL or cable. What are my other options? Dial-up is just
too slow.
It’s true—in Nevada County, many
areas are too remote for either cable or DSL Internet connections. Ken
remembers asking a Comcast representative once if they were ever going to head
in his direction, and they just laughed—at his home, the only option seemed to
be dialup, when he moved in 7 years ago.
Now, however, there are several
viable options. One option is satellite internet access—there are two options
available nationally: HughesNet (http://www.hughesnet.com)
and WildBlue (http://www.wildblue.com).
Ken tried WildBlue in 2006 (at that time, HughesNet’s service was simply
terrible, and he vetoed that option). At the time, WildBlue was slow,
difficult, and hard to work with. They may be better now. Both HughesNet and
WildBlue have recently upgraded their services, and they might be worth
checking out, if you have no other options.
A better option for many might
be terrestrial fixed wireless, provided by either Central Valley Broadband (the
company Ken uses, http://www.calwisp.com) or Smarter Broadband (http://www.smarterbroadband.com/).
Both companies have placed wireless transmitters dotting the landscape in
Nevada County, and if your home provides direct line of sight to one of their
towers, you could be eligible for excellent service, high speeds, and smooth
Internet “sailing.” Both companies offer high-speed connections at reasonable
prices, and we’ve only spoken with happy customers of both services. Check them
both out to determine if either or both is available in your area.
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