A High Speed Report

                                               Modem / Router

For decades, the only way to connect with the Internet in this area was through a "Dial-Up" connection. It was so unreliable and slow, that I completely stopped using it a few years ago.

Since the only way to get faster Internet connections was through a wireless connection, using "sticks" from Rogers or Bell (or perhaps one of their "hubs"), I used a Bell stick until one week ago.

While the "sticks" can offer an excellent solution, there are very expensive to use because of their limited bandwidth for the cost involved. They also have the problem of slowing down to Dial-Up speeds during the summer months or busy weekends when the area is populated with smart phones, tablets, and laptops in use at cottages. This problem can only be overcome by either using the "net" in the middle of the night or hauling the laptop into the local library during daytime hours.

Not the best solution for me!

As part of improving Internet connectivity in Haliburton County, Bell has been busy installing Fibre Optic cabling and associated equipment along most of the highways in the area. And Highway 118 is no exception. It was on one day last Fall that I was told by a Bell Fibre technician that the main line on Hwy 118 should be up and running before year end.

Bell actually bettered their installation schedule and the 'phone box opposite the Gregory Lane at Hwy 118 had Fibre cable run into it before Christmas and notice of availability was posted at our local mailbox.

If you visit the Bell Web site you can read about the technology used in our area under the section "Fibre to the Neighbourhood". What's really interesting about the technology is that you can be using the Internet and your 'phone line at the same time. Here's the link to Bell:

http://www.bell.ca/Bell_Internet/Promotions/Fibe-Internet

So I signed-up  before Christmas and the installation into our home was done this past Monday.

How Good is it ?

Our initial response to our new Bell Hi-Speed can only be "fantastic".  The installation went well and the Bell technician set it up and gave lots of pointers. It's very easy to use and upload/download speeds are great - with lots of bandwidth - certainly more than I'll ever use! Bell includes the router/modem, an Ethernet cable if you need one, and as many 'phone line filters as you need.

A giant step forward for Loon Lake!