Broadband Internet which is sometimes referred to as High Speed internet is described as providing download speeds of 1.5 Mbps or more. This can be provided through a variety of technologies including satellite, DSL through the phone line, fixed wireless from towers and mobile wireless from cell phone towers equipped to provide 3G services.

DSL broadband is suited for higher density populated areas, and is delivered into a customer’s home over their telephone lines.  A customer usually has to be within 5 km of the telephone office or remote where the equipment is located. Service is provided through a modem that is usually installed by the customer directly. With DSL, a customer can surf the internet and talk over the phone at the same time.

Fixed wireless service is broadcast over the air from antennas on towers or existing structures such as silos or water towers. A qualified technician will install the small receiver outside the residence. Service is available on about an 8 km distance from the tower, depending on terrain and tree cover.  This type of technology provides the most cost effective service to customers in rural or lower populated areas.

Mobile wireless through the use of an internet “stick” or “tethering” off a cell phone, provides service wherever there is coverage from the service provider.  This service is useful for a customer who wants to access the internet in a variety of locations. This service is becoming more prevalent where the cell phone companies have upgraded their networks to the 3G technology, but is generally not available except for urban areas and some parts of the 401 corridor. Currently pricing for this service is at least double that of the fixed wireless or DSL offerings.

For homes or businesses where wireless or DSL cannot reach, the latest satellite technology will deliver urban-like quality and speeds with no phone line required.  The latency, or time delay, with the satellite service may not be ideal for any Internet activity requiring real-time data transfer (examples include online trading and gaming, or voice), but will provide better service for browsing and email than the existing dial-up services. Satellite service is more expensive that fixed wireless, but prices are falling, and are much more reasonable for the average consumer.

Although there is an additional installation cost for the fixed wireless, pricing is generally comparable between DSL and fixed wireless.

High Speed Internet and The County of Lennox & Addington