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Is Starlink Right for Rural Communities?

Is Starlink Right for Rural Communities?

Nov 29, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?

Xpay.com, Tesla Inc., and SpaceX are just a few of Musk’s brainchildren, and the latter was founded in 2002 with the mind-boggling goal to colonize space. No matter how you may feel about him, you’ve certainly got to hand it to Musk: when it comes to ideas, the sky truly is the limit! This brings us to the matter at hand: In 2019, SpaceX announced its latest projects, one of which was Starlink. But what exactly is Starlink? And is it really everything it’s cracked up to be?

What Is Starlink?

Satellite internet technology has been around for decades. Internet connectivity is transmitted by radio waves emitted by satellites orbiting thousands of miles above the Earth’s atmosphere. Those radio waves are received by ground stations and then sent right into your home. Plenty of people already use satellites to connect their homes to the internet.

 

For example, one of the leading satellite internet providers, HughesNet, has satellites that sit 22,000 miles above the Earth. Starlink is also a satellite internet service, but the company is utilizing low-orbiting satellites that operate only 300 miles above the surface. This translates to improved internet speeds and reduced latency when compared to other satellite providers. Moreover, SpaceX plans to continue the launch of these satellites in the coming years. There will be as many as 40,000 new satellites arranged in what the corporation refers to as a ‘constellation.’

 

Satellite Internet Challenges

Getting Starlink in your home starts with a hefty investment right off the bat. The initial $760 fee gets you the satellite dish and the Wi-Fi router, and you can expect to pay $140 per month for internet services. That’ll get you 1TB of usage during the day, with overage fees of $0.32/GB (About $30 to download a newer game, or $5 to stream a movie!) Compare that to Canadian Fiber Optics $89.99 for a symmetrical 100Mbps, with unlimited usage, with options for free installation!

 

There also comes the obstacles of maintenance. We monitor our network consistently and have prepared our techs to be able to react to, and fix a large scale issue should it occur within only a few hours. If a satellite goes down leaving you in the dark with no network, it takes a little bit longer to get into orbit for repairs.

 

Choose Reliability and Scalability with Fiber

These days, reliable internet is more important than ever, especially for those living in rural areas. It helps keep us connected, employed, and entertained. Interrupted connectivity—even a short one—can make a world of difference for those who depend on it. Fiber is a buried infrastructure, meaning the weather won’t take away your reception, and it’s built to last. We’ve designed our network to work consistently, and scale with your communities’ needs. Our services currently scale to 10,000Mbps (that’s almost 1,000x faster than what many residents get today!) and is built to grow beyond that without extensive work and repairs. 

While Starlink will be a welcome option for customers who only have traditional satellite internet—or none at all—it simply can’t compare to the reliability, functionality, and future proofing of your community that a fiber network does.

For guaranteed fast, reliable, and affordable internet services, fiber from Canadian Fiber Optics and Northern Lights Fiber is the way to go.

 

Best Things to Do After Getting Fiber Internet

Best Things to Do After Getting Fiber Internet

Aug 17, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

You’ve Made the Change To Fiber Internet

So you’ve made the right choice, switched to Northern Lights Fiber’s high-speed fiber internet, and already experiencing faster downloads and improved reliability while you’re online.

You may be wondering about some of the best ways to enjoy your new fiber internet connection.

Well, there are several things you can do to make the most of Northern Lights Fiber’s fiber service and improve life in your home. Faster, more reliable internet opens doors to great entertainment, more efficiency, and even cost savings.

From getting rid of cable TV and enjoying streaming entertainment to living more efficiently through smart technology and staying better connected to loved ones, fiber internet provides a new world of convenience and amenities right in your home.

Below we discuss some ideas and suggestions to make your new fiber internet work for you!

Cancel Cable and Cut the Cord

Now that you’ve switched to fiber internet, you no longer need cable—or any additional devices, wiring, and clutter that takes up valuable space in your home. And you certainly don’t need its extra bills, either. So you can now cancel cable for good!

And we’re not just talking about canceling cable internet service, but cable television service, too. Many streaming services are available for watching your favorite shows and movies online, even live news and sports. And with fiber’s quality and dependability, you can enjoy streaming them as you did with cable TV.

Sign up for Streaming Services

Since your internet connection through fiber-optic technology is faster, more consistent, and more reliable than ever, it’s time to take advantage of streaming services and outstanding entertainment available to you.

Hulu keeps you up-to-date on your favorite shows, both current and classic, while Disney+ streams old Disney films and new entertainment hits.

