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Northern Lights Fiber
Is Starlink Right for Rural Communities?

Is Starlink Right for Rural Communities?

Nov 30, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

Xpay.com, Tesla Inc., and SpaceX are just a few of Musk’s brainchildren, and the latter was founded in 2002 with the mind-boggling goal to colonize space. No matter how you may feel about him, you’ve certainly got to hand it to Musk: when it comes to ideas, the sky truly is the limit! This brings us to the matter at hand: In 2019, SpaceX announced its latest projects, one of which was Starlink. But what exactly is Starlink? And is it really everything it’s cracked up to be?

What Is Starlink?

Satellite internet technology has been around for decades. Internet connectivity is transmitted by radio waves emitted by satellites orbiting thousands of miles above the Earth’s atmosphere. Those radio waves are received by ground stations and then sent right into your home. Plenty of people already use satellites to connect their homes to the internet.

 

For example, one of the leading satellite internet providers, HughesNet, has satellites that sit 22,000 miles above the Earth. Starlink is also a satellite internet service, but the company is utilizing low-orbiting satellites that operate only 300 miles above the surface. This translates to improved internet speeds and reduced latency when compared to other satellite providers. Moreover, SpaceX plans to continue the launch of these satellites in the coming years. There will be as many as 40,000 new satellites arranged in what the corporation refers to as a ‘constellation.’

 

Satellite Internet Challenges

Getting Starlink in your home starts with a hefty investment right off the bat. The initial $760 fee gets you the satellite dish and the Wi-Fi router, and you can expect to pay $140 per month for internet services. That’ll get you 1TB of usage during the day, with overage fees of $0.32/GB (About $30 to download a newer game, or $5 to stream a movie!) Compare that to Canadian Fiber Optics $89.99 for a symmetrical 100Mbps, with unlimited usage, with options for free installation!

 

There also comes the obstacles of maintenance. We monitor our network consistently and have prepared our techs to be able to react to, and fix a large scale issue should it occur within only a few hours. If a satellite goes down leaving you in the dark with no network, it takes a little bit longer to get into orbit for repairs.

 

Choose Reliability and Scalability with Fiber

These days, reliable internet is more important than ever, especially for those living in rural areas. It helps keep us connected, employed, and entertained. Interrupted connectivity—even a short one—can make a world of difference for those who depend on it. Fiber is a buried infrastructure, meaning the weather won’t take away your reception, and it’s built to last. We’ve designed our network to work consistently, and scale with your communities’ needs. Our services currently scale to 10,000Mbps (that’s almost 1,000x faster than what many residents get today!) and is built to grow beyond that without extensive work and repairs. 

While Starlink will be a welcome option for customers who only have traditional satellite internet—or none at all—it simply can’t compare to the reliability, functionality, and future proofing of your community that a fiber network does.

For guaranteed fast, reliable, and affordable internet services, fiber from Canadian Fiber Optics and Northern Lights Fiber is the way to go.

Best Things to Do After Getting Fiber Internet

Best Things to Do After Getting Fiber Internet

Aug 18, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

You’ve Made the Change To Fiber Internet

So you’ve made the right choice, switched to Northern Lights Fiber’s high-speed fiber internet, and already experiencing faster downloads and improved reliability while you’re online.

You may be wondering about some of the best ways to enjoy your new fiber internet connection.

Well, there are several things you can do to make the most of Northern Lights Fiber’s fiber service and improve life in your home. Faster, more reliable internet opens doors to great entertainment, more efficiency, and even cost savings.

From getting rid of cable TV and enjoying streaming entertainment to living more efficiently through smart technology and staying better connected to loved ones, fiber internet provides a new world of convenience and amenities right in your home.

Below we discuss some ideas and suggestions to make your new fiber internet work for you!

Cancel Cable and Cut the Cord

Now that you’ve switched to fiber internet, you no longer need cable—or any additional devices, wiring, and clutter that takes up valuable space in your home. And you certainly don’t need its extra bills, either. So you can now cancel cable for good!

And we’re not just talking about canceling cable internet service, but cable television service, too. Many streaming services are available for watching your favorite shows and movies online, even live news and sports. And with fiber’s quality and dependability, you can enjoy streaming them as you did with cable TV.

Sign up for Streaming Services

Since your internet connection through fiber-optic technology is faster, more consistent, and more reliable than ever, it’s time to take advantage of streaming services and outstanding entertainment available to you.

