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Wireless FAQ 

  • Can I watch Netflix?

 

Yes, our network has speeds that support streaming video on sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Youtube.

 

  • Do I need a phone line?

 

No. PCI Broadband's Internet is wireless and does not require a phone line or cable connection.

 

  • How does Wireless work?

 

We mount a radio on the outside of your home and point it to a nearby PCI Broadband tower. The tower and the radio securely send and receive your Internet content.
 
Wireless radio (CPE) installed on the outside of the home.

 

  • From the outside radio, we run a cable into your home and install a wireless router. This allows you to connect your wired and wireless devices to the Internet, so everyone in your home can get online. We also secure (encrypt) the wireless router so others can’t “steal” your Internet.

 

  • Does weather affect PCI Broadband's Internet?

 

Unlike satellite which can lose signal during heavy rain, weather does not typically affect the wireless signal. There are some exceptions to this, such as severe storms and ice. Lightening can sometimes damage tower equipment. PCI Broadband monitors the network 24/7, so techs know when there is an outage and can work quickly to restore service at all hours. 

  • Is PCI Broadband's Wireless Internet as reliable as Cable or DSL Internet?

 

Yes - Many people are under the impression that wireless is not reliable and have heard horror stories about wireless Internet constantly going out.  The difference is in the installation standards. If your signal quality is marginal, we will not install service, avoiding headaches for you, and for our technicians.  PCI Broadband's network has an uptime of 99.99%, and is monitored 24/7.

 

  • How does wireless compare to Satellite, DSL, Cable, and Fiber-Optics?

 

Satellite - most satellites are floating in orbit between 100 and 24,000 miles away. That’s how far your data is traveling – so latency (the delay between the signal being sent and reaching its destination) is going to be much higher than just about any other option. By comparison, your nearest PCI Broadband's tower will be less than 5 miles from your house.  Latency times (ie. 30ms) are a fraction of that of satellite (ie. 400ms). Customers who switch from Satellite to PCI Broadband are often amazed by the improvement in Internet speed and reliability.

  • Does PCI Broadband charge for service visits?

 

No, as long as the issue lies with PCI Broadband's equipment – the outside radio or cabling,. We service this equipment free of charge.

 

  • If you want your house rewired, the radio moved (ie. getting a new roof), or your computer ends up being the problem, then there would be a charge for the visit. Support Technicians can typically troubleshoot to determine if it is your equipment or PCI Broadband, and you would be notified if a paid service visit is required.

DSL – Only available within a certain distance to the DSL Central Office or node. Usually requires a phone line, so bundling with phone is almost always a must.  Beware -  the older the phone lines in your town or neighborhood, the slower and less reliable  your DSL Internet connection can be. If you are looking to cancel your landline telephone and get Internet only, or you want more speed than DSL can provide, PCI Broadband could be your solution.

 

Cable – It can be very fast.  Cable providers rank highest on lists of companies with the worst customer service. PCI Broadband's speeds are comparable to cable, and customers enjoy local, friendly, and knowledgeable support.

 

Fiber – It can be the fastest – but it’s not always. Providers can vary a lot – from the speeds they offer and how much they charge, to how long it takes to repair a cut fiber line and restore an outage. It’s not available everywhere, so if you have the option to choose fiber, you might want to look into it if speed is important to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • What if I need help?

 

PCI Broadband is here to help! You can find tutorials and instructional guides on this website, and you can speak to a local technician over the phone or in person 5 days a week. US based technical support is available 24 hours per day 365 days a year.

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