However, our "standard" internet service is ATT DSL with a max of 6M and it is costly. Some of our members have gone to a satellite service, but that is expensive and doesn't move the speed bar that much. I think all of us have to use a satellite service for TV, which is, in itself, expensive compared to options that can bundle all communication services on the same infrastructure.
Some in our communities are lookiing at Uverse-like solutions, solutions that run over fiber and then copper wires. Those technologies are self limiting because they either include small copper wires, which have limited signal capacity and are degrade the signal with distance, or they include expensive fiber. Whether it is cable, Uverse, or satellite, they are not long term, economical communication service solutions.
4G, which you should recognize as something your cell phones might use, is a technology that is coming into its own as a community communication service. I've been talking with Verizon tech about "LTE in Rural America Program", VOLTE, and "Small Cell". (Follow the links for background.) I've also been keeping track of Verizon progress on the flagpole- technical issues, etc. Small Cell coupled with the LTEiRA looks like the best choice, but we may have to invest in the Small Cell as a community.
A typical, non-dedicated LTE broadband service can provide a download speed in excess of 30mb/s and an upload speed in excess of 15 mb/s. LTE-Advanced can provide peak rates up to 1 Gbit/s fixed speeds and 100 Mb/s to mobile users.
I would welcome others who know about how 4G would work for a geography and low population density such as ours to comment below.
A typical, non-dedicated LTE broadband service can provide a download speed in excess of 30mb/s and an upload speed in excess of 15 mb/s. LTE-Advanced can provide peak rates up to 1 Gbit/s fixed speeds and 100 Mb/s to mobile users.
I would welcome others who know about how 4G would work for a geography and low population density such as ours to comment below.
Duane:
ReplyDeleteLooks like that Verizon LRE program is intended for rural cellular carriers, not private networks. Did your Verizon tech contact tell you something different?
Scott Ledgerwood
He didn't mention that. I wasn't talking in the context of a private network. I was thinking Verizon would provide it, perhaps with a commitment from the HOAs to provide the Small Cell locations. But that leads to something to be discussed. Do you know:: Are there any smaller or independent companies that can provide services in the context of perhaps a coop or "small" utility?
DeleteYou asked: "Do you know:: Are there any smaller or independent companies that can provide services in the context of perhaps a coop or "small" utility?"
ReplyDeleteMany smaller specialist broadband wireless integrators firms can install 4G networks for a private community like the Cliffs, but not very many are located here in the local area. My firm just bid a 5.8 GHz band broadband wireless network for a local municipality here in the Upstate ... application isto connect about 55 HD security cameras to a video management system and NVR.
Right now, I am going through a preliminary business case to help my employer decide if we want to propose 4G broadband wireless networks for the Cliffs Glassy and Cliffs Valley communities.
One of our challenges is that we are not currently a wireless ISP (WISP) and may not want to do that. We would prefer to design, buy and install the network and then turn it over to a WISP handle the monthly billing, help desk, network management, etc.
Do you know of anyone who fits that description? One possibility would be that a group of Cliffs property owners form a "WISP Co-op" to handle these networks......... ?