Hulu keeps you up-to-date on your favorite shows, both current and classic, while Disney+ streams old Disney films and new entertainment hits.

You’ll be hard-pressed to exhaust the number of movies and TV shows available to stream today.         

You can select one of many live TV streaming apps available, too.

With a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, FUBU, or Sling TV, you can watch live television programs, real-time breaking news and analysis, and live sports and games.

Stream Music Anywhere in Your Home

Streaming entertainment includes more than just movies, TV shows and live sports.

 

Today’s technology lets you fill your home with music through streaming music apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music. These apps let you create playlists of all kinds. Mix your personal “greatest hits list” from a particular artist, or select a playlist from a specific music genre, whether yours is rock, classical music, country, or all of the above!

These apps can also introduce you to new artists and songs you may have never heard. They also create lists of music the app “thinks” you may enjoy based on your prior selections and preferences. And you can ask these apps to shuffle songs from your favorite bands to listen to while you multitask!

Use Smart Devices and Set up a Smart Home

You’ve made the smart choice to switch to fiber internet—so why not use more smart devices?

“Smart devices,” even inexpensive gadgets like Amazon’s Echo Dot with Alexa, can really make your home more pleasant than before. For example, when you pair your Echo Dot to your Spotify account, you can say, “Alexa, play songs from The Eagles.” Before you know it, you’ll be living it up at the Hotel California!

But don’t stop with these smart devices!

You can make your entire home a “smart home” and far more efficient. For example, smart thermometers can monitor air temperature and even humidity in different rooms in your house.

They can also adjust their temperature based on times of the day and other conditions, saving you around 30% off of your energy bills, according to the EPA!

Also, consider smart lighting devices, which do more than save you money—they can also make your home’s atmosphere more appealing.

Use Video Conferencing Apps to Talk to Friends and Family

Having a phone conversation can be rewarding, but it cannot beat the joy of seeing a loved one’s face and smile.

With faster internet through fiber technology, you can experience more than just a person’s voice through conversation. Using apps like Zoom or FaceTime can make you feel like you’re in the same room with your friends and family. You can stay in touch and remain better connected no matter how far apart you may be.

The above suggestions and recommendations are just some of the many ways fiber internet makes life more convenient and fun. So try them out and keep exploring!

And for more helpful tips about how Northern Lights Fiber’s high-speed fiber internet can make your home more livable, follow our social pages or visit our website HERE!

Fiber Internet Increases Home Values

Fiber Internet Increases Home Values

Jul 6, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?

Post Covid Landscape

In the wake of COVID-19, more people than ever before want to work, learn, and access telehealth applications from home. Modern rural lifestyles require modern internet powered by a fiber network—and homebuyers know it. In fact, a 2015 study showed that fiber-delivered internet access could increase a home’s value by up to 3.1%. And that was before a pandemic increased the demand for fast, reliable home internet.

What’s the Data Saying?

A 2015 study, conducted by our neighbors to the south, experts from the University of Colorado and Carnegie Mellon University, was based on national real estate market data collected between 2011 and 2013. It found that fiber internet could boost the value of the average American home by as much as $5,500—a payout on par with adding a brand-new fireplace.

Beyond that, there is an ever-growing body of research linking the investment in broadband networks with accelerated economic performance. Communities with fast and reliable fiber networks often exhibit higher rates of per capita GDP. This is because they can grow, adapt, innovate and support higher flexibility in careers that require critical functions such as remote work. These aspects are invaluable when creating a workable, adaptable town wherein community members have the opportunity to thrive.

The Online Superhighway

Because cable internet and wireless technology is significantly slower and far less reliable than fiber, remote workers who depend on a fast, reliable connection are looking for fiber internet.

Cable internet speeds typically range from 10-250 Mbps for downloads and 5-50 Mbps for uploads. Fiber internet, however, can provide 250-1,000 Mbps each for download and upload—a critical benefit for those looking to use video conferencing tools at home.

The 2015 study found that in homes where 1,000 Mbps (equivalent to 1 Gbps) broadband was available, real estate sale prices were over 7% higher than homes with available speeds of 25 Mbps or less! The need for broadband services in rural communities is even greater than in that of cities and developed metropolitan areas. This means that your properties value is even more likely to benefit from that of fiber infrastructure!