You’ll be hard-pressed to exhaust the number of movies and TV shows available to stream today.         

You can select one of many live TV streaming apps available, too.

With a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, FUBU, or Sling TV, you can watch live television programs, real-time breaking news and analysis, and live sports and games.

Stream Music Anywhere in Your Home

Streaming entertainment includes more than just movies, TV shows and live sports.

 

Today’s technology lets you fill your home with music through streaming music apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music. These apps let you create playlists of all kinds. Mix your personal “greatest hits list” from a particular artist, or select a playlist from a specific music genre, whether yours is rock, classical music, country, or all of the above!

These apps can also introduce you to new artists and songs you may have never heard. They also create lists of music the app “thinks” you may enjoy based on your prior selections and preferences. And you can ask these apps to shuffle songs from your favorite bands to listen to while you multitask!

Use Smart Devices and Set up a Smart Home

You’ve made the smart choice to switch to fiber internet—so why not use more smart devices?

“Smart devices,” even inexpensive gadgets like Amazon’s Echo Dot with Alexa, can really make your home more pleasant than before. For example, when you pair your Echo Dot to your Spotify account, you can say, “Alexa, play songs from The Eagles.” Before you know it, you’ll be living it up at the Hotel California!

But don’t stop with these smart devices!

You can make your entire home a “smart home” and far more efficient. For example, smart thermometers can monitor air temperature and even humidity in different rooms in your house.

They can also adjust their temperature based on times of the day and other conditions, saving you around 30% off of your energy bills, according to the EPA!

Also, consider smart lighting devices, which do more than save you money—they can also make your home’s atmosphere more appealing.

Use Video Conferencing Apps to Talk to Friends and Family

Having a phone conversation can be rewarding, but it cannot beat the joy of seeing a loved one’s face and smile.

With faster internet through fiber technology, you can experience more than just a person’s voice through conversation. Using apps like Zoom or FaceTime can make you feel like you’re in the same room with your friends and family. You can stay in touch and remain better connected no matter how far apart you may be.

The above suggestions and recommendations are just some of the many ways fiber internet makes life more convenient and fun. So try them out and keep exploring!

And for more helpful tips about how Northern Lights Fiber’s high-speed fiber internet can make your home more livable, follow our social pages or visit our website HERE!

Fiber Increases Valleyview Homes’ Value

Fiber Increases Valleyview Homes’ Value

Jul 6, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?

Post Covid Landscape

In the wake of COVID-19, more people than ever before want to work, learn, and access telehealth applications from home. Modern rural lifestyles require modern internet powered by a fiber network—and homebuyers know it. In fact, a 2015 study showed that fiber-delivered internet access could increase a home’s value by up to 3.1%. And that was before a pandemic increased the demand for fast, reliable home internet.

What’s the Data Saying?

A 2015 study, conducted by our neighbors to the south, experts from the University of Colorado and Carnegie Mellon University, was based on national real estate market data collected between 2011 and 2013. It found that fiber internet could boost the value of the average American home by as much as $5,500—a payout on par with adding a brand-new fireplace.

Beyond that, there is an ever-growing body of research linking the investment in broadband networks with accelerated economic performance. Communities with fast and reliable fiber networks often exhibit higher rates of per capita GDP. This is because they can grow, adapt, innovate and support higher flexibility in careers that require critical functions such as remote work. These aspects are invaluable when creating a workable, adaptable town wherein community members have the opportunity to thrive.

The Online Superhighway

Because cable internet and wireless technology is significantly slower and far less reliable than fiber, remote workers who depend on a fast, reliable connection are looking for fiber internet.

Cable internet speeds typically range from 10-250 Mbps for downloads and 5-50 Mbps for uploads. Fiber internet, however, can provide 250-1,000 Mbps each for download and upload—a critical benefit for those looking to use video conferencing tools at home.

The 2015 study found that in homes where 1,000 Mbps (equivalent to 1 Gbps) broadband was available, real estate sale prices were over 7% higher than homes with available speeds of 25 Mbps or less! The need for broadband services in rural communities is even greater than in that of cities and developed metropolitan areas. This means that your properties value is even more likely to benefit from that of fiber infrastructure!

The Future of Fiber

Agn, it’s worth noting the time frame of this study, which was conducted almost ten years ago now. Over the past decade, residential internet access has only become more critical and considerably more valuable.

With over 30% of Canadians working from home as of January 2021, fast, secure, and reliable internet has become an invaluable asset. Not only is the internet a prime source of communication and entertainment, but it’s also essential for the Canadian white-collar workforce.

