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Need Internet Access ? Here’s our take on the various internet options found in our area. If you have questions please contact us! DSL - If you can get it, and don’t need the extreme bandwidth or extra cost of cable internet, this is the best option for you. You will typically get this service through your phone carrier (AT&T / Verizon / etc). If you’d rather Shop Local there are 3rd party providers in our area you can check with too. (Sierra Advantage, Internet 49, etc) Speeds of 1.5Mbit down and 256Kbit up will suit the average household / user. Cable - Much faster than DSL and with none of the distance limits; but more expensive. This is the best option in our area for businesses or serious power users. Installation and internet-sharing tends to be less “fussy” vs. DSL too. The only provider we’re aware of in our area is Comcast. Don’t be afraid to ask them for information about bundle deals that they may be offering; this could save you considerable money in the long run. Wireless - This refers to “Fixed” wireless, not to be confused with cellular phone network wireless. If you can’t get DSL / Cable, or if you want to support a local company vs. a large corporate chain, then this is your best option. At this time most wireless internet service providers (WISPs) use Line Of Sight technology. So meaning that there must be a clean, unobstructed path from the roof of your home / office to one of the WISPs access towers. Distance limits vary from provider to provider, but links of eight miles are possible under the right conditions. Don’t confuse Wireless internet with Satellite internet! Wireless internet service is far superior to satellite internet service is every way with the only exception being accessibility. Latency times, transfer speeds, lower up front costs and unlimited bandwidth are all advantages of wireless vs. satellite! Here’s a list of known WISPs in our area – Please remember to let all of
these providers know that Jason McManus at FastGeek
Computers referred you! Sierra Advantage – (530)
672-1078 FIOS / Fibre Optic – FIOS puts all other internet connections to shame, hands down. In terms of raw bandwidth FIOS offers download *and* upload speeds that other internet options can only dream of. This is an up & coming technology that folks in El Dorado Hills and points west are more likely to see than those of us here in Placerville and the surrounding areas. However things can change at a moments notice; so keep your eyes and ears open for news regarding this technology in your area! (At the present time Verizon is the most common provider of this service.) Satellite – If you can’t get anything else except dial-up, then satellite internet is there for you. There are some pros and cons to satellite internet access, which we'll be happy to explain. Provided you have a clear view of the southern sky from the roof of your home, then you should have no trouble receiving satellite internet service. Our personal preference is for Wild Blue vs. HughesNet / DirecWay or StarBand. For a local Wild Blue installer we suggest Black Sheep Satellite out of Georgetown. Please give Stephanie a call at 530-333-0810 and let her know that Jason McManus at FastGeek Computers sent you! We can also vouch for Richard (Dick) for your installation needs. He's a great guy and will do his utmost best to make sure your WildBlue connection is up and running ASAP. Please note that modern two-way satellite systems must be installed by a FCC certified technician; so DIY isn’t an option in this case! |
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