The Future of Fiber

Agn, it’s worth noting the time frame of this study, which was conducted almost ten years ago now. Over the past decade, residential internet access has only become more critical and considerably more valuable.

With over 30% of Canadians working from home as of January 2021, fast, secure, and reliable internet has become an invaluable asset. Not only is the internet a prime source of communication and entertainment, but it’s also essential for the Canadian white-collar workforce.

Even those who don’t work from home are more likely to want high-speed internet for telehealth applications than they were ten years ago. Data show that utilization of online medical services is now a staggering 38 times higher than it was at the beginning of the pandemic.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, better broadband equals more opportunities for remote work and the delivery of digital services. And, of course, better opportunities yield subsequent innovation, including job creation, upward mobility, entrepreneurship, expanding local businesses, and attracting new ones.

Fiber brings massive benefits to communities, so it’s no wonder fiber increases individual home values, too! Sign up HERE to get your home connected to fiber infrastructure so you can work and play faster, easier and better.

The Summer Slowdown: 4 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Summer Internet

The Summer Slowdown: 4 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Summer Internet

Jun 30, 2022 | Our Communities, Why Fiber Optics?

The summer television viewing season isn’t what it used to be.

Once known for endless reruns and launches of shows that studios deemed less likely to be successful, the world of streaming entertainment and the production houses it created are churning out phenomenal content you’ve just got to see.
The trouble is, lots of other people want to watch it too! And quite often, they’re streaming at the same time as you. And with kids out of school for the summer and many people heading indoors to escape the heat, internet usage increases during the dog days of summer. Unfortunately, along with the increased demand, streaming picture quality and overall reliability often decline, frequently turning what should be a relaxing evening into a frustrating experience.

So what can you do to prepare for all of this increased demand? Or maybe you’re worried about the amount of time your kids are on the screen? Or are you doomed to suffer repeated buffering, pixelation, and loading errors during the summer slowdown?

Tip #1: Upgrade to Fiber Internet

Fiber Internet in Grande Cache


The single best thing you can do to improve your internet speed and connection is to upgrade to fiber internet. A technological wonder, fiber internet utilizes fiber-optic cables composed of ultra-thin, tiny strands of glass and other materials that transmit internet data near the speed of light.

As a result, fiber internet’s speeds exceed cable internet, which uses older technology and copper-based materials that cannot compete with fiber’s highest speeds.

Getting a dedicated fiber internet line through Northern Lights Fiber directly to your home means you no longer have to share bandwidth with your neighbors.

Since many in your community are already customers of ours, you may need to move to Tip#2.

Tip #2: Select the Bandwidth to Meet Your Family’s Needs

Once you’ve upgraded to fiber, talk to customer service at Northern Lights about which level of broadband you need.
This will vary from household to household, we can help you determine what will provide the proper amount of bandwidth. If you have multiple people in your home, work from home during the summer, or want to use technology to the max (i.e. security cameras), be sure to choose a plan that offers enough bandwidth for the whole family to use it simultaneously.
This tip will help keep the high-speed internet flowing into your home and devices and help keep the peace in your family!

Tip #3: Use the Northern WiFi App

Now that you have a perfect fiber internet plan for your needs, you should consider using our Northern WiFi App. This is the free App that many of you already have. In a few simple clicks, you can easily:


• Reset your password or SSID
• Run bandwidth tests
• Approve connected devices to use the internet
• Create guest networks (so your in-laws don’t use all your internet)!


Tip #4: Sign Up for our ExperienceIQ and ProtectIQ add-ons

The ProtectIQ and ExperienceIQ functions are not only affordable, but it will give you peace of mind on how the internet is used in your home. We want to deliver the best and safest experience possible!


ProtectIQ is an anti-virus and anti-malware software that is embedded in the WiFi router. This means that every device connected to your network is protected, giving you peace of mind. With protect IQ, you’ll receive


• Malicious website protection, anti-virus and anti-ransomeware packet inspection, and intrusion detection
• Monitoring that automatically blocks anything that looks suspicious coming into your home
• A dashboard that demonstrates how this service is working in your home

Our ExperienceIQ add on allows you to manage screen time in your home, right down to the individual device. You can even filter out YouTube content, ensuring that individual family members watch age appropriate content
Keep in mind that this is much more than limiting or even policing content your kids may use. Parental controls let you prevent your children from using online devices during certain times of day or night, which both reduce their screen time (something all parents aim to do) and increases the amount of bandwidth for you to enjoy!