Even those who don’t work from home are more likely to want high-speed internet for telehealth applications than they were ten years ago. Data show that utilization of online medical services is now a staggering 38 times higher than it was at the beginning of the pandemic.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, better broadband equals more opportunities for remote work and the delivery of digital services. And, of course, better opportunities yield subsequent innovation, including job creation, upward mobility, entrepreneurship, expanding local businesses, and attracting new ones.

Fiber brings massive benefits to communities, so it’s no wonder fiber increases individual home values, too! Sign up HERE to get your home connected to fiber infrastructure so you can work and play faster, easier and better.

Four Websites Every Work-From-Home Employee Should Check Out

Four Websites Every Work-From-Home Employee Should Check Out

Apr 22, 2022 | Our Communities, Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

Over the past several years, the remote working and work-from-home movement has boomed. Even before the global COVID-19 pandemic forced millions to work out of their homes, more and more employees were making the switch from the commute-and-office lifestyle to the improved flexibility of remote work. It is estimated that 25% of all professional jobs could be remote by the end of 2022, with the numbers only building upward from there.

As the work-from-home trend gathers steam and more people enjoy the conveniences of remote working, innovative ways to increase productivity and improve staff connectivity and team-building are growing, too.

And with the reliable high-speed fiber internet delivered by Northern Lights Fiber and Canadian Fiber Optics, work-from-home employees can be confident that their internet will support their careers just as well as if they were in an office complex.

So how can you maximize your work-from-home efficiency? And what online tools and applications are available to improve your remote work experience?

Below we present several websites and applications that may help any remote work employee make the most of their at-home workspace and environment.

Brain.fm

To help fill up the silence that can build up over the course of a work-from-home day, Brain.fm provides unique music and soundscapes to play in the background as you work away. But Brain.fm is more than just a streaming radio station or playlist. It utilizes neuroscience for its offerings to facilitate more concentration, focus, and even stimulation, so you can keep working productively while you’re on your own.

Evernote

Evernote takes the seemingly mundane tasks of note-taking and scheduling to savvy new heights. Its innovative document search and organization features greatly improve efficiency and the quality of your drafting. More than just a productivity or project management app, Evernote is loaded with features that connect you to fellow app-users and facilitate and maintain teams to help keep everyone on task and on time!

OmniFocus

With its sleek interface and powerful features, OmniFocus breaks new ground in task management and team organization software. We’re most impressed with OmniFocus’s cool to-do list, which helps keep you focused on your progress (and detects delays) for your most time-sensitive tasks at hand. OmniFocus also keeps you connected across all of your devices (both Windows and Apple products), as well as to your fellow team members from wherever they happen to be working.

We Work Remotely

There are numerous websites that help remote workers find jobs, and you can and should search through many of them for your next gig or career move. But we believe We Work Remotely (WWR) stands out for its enormous jobs posting board (around 25,000 all-remote job listings!) and its connections to some of the pioneers of the work-from-home movement. Job seekers can create a free account to access all of WWR’s listings, which are conveniently broken down into many categories of remote work—a feature that makes searching for new jobs much easier.

One thing we know for certain: the work-from-home trend is here to stay. So be sure to check out the above apps, programs, and websites to see how you can make your remote working experience even better.

And for additional tips on being more productive while working remotely, follow Canadian Fiber Optics and Northern Lights Fiber on our social pages!

Better Connected: A 2021 Year-End Review

Better Connected: A 2021 Year-End Review

Jan 1, 2022 | Our Communities, Why Fiber Optics?

How The Year Began

Beginning our design and planning phase for building fiber infrastructure in Grande Cache represented a huge milestone for our business and a turning point in Grande Cache’s efforts to find better connection, both in business and in every day life. Although our industry told us that the project was not possible we were determined to find success where others could not. We began construction on our first official large scale project to completely connect a community to fiber. we began by connecting with community members, working with businesses and government to find solutions and the best paths forward. The excitement took off after finding a deep connection to the community spirit through our amazing Community Ambassador, Danielle. Throughout the project we discovered so much more about what makes this mission so valuable to us and those we’re serving. However, Grande Cache was just the beginning of our push to make 2021 the biggest year ever.

