High-Speed Internet Solutions in the Woods
By Laurie Brenner
A high-speed Internet solution in the woods may be closer than you think. It all hinges on several factors. If you receive cable television, you more than likely can receive cable broadband high-speed Internet. If you have a satellite dish set up for television reception, satellite Internet is another option. Wireless technology is available to you if you have a cell phone with reception at your home in the woods. Phone-line upgrades mean that digital subscriber lines are available or, alternatively, fiber optics can provide access. If any of these scenarios are a match, you have a solution for a high-speed Internet connection.
Wireless Internet
Wireless telephones with Internet services operate by "cells." In the middle of each cell is a cell tower with multiple antennas on it. The frequency range of a cell-phone tower is five to seven miles and is line-of-sight: If you can see the tower, there's a good chance you'll have wireless reception. Finding out which carrier is on the cell-phone tower is a matter of calling the various carriers in your area and asking them. You can also drive up to the tower and look for the logos of companies such as Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile (unless the tower is disguised as a tree). If you have a phone from one of these carriers (or another carrier) already and receive reception at your home in the woods, then contact the carrier and request wireless Internet service as well. This solution requires a dongle -- a piece of hardware that inserts into your computer or laptop -- from the carrier for Internet reception.
Digital Subscriber Lines
If the woods you live in have been updated with new phone lines, it's a good bet that you'll have access to DSL. Available directly through the phone lines, DSL provides high-speed Internet through a variety of carriers, depending upon the prominent landline carrier in your area. Call your local telecommunications service or log on to its website and check for DSL service in your area.
Cable
Watching television requires a signal received through the air, a satellite dish or cable connections. If you have cable, then you might have access to cable broadband high-speed Internet. Contact your local cable carrier or log on on to its website and check its bundled offerings. High-speed Internet might be inexpensive and easily available.
Satellite Internet
If no other options are available, you may require a satellite Internet installation. Though forests are typically dense, there are usually locations within it that have the necessary clear exposure to the southern or southeastern view of the sky. A satellite dish is barely 30 inches across, with the signal footprint it receives in a much smaller area than that. Satellite Internet dishes can be installed on a pole, on a roof or under a eave. Contact satellite Internet carriers in your area and have a representative come out to test whether or not your home is viable for satellite Internet reception.
References
Writer Bio
As a native Californian, artist, journalist and published author, Laurie Brenner began writing professionally in 1975. She has written for newspapers, magazines, online publications and sites. Brenner graduated from San Diego's Coleman College.