Many of our Northern Lights Fiber customers have already signed up for ExperienceIQ. So if you want a tutorial on how to use it, please contact us!

By implementing these tips, you can significantly improve the picture quality and reliability of your streaming experience, even with the increased internet demand and higher usage of the summer. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a summer of streaming!

And for more helpful tips on improving your internet experience, Northern Lights Fiber’s social pages!

The Difference Between Northern Lights Fiber and Your Cable Provider

The Difference Between Northern Lights Fiber and Your Cable Provider

Mar 16, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?

The Difference Between Northern Lights Fiber and Your Cable Provider

For years, the best option for internet in Wembley has been cable internet. When it works, it can provide an adequate connection, but it’s susceptible to weather-related outages, peak hour slowdowns, and bandwidth limitations.

Fortunately, something better is on the way (and also here for many Wembley Alberta residents): fiber internet from Northern Lights Fiber. While other providers may advertise “fiber” internet, it’s still built on outdated cable infrastructure. Only our network is 100% fiber. And while we haven’t connected the whole county yet, we’re making progress every day.

But why is fiber better than your past service options? We’re so glad you asked.

#1: Local Support and Service

We separate ourselves from cable companies right away by being a local service provider. Your neighbors from the region are the ones installing the fiber lines, answering your questions on the phone, and helping you get connected. They’re members of your community and care what happens around here, just like you. In fact, our founders are from the Peace Region!

Our focus will always be serving you. We’re never going to strong-arm you into a contract you don’t want or restrict your access to great internet. Our job is to create a fiber internet network that makes your life better.

We understand that reliable internet access is essential for your family. It empowers you to pursue the remote career of your dreams and conduct telehealth visits from home. It ensures remote learning helps your child stay on track (without making you want to throw your computer out the window). And it enables family movie nights that aren’t interrupted by slow download speeds or dropped connections.

And when you have problems or there’s an issue, you can count on us to work hard—and quickly—to make things right.

#2: What You See Is What You Pay

You don’t like seeing surprises on a bill (and neither do we!). That’s why we don’t have hidden fees or fluctuating prices. What you see is what you pay. You can count on it being the same every month. We don’t send inflated bills or charge you when you call in for help. And if you want to make a change to your account, we’ll make sure to accommodate you.

Our pricing is straightforward and https://lightupwembley.ca/products-pricing/ for all to see. Curious about available promos? Just give us a call! We’re committed to transparency and happy to answer any questions you may have.

#3: The Freedom of Fiber

Cable internet providers want you to be dependent on them for both your internet and television access. 

When you switch to fiber internet, you have the freedom of choice. You can cut the cord on cable TV (and those expensive bills!) and enjoy many options for watching live television or streaming your favorite TV shows and movies.

But reliable internet is for more than watching TV—fiber upgrades your life in so many ways! You can skip the waiting room and have a telehealth visit at home. Or you can cut the commute and enjoy the flexibility of remote work.

Better internet is on the way. And we’re excited for you to experience all of the positive changes fiber internet will provide. If you’re still on the fence about making the switch, take a look at this chart and see how we compare to your cable provider:

If fiber internet isn’t available in your neighborhood, don’t worry, it will be soon! You can stay up to date on the installation process by signing up https://lightupwembley.ca/pre-register/. Then, you’ll be notified when fiber internet is available in your neighborhood. We can’t wait to get you connected!

What is ProtectIQ?

What is ProtectIQ?

Jun 18, 2021 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

What exactly is it?

Northern Lights Fiber is committed to providing the safest browsing and connectivity possible. We achieve this through our ProtectIQ software in the Northern Wifi App. ProtectIQ is a network-level security service which protects ALL devices connected to your Wi-Fi. If it’s connected, it’s protected!

What does ProtectIQ do to keep my home network safe?

  • Proactively monitors your home’s incoming traffic and automatically blocks anything suspicious.
  • Blocks attempted visits to known harmful websites, presenting users with a browser message indicating that the website is not available.
  • Provide an active security monitoring service that uses a large and constantly growing database of threats (database is updated weekly).
  • Uses IPS to monitor, notify, and prevent activity like hacking. It will stop a device from trying to gain access to technology like Wi-Fi connected doorbells or baby monitors, virtual meetings, and streams.
  • Actively terminates data transfers before a malicious payload is delivered to any network device.
  • Notifies users whenever security is triggered, with details about the device that was attacked, where the attack came from, and when the attack occurred.