The Summer Rush

While construction raged on in Grande Cache we found real traction in other projects, specifically Wembley and Valleyview. These projects came about in rapid fashion, with intense efforts to put fiber in the ground as soon as we could – hopefully before the frost of winter. The summertime was an incredible season of momentum, building and connecting communities – with our new projects breaking ground in record time we saw both Wembley and Valleyview have their first official connections up and running well before fall came about. One of the chief successes we saw, was officially launching Valleyview as Canadas first 10G community with Canadas fastest residential internet! The summer was full of these rich experiences and so many lively events in each of our communities. From ice-cream tents, pancake breakfasts, and rodeos, to parades, clay shoots and coffee shop hangouts, we truly got to see some of the best that each of our communities has to offer.

Embracing Colder Seasons

As winter loomed over Alberta, we looked further into our plans for connecting our communities in the fastest possible timeline. We continued to host events, receiving more customer questions and their hopes of a connection early in the new year – a solution became clear. We committed to build throughout the winter, in the cold and snow. Winter construction will be key to our progress – we’ve already built the most rural residential fiber of any company this year, but our goals require us to build even more and even faster to meet the needs of our communities! We are building Canada’s fastest network the only way you can, with the hard work and determination of an incredible construction team, paired with the passion of our communities to see these projects completed.

Looking On To 2022

Work in 2021 may have come to an end, but 2022 holds so many new and exciting opportunities, with plenty more work to be done to connect our current communities to world-class, absolutely essential, fiber infrastructure. New and exciting projects have come to fruition, with Sturgeon County becoming our newest and most recently announced endeavor. This project will fulfils our mission of not only connecting rural communities, but also connecting farms to world-class fiber infrastructure. There is so much to look forward to in 2022. To celebrate where we’ve been and how far our communities and their vital projects have come, we have created a brand new page, highlighting some of our favorite moments of the last year. We made sure to include a few details of these new projects coming in 2022 and we’re sure it will be very exciting news to many. We cannot wait to bring these new communities onto the right side of this new digital landscape we enjoy in Canada. If we have not built in your community, you can let us know by filling out the invite us form – we’re always looking for new communities to connect! We believe every community, big and small, deserves digital equality and the freedom to access the world around them without hinderance. 2022 will be a year of new connections, rural development and growth in rural communities that Canada needs. Visit the new “Our Communities” page and invite us to our community if you have not already!

Our COmmunities Webpage
What is ProtectIQ?

What is ProtectIQ?

Jun 21, 2021 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

What exactly is it?

Northern Lights Fiber is committed to providing the safest browsing and connectivity possible. We achieve this through our ProtectIQ software in the Northern Wifi App. ProtectIQ is a network-level security service which protects ALL devices connected to your Wi-Fi. If it’s connected, it’s protected!

What does ProtectIQ do to keep my home network safe?

  • Proactively monitors your home’s incoming traffic and automatically blocks anything suspicious.
  • Blocks attempted visits to known harmful websites, presenting users with a browser message indicating that the website is not available.
  • Provide an active security monitoring service that uses a large and constantly growing database of threats (database is updated weekly).
  • Uses IPS to monitor, notify, and prevent activity like hacking. It will stop a device from trying to gain access to technology like Wi-Fi connected doorbells or baby monitors, virtual meetings, and streams.
  • Actively terminates data transfers before a malicious payload is delivered to any network device.
  • Notifies users whenever security is triggered, with details about the device that was attacked, where the attack came from, and when the attack occurred.

Northern Lights Fiber is commited to providing its customers with the safest, fastest and most reliable connections possible. ProtectIQ is just one more way that we strive to provide a world class experience to our customers. By providing ProtectIQ as a service we ensure safety and security for everyone using their in-home network. Sign up with Northern lights Fiber now and download the Northern WiFi App so you can enjoy premium, managed WiFi today!

 

What is ExperienceIQ?

What is ExperienceIQ?

Jun 21, 2021 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

What exactly is it?

ExperienceIQ is a service that protects children or grandchildren from harmful or inappropriate content, limits screen time on devices or applications, and displays online usage through our enhanced parental control app.

How is this going to benefit my family?

  • Block inappropriate categories like pornography or violence
  • Block applications that you deem inappropriate (e.g. gaming applications like Call of Duty, or social applications like Snapchat
  • Set time limits for specific applications, like TikTok to cap screen time
  • Set Safe Search and YouTube Restriction to block harmful or inappropriate content with searching on Google, Bind or YouTube. YouTube restrictions also
    blocks all comments on videos which often include inappropriate language.
  • View usage for all devices to better understand HOW the internet is being used in your home.
  • Prioritize application groups or specific devices to ensure the best possible experiences for your most important needs.
  • Set schedules so that work applications get priority during the day, and streaming applications get priority in the evening.
What is Northern WiFi?

