Frequently Asked Questions
What is Broadband / High Speed?
Broadband is high speed internet which allows users to access the internet at higher speeds than those available through dial-up internet services. Speeds vary significantly depending on the type and level of service by internet providers. For the purposes of this project we consider high speed to be 1.5MB/s or better downstream (towards the user).
Why does my High Speed still seem slow?
The term "high speed" can be misleading as there is a wide range of internet speed available. City residents are able to obtain the highest speeds with cable and DSL where country residents depending on many factors such as terrain, distance to towers, etc are more limited. Wireless is capable of providing very high speed to business if they require it. The table below shows a range of high speed availability versus dial-up. The Broadband Initiative Project was funded to provide the minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps.
| Providers: |
Cable
|
DSL
|
Wireless
|
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed |
18.0 Mbps
|
16.0 Mbps
|
up to 100Mbps
|
| Medium/High |
10.0 Mbps
|
10.0 Mbps
|
5.0 Mbps
|
| Medium |
7.0 Mbps
|
7.0 Mbps
|
3 Mbps
|
| Medium/Slow |
1.0 Mbps
|
2.0 Mbps
|
1.5 Mbps
|
| Slow Speed |
500 Kbps
|
500 Kbps
|
500 Kbps
|
| Dial Up (comparison) |
56 Kbps
|
56 Kbps
|
56 Kbps
|
Why is the cost for High Speed generally higher in the country?
One of the challenges of broadband is to provide service to potential customers in areas of low population density. Many towers are required as well as implementing the infrastructure and equipment. Each rural customer may require a tower to obtain line of sight connectivity due to terrain, density of trees, etc.
What is DSL?
Digital Subscriber Line: High frequency data transmission over wires of a local telephone network. Works at the same time as your phone service on the same line.
How does satellite broadband differ from DSL?
Satellite is a wireless broadband useful in remote areas, however depends on customer's line of sight and weather plays a key factor. Satellite may have a higher cost involved as well. Satellite has a high latency (the time it takes for a packet of information to travel between client computer and server computer) which makes applications like VPN's difficult to use.
I am in the project area but am still waiting to be connected to high speed;
Why is it taking so long?
The Project Area vendor, Everus Communications has started connecting customers in the Project area and is installing approximately 10 – 15 customers per day. Please contact Everus Communications for details.
How do I find my property on the map?
Access the link to the Map Page and follow the instructions.