If I subscribe to the new fiber optic service, what will my monthly cost be?

Your costs will be dependent upon two things:  the number of services that you sign up for (Internet, television, home security, etc.) and the rates charged by your provider.  Our system is open access.  This allows for multiple providers to use the new network, which in turn, stimulates competitive pricing.  The consumer will be able to shop around for the best prices and services.

Will I still be able to watch my local news and sports teams with this new service?

Absolutely.  You can stay with your satellite or cable television provider, keeping the same services and still sign up for fiber optic broadband for Internet service.  In fact, because there will be multiple providers servicing our area, you will actually have a choice among cable television providers and competitive pricing is good for the consumer. Also, many streaming platforms now offer local channels and news.

I’ll never need that much bandwidth – why should I switch to the fiber network?

There are several reasons why fiber is a better option than DSL or cable:

Fiber is more secure, more reliable and faster than cable or DSL.  Your download and upload speeds will be symmetrical. You can watch movies, concerts, sporting events, download files of any size, upload photo albums and much more without any buffering.  Multiple devices can be used simultaneously – all streaming different content.  Your children, grandchildren, houseguests, etc. will be grateful and happy!

Fiber optic technology is an integral part of telemedicine practices.  Home-based healthcare (also known as in-place aging) is dependent upon high-speed, reliable Internet.

State of the Art broadband is vital for economic development – allowing rural communities to stay vibrant and competitive.   The attraction of new employers, families, Gen-Xers and the millennial generation will be difficult, if not impossible, without high speed Internet as a part of our infrastructure.  It is no longer a matter of “it would be nice to have,” but rather a service that is demanded by those looking to relocate.

Fiber optic Internet adds to the value of your home or other properties.

Education is global – we want our students to have the same access to knowledge as students around the globe.

Smart Cities/Smart Farms/Intelligent Infrastructure are all terms that are coming to the forefront of conversations that deal with the efficient use of energy, related costs and environmental impact.  These conversations are meaningless without that “strand of fiber” that will allow for communication and integration – intelligent infrastructure.

Yes you will! Advances in telehealth, more data dependent movies and music, educational data demands, multiple work from home options, economic development, home resale value and much much more will depend upon an ultra fast network. Only fiber can provide that. Cable, satellite, DSL and fixed wireless are the equivalent of sticking with your old Black & White TV.

If I switch to fiber, will I have to get a new email address?

This will depend upon your provider and which piece of infrastructure is being accessed – fiber, cable or DSL.

Possibly. Companies like Spectrum & Consolidated Communications basically own your email address. You will be better off with a GMAIL, Yahoo or many other email services where you own the email address and can take it anywhere you want. If you are presently using those outdated systems, it may be time to create that new email address, setup forwarding to it from your existing email to the new for a time and then ditch the old.

If I switch to fiber, will I need new equipment and what does it cost?

Again, this will be dependent upon your provider.  Each provider works with different equipment and has different attachment costs.  As with your cable or DSL provider, these costs are typically allocated over the course of one year and applied to your bill in installments.  Because this is an open access network, we expect competitive pricing – benefiting you, the consumer.

Depends on the age of your present equipment, for instance your router. If you are using a router that you have had for years, it may be time to replace it. Technology is changing almost daily and outdated home equipment can bring bottlenecks even with the best of service. The Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) on DBU can help you make that decision.