Communications

At home, speed matters

Whether its work or play, high-speed internet service in the home is a current requirement.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), broadband or high-speed Internet access allows users to access the Internet at significantly higher speeds than those available through other means. Fortunately, high speed internet service is readily available here.

“No matter where you are in this part of the Texas Hill Country, whether you’re living in an apartment, building a home, or moving your business to town, reliable, high speed internet is at the core of what everyone needs,” according to GVTC Product Manager Roger Lewis. GVTC provides internet, TV, phone, security and other services to the local area.

“There’s a myth that you have to leave technology behind in the city in order to enjoy the lifestyle you want with all the modern technological conveniences,” Lewis said.

EFFICIENT ACCESS

Broadband allows efficient access and use of many reference and cultural resources via the Internet, the ability to take advantage of distance learning experiences like online college or university courses, and working from home. Connecting to streaming video content is made possible by broadband. “Working from home, distant learning, gaming, and video streaming are growing in popularity and internet service needs to fit these lifestyle choices,” Lewis said. “Consumers need to access what services

they have available to fit their lifestyle or business needs.”

Broadband can be provided over different platforms, including cable modem, fiber, wireless and satellite. Fiber optic technology converts to light electrical signals carrying data and sends the light through transparent glass fibers about the diameter of a human hair.

FIBER IS KING

“When it comes to technology, fiber is king,” Lewis said. “If fiber isn’t available, cable broadband connections are still reliable but not as fast.” According to Lewis, the standard speed is 250 mbps to download and upload files, which is usually adequate for most households. However, if a home has a lot of connected devices, speeds of 500 mbps up to 1 gbps are available. “Upload speeds are becoming more important due to the growth in use of security cameras and sending video clips, for example.”

speed can contact their internet provider to find out what products or services are available at a given address, Lewis said. “They can tell you if fiber is available in the area, or they may be able to replace outdated equipment to improve service.”

SMARTER HOMES

According to Lewis, current trends point toward smarter, more automated homes connected to good broadband internet service. “In today’s world, smart homes can include Alexa-enabled devices, security, telephone, TV, cell phones, computers, thermometers, and more. A central hub to automate the entire home can run off an app on a cell phone,” Lewis said. “The average home has between 15 and 17 devices connected.” Lewis said the future includes growth in streaming, gaming, and smart automation as more people choose to work from home. “As we’ve seen recently, people adjust to circumstances and technology allows them to work and learn at home. Video services are becoming more popular as residents add cameras inside and outside their homes for security reasons. Smart thermometers, video door bells, door locks, video conferencing, baby monitors, and pet cameras are internet-based and require ample bandwidth.”

RELIABILITY IS IMPORTANT

Therefore, reliability is important. “GVTC has the top Netflix Speed Index rating of any service provider in the United States, thanks to a phenomenal network group overlooking a system with multiple redundancies to control service interruptions,” Lewis said. “Fiber better resists interference from weather. Its direct-to-home feature means a single, threated fiber is dedicated to an individual house so all of the desired bandwidth is delivered,” Lewis stated. “Nonfiber service is generally shared within the neighborhood, impacting performance.”

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LEARN MORE AT GVTC.COM OR CALL 800-367-4882

Services described will be provided by either Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc., (“Cooperative”) d/b/a GVTC or its wholly owned subsidaiary, Guadalupe Valley Communications d/b/a GVTC. Conditions apply. Visit gvtc.com to learn more. License B-03287.

Smart Technology

Fiber technology is expanding in Hill Country

High-speed Internet service gives users the ability to expand their horizons in many ways by allowing access to Internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through other means. Fiber optic technology that makes this possible move bits of data much more quickly than traditional telephone or wireless connections.

About the diameter of a human hair, transparent glass fibers

carry data converted to light electrical signals through to its destination, according to the Federal Communications Commission. “The same fiber providing your broadband can also simultaneously deliver voice (VoIP) and video services, including video-on-demand.”

Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is among the local internet service providers that offer high-speed internet service via its 100% fiber network. Since there’s no shared bandwidth or weather interference, fiber networks are able to deliver fast and reliable service for streaming devices, smartphones, gaming consoles, computers, and other smart devices.

Fiber Internet speeds vary depending on subscription level. “The speed you will need depends on the number of devices you plan to connect, or the amount of data you plan to send and or receive,” according to the internet service provider. “The more devices you plan to connect at the same time, the more bandwidth you will need.” BEC Fiber offers speeds from 25 Mbps up to 1 Gbps.