What is Northern WiFi?

Jun 21, 2021 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

Northern WiFi is an app that allows you to have absolute control over your homes network, commonly referred to as managed WiFi. With the Northern WiFi app you have a vast array of controls, personalizations and safety measures to customize your network to work best for how you like to connect.

Core Functions

  • Change or reset your Wi-Fi network name or password directly from the app
  • See the devices currently using your Wi-Fi
  • Categorize your devices (e.g. personal devices, work devices, mobile devices, gaming devices.)
  • Pause the internet for any device, at any time.
  • Run a speed test (GigaSpire only) to verify the speed you are getting is the speed you are paying for.
  • Receive updates about any planned network maintenance, or upcoming community events

Advanced features

  • Create routines for scheduled downtime (i.e. bedtime or limited access to gaming devices during school time).
  • Create a temporary or shareable guest network without sharing your main network name and
    password. Great for house guests, visitors, babysitters, house sitters, or pet sitters.
  • Text the guest network login information directly from the app.

To download the Northern WiFi app head to the App store or the Playstore on your mobile device. Simply download the free app and scan the QR code on the back of your Gigaspire Modem to connect your services and begin enjoying premium managed WiFi!

Construction! What to expect with our investment?

Construction! What to expect with our investment?

Jun 5, 2021 | Construction Updates, Why Fiber Optics?

(And r!hat To Expect

Northern Lights Fiber is excited to bring you fiber optic internet, with speeds up to 10,000 Mbps (10 Gigabit symmetrical service!). To future proof your community, these types of speeds and reliability is an absolutely necessity. But it would not be possible with the infrastructure that exists today.

To prepare your community for the future, new fiber-optic infrastructure will be required and we will burry this infrastructure.

If you want to register for service now, check out our world-class products and services HERE! (And remember, you are NOT charged anything until the service begins). 

Click HERE for reasons it’s important to sign up NOW. 

Main-Line

The first part of our construction is called “middle-mile” or “main-line” construction. You will see large equipment of ours, including “hydrovacs”, directional drills, dump trucks, front end loaders, skid steers, and even vibratory plows. Our design in Valleyview dictates that we will be digging in public easement, and most of our design, in the area, will be in back lanes.

There are some places that this is not possible. There may be a few places where our design determines that we will use front lot easement. This means we will have to dig along the curb of your front yard.

The Drop

Having fiber infrastructure will future proof your home for generations to come. And while cities already have this infrastructure, it is very rare for rural communities in Canada.

If you sign up for services during this process, we will also need to burry new infrastructure to your house. We call this “the drop.” We will also install a small box on the side of your house. 

Can I get fiber to my house, even if I don’t want internet?

Yes! We want to future proof your community, and that includes building to as many houses as possible. You can sign an access agreement HERE, and pay a small fee to future proof your house (and very likely increase the property value)!

This will not only be good for your household and local businesses in Valletyview, but real estate studies strongly suggest the increase of property value when having this infrastructure to your rural home. In other words, many people now want to move to a quieter community but cannot sacrifice internet speed to do so. Now, Valleyview will be able to attract them!

If you have any questions, contact us at info@canadianfiberoptics.ca and we can walk you through the process! 

What About My Property?

This is a big private investment to futureproof the Town of Valleyview, and it requires heavy duty construction. We will try to be as respectful as possible to everyone’s property and we will restore all landscaping to the best of our ability, properly backfilling, and replanting grass.

We have invested in specialized machinery to get this job done fast and as discreet as possible, especially when we leave public easement to get to your house. If you have any questions about our proposed route, please call us at 1-888-CFO-2947 (ext 1) or email at info@CanadianFiberOptics.ca

All services such as electric, water, and other utilities are professionally located to prevent damage. If you are aware of any private underground utilities (like underground sprinklers), please let us know at onecall@CanadianFiberOptics.ca

How Long Will it Take?

Our main-line construction in Valleyview will carry on through the spring (and maybe summer) of 2022. And like many big infrastructure projects, the project timelines will largely depend on weather conditions. That said, we should only be on each street for about a week at a time!

Burying the drop to each house will only take about half a day.

What if I Have Questions?

Please call us at 1-888-CFO-2947 (ext 1) or email us at info@CanadianFiberOptics.ca.

How do I future proof my house and get internet that is 100% fiber?

Visit our Products and Pricing page or Sign-Up page! Or give us a call at 1-888-CFO-2947 (ext 2 , for Sales)

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