How do I get started with fiber?
08/11/2023 - WCCBP - ~3 Minutes
Wondering how to get started with fiber? Here’s our quick-and-simple guide.
If you’re in a hurry and wondering if you should switch, we think the choice is simple: HCC is cheaper and faster than anything available here today. It’s also likely to be more reliable as it doesn’t get slow in heavy rain or when everyone watches TV at once. That said, if you like your service today, there is no need to switch!
What do I need to get started?
You need two things: to sign up for service and a Wi-Fi system. If you don’t have a Wi-Fi system, you can buy one yourself (our recommendation) or rent a system from HCC. HCC provides the rest, including a new fiber line to your house and an adapter that convert fiber to Ethernet.
How does the fiber get to me?
Fiber lines will follow your electrical service, either overhead from the pole or underground. HCC will do the work for you, so there is no need to find your ladder or shovel!
How much speed do you need?
We recommend a minimum of 100Mb ($64). Bigger households should also consider the gigabit package ($84). Note that in some areas, only gigabit is available due to grant restrictions.
These speeds feel fast to us, but the US average speed today is already ~200Mb and increasing (#7 globally). 100Mb speeds are only #37 globally and falling – currently behind Malta !
Are discounts available?
Yes. HCC participates in federal and state programs that reduce costs for folks in need. Discounts up to $30/month may be available for the 100Mb and gigabit services. Call HCC for details.
Can I keep my old Wi-Fi gear?
Yes, but you probably need to upgrade if you buy the gigabit package. Most routers have an unadvertised house-wide speed limit of 400-600Mb and a per-device limit of 200Mb. This didn’t matter when service was slow, but matters with fiber. A good system should deliver at least 500Mb to any one device, and a full gigabit when 2+ people are using it.
If you want a quick fix, the Amazon eero pro 6 mesh system is a good, gigabit-ready, system. You can add more nodes to cover your whole house. For more information on picking a system, read more in our article here .
Should I rent a Wi-Fi system from HCC?
If you know how to set up Wi-Fi, buying is cheaper than renting. Renting is an advantage if you need HCC to help monitor your system.
The system HCC is renting is state of the art and gigabit ready (a Plume Wi-Fi 6E system). This is as good as any system you can buy yourself.
Can I watch TV?
Yes. All streaming services work with HCC. The faster speeds should improve them too as there will be less buffering, lag, and you can watch higher resolution without hitting a data cap (satellite and cell).
HCC also sells a cable TV alternative if you don’t want to use a streaming service. This includes cable boxes that use Wi-Fi that replace your current satellite or cable boxes. Call HCC for channel lineups and more details.
Can I get phone service?
Yes. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon also support Wi-Fi calling for free, which uses your local Wi-Fi like a cell tower. HCC’s fiber broadband will make this service much more reliable for you. If you have good Wi-Fi coverage, most folks don’t need a landline.
HCC also sells a landline service that can connect to your existing phones if you don’t have a cell phone.