Hi all. What's the best value in rural service? I'm just north of the US border, 14 miles, off highway #59. There is wifi service all around me, but not "to" me without at least a 60' tower. I'm looking at Explornet satellite service and really don't like their contract. Are there smarter options? Ian
On Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 2:19 PM, Ian itschaotic@gmail.com wrote:
Too bad there isn't 3G service in that area, otherwise that might have been an option with a rockethub or something. I know WiBand has a tower in Tolstoi at the park - no line of sight, or too far away from that?
--jeff
On 19 November 2010 15:02, Jeff Funk funk.jeff@gmail.com wrote:
There is a wiband tower in Greenridge too which is 5.8 mile as the crow flies. By the time it's all said and done though, that appears to be about a $3000 project for the privilege of paying their billing every month. That seems unreasonable.
Or does someone have an "in" with a free standing 60' - 80' tower and installation info. that might make the project more reasonable?
Disclaimer: my job is wireless internet, although we don't offer service that far south.
Anything that doesn't suck involves equipment worth hundreds of dollars on your roof and requires a contract. I've taken down enough Xplornet dishes to fill up a few pickup trucks (some customers paid hundreds to get _out_ of their contracts) and although I've once met 1 person that was happy with their service that person hadn't tried anything other than dial-up. Some of their installers are using our service...
The only good option is fixed wireless, Wiband and Voyageur are there. A number of times when Wiband recommends a concreted-in 68ft tower, a house-attached 40/50foot tower ($500-700 new, ~$200 used on Buy&Sell / Kijiji; height is without counting ~10ft mast on top; tower can't be more than 20ft over roof) will actually get you above the trees and fine signal for an install. I don't know if their 'regular' technicians have the the authorization/experience to install those so that may be why they're not quoting it. Best option is if you already have one & they can install on it.
There are some projects in the works to massively expand wireless broadband in Manitoba in the next 18 months, but you probably don't want to wait that long.
On 11/19/2010 3:36 PM, Ian wrote:
Thanks Jeff, but I see no advantage. The tower in St. Malo which would be closest to me is over eleven miles away and less advantageous topographically. The Greenridge Wiband tower is much closer and I've got 25' over them which helps my line of sight. I'm a very long way from line of sight access to the St. Malo tower.
On 19 November 2010 15:27, Jeff jeff@204productions.com wrote:
Also, I had spoken with a technician from Roseau River FN who said they had a 120ft tower. From what I can see you may be near them on the map. I'm afraid they may be using wifi-based equipment but it may be an option. For their service, see http://www.rrafn.com/internet.html .
On 11/19/2010 5:28 PM, Ian wrote:
Wow, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement for Xplornet. Thanks for the nod on that.
I have had some good encounters on the reserve so I'll shake that tree and see what falls out. Thanks. Ian
On 19 November 2010 17:37, Colin Stanners colin@ninja.ca wrote:
-
Colin Stanners -
Ian -
Jeff -
Jeff Funk