Fiber optic technology is the fastest and most reliable telecommunications data delivery system available.
It uses ultra-thin glass strands to send online data between devices with beams of light, resulting in quick download and upload times for crystal-clear video calls, lag-free gaming, seamless file transfers, and smooth video streaming.
While other providers may advertise their fiber network, they don't always tell the whole story. Their network may use a combination of fiber lines from their central office to a neighborhood distribution point which then uses the same old coaxial cables to get the signal to customer homes. Often, these cable connections are split between multiple addresses which can result in slower speeds as it is not a dedicated fiber connection right to the individual subscriber.
A: Fiber optic cables are made of flexible glass and are used in the world’s most advanced communications networks. Fiber optic cables are thinner than a human hair but can transmit virtually unlimited amounts of data faster than the old-fashioned coaxial cable network, satellite, and even the most advanced 4G/5G wireless networks. In fact, these wireless companies rely upon the DirectLink fiber optic network in Canby and Mt. Angel and the surrounding area to function.
Q: Why is DirectLink upgrading the network in my area?
A: DirectLink has invested millions of dollars upgrading its copper telecommunications network since 2006 to stay ahead of consumer and business demand for advanced communications and entertainment services. Fiber optics are immune to the sources of interference and signal degradation that copper networks, like old fashioned coaxial cable TV networks, routinely experience. Fiber optics is also far more reliable than copper and wireless networks. Most importantly, fiber optics are the only network technology that can meet the explosive growth in consumer and business demand for greater broadband speeds and services / applications that require more and more bandwidth.
Q: Are there other advantages to having a connection to a fiber optic network, other than access to innovative services?
A: Yes! In addition to these exceptional services, there are now several years of research showing that having a fiber optic connection to a home increases its value by 3.1 to 4.9%**. For rental properties, data also shows that having fiber optic connectivity significantly increases occupancy rate and reduces renter-churn. Fiber optics also drives growth in home-based businesses, according to recent studies.
Q: What does it mean when you say that you’ll “convert my connection?”
A: When the construction team is ready to connect your home or business to our fiber optic network, we will need to replace the box on the outside of your building where our current copper cables connect to the wiring inside your home or business. In some cases, we might need to upgrade the wiring inside your home to your telephone, or Internet jacks. We will work with you to determine exactly what is required for your home or business, and we’ll schedule a time that’s convenient to you for us to complete the work. There is NO COST TO YOU to convert to fiber.
Q: Will I be required to convert to fiber optics?
A: Yes. We will completely remove the existing copper cable wires from the network when installations are finished in your area. At the time of conversion, your Internet speed (if applicable) will be adjusted to the DirectLink base tier of 100 Mbps. Depending on your current Internet package, this may result in a rate change. This new base speed better aligns the company and members to meet the FCC minimum definition for broadband connections. There are many tiers of even faster speeds available, up to 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps), if you desire. Our Member Services team will reach out to you with speed and product options shortly before your installation appointment.