Northern Lights Fiber is commited to providing its customers with the safest, fastest and most reliable connections possible. ProtectIQ is just one more way that we strive to provide a world class experience to our customers. By providing ProtectIQ as a service we ensure safety and security for everyone using their in-home network. Sign up with Northern lights Fiber now and download the Northern WiFi App so you can enjoy premium, managed WiFi today!

 

Wembley Internet 3

Wembley Internet 4

Wembley Internet 2

Wembley Fiber Internet Construction 1

Wembley Fiber Internet Construction

Northern Lights Fiber Wembley Internet

What is ExperienceIQ?

What is ExperienceIQ?

Jun 17, 2021 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

What exactly is it?

ExperienceIQ is a service that protects children or grandchildren from harmful or inappropriate content, limits screen time on devices or applications, and displays online usage through our enhanced parental control app.

How is this going to benefit my family?

  • Block inappropriate categories like pornography or violence
  • Block applications that you deem inappropriate (e.g. gaming applications like Call of Duty, or social applications like Snapchat
  • Set time limits for specific applications, like TikTok to cap screen time
  • Set Safe Search and YouTube Restriction to block harmful or inappropriate content with searching on Google, Bind or YouTube. YouTube restrictions also
    blocks all comments on videos which often include inappropriate language.
  • View usage for all devices to better understand HOW the internet is being used in your home.
  • Prioritize application groups or specific devices to ensure the best possible experiences for your most important needs.
  • Set schedules so that work applications get priority during the day, and streaming applications get priority in the evening.

 

Wembley Internet 3

Wembley Internet 4

Wembley Internet 2

Wembley Fiber Internet Construction 1

Wembley Fiber Internet Construction

Northern Lights Fiber Wembley Internet

What is Northern WiFi?

What is Northern WiFi?

Jun 16, 2021 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

Northern WiFi is an app that allows you to have absolute control over your homes network, commonly referred to as managed WiFi. With the Northern WiFi app you have a vast array of controls, personalizations and safety measures to customize your network to work best for how you like to connect.

Core Functions

  • Change or reset your Wi-Fi network name or
    password directly from the app
  • See the devices currently using your Wi-Fi
  • Categorize your devices (e.g. personal devices,
    work devices, mobile devices, gaming devices.)
    Pause the internet for any device, at any time.
  • Run a speed test (GigaSpire only) to verify the speed you are getting is the speed you are paying for.
  • Receive updates about any planned network
    maintenance, or upcoming community events

Advanced features

  • Create routines for scheduled downtime
    (i.e. bedtime or limited access to gaming devices during school time).
  • Create a temporary or shareable guest network
    without sharing your main network name and
    password. Great for house gussets, visitors,
    babysitters, house sitters, or pet sitters. Text the guest network login information directly from the app.
Why Upload Speed Matters

Why Upload Speed Matters

Nov 15, 2019 | Why Fiber Optics?, WI FI

The future of the internet is sharing―from capturing Instagram-worthy meals to enjoying video chats with friends―and PRTC’s unmatched upload speeds make that future a reality. 

Here are a just few ways Norther Lights Fiber fast, reliable upload speeds make your life easier:

Video chat and live sharing

Skype, FaceTime, and other video messaging services all require robust upstream connections to ensure clear audiovisual quality and to prevent freezing and blackouts. Sharing big news on Facebook or Instagram Live also works better with greater upload speed.

Working or going to school from home

You need a robust upstream connection to interact with colleagues during video conferences, collaborate on team projects, and share important files. Online studies also can tax your upstream connection, especially if you join a virtual classroom or share large portfolios. 

Keeping family, friends, and followers in the loop

Upload new videos to YouTube or share photographs with Flickr faster with a better upstream connection. 

Faster data backups and online file synching 

If you back up your data with a service like Backblaze or Carbonite, you need upload speed that meets basic requirements to ensure your data is protected quickly and without glitches. File and photo synching services like Dropbox, Google Photos, and Microsoft OneDrive all require a minimum of 5 Mbps upload speed to operate properly, and the more upload capacity available, the faster these services can sync and share files.

Online gaming, remote security and much more…

From online gaming to connected security systems that send real-time images through an internet connection, a fast upload connection is key to ensuring all your interactive online activities function well.