More Than One Way to Connect?

by Lin McNulty

How do you connect to the internet? Even though we may not have as many alternatives as those living in the big cities, there are still a number of options available on Orcas and in the San Juans.

First, with a bit of help from Wikipedia (to ensure I understand what I’m writing about), let’s look at the differing methods to connect:

DIAL UP: Dial-up connections to the internet require no infrastructure other than the telephone network and the modems and servers needed to make and answer the calls. Where telephone access is widely available, dial-up remains useful and it is often the only choice available for rural or remote areas. Dial-up access may also be an alternative for users on limited budgets. Dial-up requires time, however, to establish a telephone connection (up to several seconds, depending on the location, or may take so long that the server “times out” before a connection can be established).

CABLE: In telecommunications, cable internet is a form of broadband internet access that uses the cable television infrastructure. Like digital subscriber lines (DSL) and fiber to the premises end-user services, cable Internet access provides connectivity from the internet service provider to an end user. Cable TV networks and telecommunications networks are the two predominant forms of residential internet access.

DSL: Digital subscriber line is a family of technologies that provide internet access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local telephone network. DSL service is delivered simultaneously with wired telephone service on the same telephone line.  On the customer premises, a DSL filter on each non-DSL outlet blocks any high frequency interference, to enable simultaneous use of the voice and DSL services.

SATELLITE: Satellite internet access is access provided through satellites. Modern satellite internet service is typically provided to users world-wide through geostationary satellites that can offer high data speeds, with the latest satellites achieving speeds up to 18 Mbps.

WIRELESS: Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that uses wireless (usually, but not always radio waves) for network connections. It is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and businesses avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment locations. A wireless local area network (WLAN) links two or more devices over a short distance using a wireless distribution method, such as a router in your home.

3G: Short for Third Generation, 3G is the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology. This is what you use when you use a cell phone or similar device. 3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls and mobile TV.

4G: In telecommunications, 4G is the Fourth Generation of mobile phone mobile communication technology standards. It is a successor of the third generation (3G) standards. A 4G system provides mobile ultra-broadband Internet access, for example to laptops with USB wireless modems, to smartphones, and to other mobile devices.

Both 3G and 4G connections require a contract with a carrier such as AT&T, Verizon, Spring, NexTel, or T-Mobile. Coverage and availability on the islands varies.

Now on to our local Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

CENTURYLINK
As a CenturyLink customer, you have many options to customize your services the way you want, including: high-speed Internet, local and long-distance phone service, and Verizon Wireless service through CenturyLink

DIRECTV
DIRECTV offers internet service when bundled with a TV package.

DISH NETWORK
DISH Network does not currently offer any internet service on Orcas Island, even when bundled with a TV package.

INTERISLAND.NET
Paul Moore
378-8488
327 Argyle Avenue
Friday Harbor

Hook up to the internet with unlimited dial-up access for as little as $18.67 per month including your own email account with Virus and Spam filtering, webmail access to your mailbox, and nationwide dial-up access. InterIsland.net is a reseller of CenturyLink services.

ISLAND NETWORK
Island Network is a division of Orcas Power & Light Cooperative, offering fiber broadband to co-op members in San Juan County. Island Network has built an extremely stable and robust fiber distribution system within Friday Harbor, Eastsound and Lopez Village connecting San Juan County and to the mainland.

OPALCO members who need reliable, high-speed Internet, connectivity between two island offices, or an island and mainland office, are utilizing Island Network services. Current subscribers consist of governmental entities, Internet service providers, medical and educational facilities, and some small businesses.

NOTE: There has been recently a moratorium on new connections; however the OPALCO board has proposed lifting this moratorium, and the decision to do so is expected at the OPALCO board meeting on July 18.

ISLAND SATELLITE & INTERNET
Ray & Tina Jackson
235 Web Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-375-7107 (office)
253-988-1570 (cell)

Island Satellite & Internet provides EXEDE broadband Internet services in the San Juan County Area. Company founders, husband and wife Ray and Tina Jackson, decided after two years of servicing the San Juan County area that a need for a more local presence was necessary, thus forming Island Satellite & Internet.

MT. BAKER CABLE
Bellingham, WA 98228
Phone: 360-966-7502 – 877-396-3016

Mt Baker Cable offers Cable TV and high speed broadband internet for an affordable monthly rate, no contracts. Our areas of service are Lummi Island and Orcas Island. Contact them to see if this cable and internet service is available at your location on Lummi or Orcas Island.

ORCAS ONLINE
Phone: 360-376-4124
Hours: 9-5 Mon-Fri, Sat by appointment

Orcas Online has been a locally-owned internet provider since 1998. Their specialty is providing unique and custom wireless solutions to areas that may not otherwise be able to receive a signal. “The island is geographically challenging,” says owner Gerry Baker. Orcas Online offers DSL beginning at $59.95 per month, utilizing CenturyLink lines. Their distinguishing  feature, however, is their line-of-sight wireless. This requires a direct, clear line between antennas, up to 15 miles. They offer a Canopy service that enables a signal to find its way through trees.

Orcas Online also offers “Hotspot” areas with connectibility in Deer Harbor, West Sound, the ferry landing, Eastsound, and even Obstruction Pass. This service is available to all subscribers, and available as a separate service for $25 per month, or a guest/visitor rate of $7.50 for 24 hours.

ROCK ISLAND
345 Court Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-5884

Rock Island provides (1)Wireless Internet Access, the ultimate in broadband services, with no dependence on the telephone company for broadband; (2) DSL Internet Access, for areas not in range of our Wireless transmitter; and (3) Dial-Up Internet Access, still a very popular Internet Access method. All Dial-Up accounts come with a free “Dial-Up Accelerator.” RockIsland is a reseller of CenturyLink lines.