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Northern Lights Fiber
Questions on your bill? Find answers here!

Questions on your bill? Find answers here!

Apr 5, 2023 | Why Fiber Optics?, Why Fiber?

Getting blazing fast internet is awesome and you’re sure to enjoy every single aspect of it, but there are often questions regarding the billing of services, how it works and where you pay. This article will address and answer the most common questions we receive regarding your billing. 

How will my first bill look and what are the charges for?  

On your first bill you will see a charge for your modem and a charge for installation, immediately below each of these charges you will see a credit for the equal amount. It is important to note that if you did not sign-up for our pre-installation promotion before September 1st then you may not see an installation credit. 

All billing is conducted on the first of every month, no matter when you sign up for service and receive installation. We will prorate your bill to account for these fluctuations is usage before your first official bill. What this means is your first monthly bill will include a charge for the days between your installation and when you receive for bill. For example, if your service is installed on the 15th of the month, you next bill will include 15 days of service on top of your first monthly charges to cover that time – It is completely normal to see a slightly higher number on your first bill as It reflects this period of usage. 

How do I set up my billing? 

Below you’ll find important Information about navigating the basic functions of our customer portal as well as the step-by-step process for adding your preferred payment method. You can choose a direct withdrawal from your bank account, or you can make payments via credit card, autopay is optional and recommended to maintain consistent payments when paying by credit card. 

If you have any further questions or require a customer service representative to assist you with your bill, please call    587-332-6880 

 

 

Is Starlink Right for Rural Communities?

Is Starlink Right for Rural Communities?

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiber Internet Increases Home Values

Fiber Internet Increases Home Values

Jul 6, 2022 | Why Fiber Optics?, Why Fiber?

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.

Next Open House & Service FAQ’s

Next Open House & Service FAQ’s

May 13, 2022 | Construction Updates, Why Fiber Optics?, Why Fiber?

Hey Sturgeon County!


We wanted to give a quick thanks to all those you attended the Open House at the Calahoo Community Hall. If you missed it, feel free to reach out to us at any time by contacting us at Sturgeon@CanadianFiberOptics.ca! We also want to thank everyone who already signed up! If you want to meet us in person, you still have two more opportunities! We’ll be at two upcoming Open Houses and both take place on May 27th!  

Business open house: May 27th noon we have an open house at the Villeneuve Airport that will provide vital information for businesses of all sizes. Here will will also be gathering information and contacts so that we can build you a free proposal and quote your business on being connected to sturgeon county’s brand new fiber internet. CFOC representatives will be present with expert knowledge on the design and construction of the network that will connect the airport and its neighbors. 

Residential Open House: May 27th from 6pm-8pm we will be at the Riviera Qui Barre Arena meeting more of Sturgeon County’s community members and telling everyone about the cutting edge services we’re bringing to your home!

Q1. Are Your Packages Unlimited Internet?

Yes – all our packages come with UNLIMTED Data. That means there’s no overages, and no surprises on your bill!  

Q2. Do I Have To Sign Up Now?  

No. But there are some benefits to everyone if you do!  

We’re working hard to get every home in Sturgeon County connected as fast as possible. And believe it or not, the more people that sign up – the easier our job is. It allows us to make efficient use of our labor and resources, which allows us to offer our FREE installation promotion and hook up your services faster!    

Most importantly, you are NOT charged until the service actually get installed and activated!  

Q3. What If I Sign Up After?  

If you sign up after our crews are in your neighborhood, there may be a longer delay in getting your internet installed as we prioritize our workforce in the areas that they are working in. If you need an internet upgrade then now is truly the best time to sign up!  

Singing up now ensures you get the free installation promotion. This saves you from having to pay the installation price, which is $150 dollars!  

Q4. When Will My Home Get Connected?
 

Because this is such a large and major project, that’s a hard question to answer. But what we can say is that we are starting construction this month in Villeneuve. It is expected that the first activations will happen sometime late summer, with the entire project wrapped up late fall or early winter.

Q5. Are you guys hiring?  

Yes! This is a BIG infrastructure project, and there’s plenty of jobs to be had! Importantly, we want to create as many jobs for locals as possible.   

We are hiring for the following positions:  

  1. Hydrovac Operator (Canadian Fiber Optics) 
  2. Directional Drill Operator (Canadian Fiber Optics) 
  3. Backhoe Operator (Canadian Fiber Optics) 
  4. Plow Operator (Canadian Fiber Optics)  
  5. Customer Service (Part Time, Casual, or Full Time – Northern Lights Fiber);  
  6. Event Coordinator (Part Time, Casual, or Full Time – Northern Lights Fiber).  

Click HERE to see our CARREERS page.  

Q5. How Far Does Your WiFi Go?  

We love our WiFi routers. They use use the “latest and greatest” WiFi6 technology. And for many homes, there will be no problem ensuring that your internet connection is suitable across your whole home.

In the case that you live in a larger home, or perhaps just want strong signals everywhere, we offer some really awesome bundles to ensure that you have WiFi in all the places that matter to you!
 

Q6. How Many Devices Can I Connect to the New Network?  

We heard from many people that their WiFi Routers can only connect up to 10 devices at a time. The good news is that our routers can connect 250 devices!  


You might think like that’s a lot, but we think you’ll appreciate it (especially with unlimited internet usage).

If you’d like to sign up for our services today, click the button below to visit our site and begin chosing the plan that works for you!

Sign Up
Canadian Fiber Optics Partnering with Sturgeon County

Canadian Fiber Optics Partnering with Sturgeon County

May 9, 2022 | Construction Updates, Why Fiber Optics?, Why Fiber?

Investing in Rural Alberta

From Sturgeon County’s press release:

Residents and businesses in Sturgeon County are officially one step closer to having reliable, accessible, and affordable high-speed internet right to their door. After an extensive selection process, Sturgeon County has partnered with Canadian Fiber Optics for the development and operation of a fiber-based internet service, starting with a pilot project in the south-west corner of the county that includes the Hamlets of Villeneuve, Calahoo, and Riviere Que Barre, the Villeneuve Airport, and the Heritage and ProNorth Industrial Parks.

 

“High-speed internet is a need-to-have versus a nice-to-have for our residents and businesses, which is why we approved the broadband strategy and are investing up to $7.3 million for the pilot project area. Sturgeon County is very excited to be working with Canadian Fiber Optics to help fulfill Council’s vision for a connected community. Their experience with rural connectivity solutions and appreciation of the challenges faced by rural communities made them a clear front-runner for the Sturgeon County broadband project.”
– Mayor Alanna Hnatiw, Sturgeon County

Resetting The Benchmark

While rural municipalities have been tackling the issue of rural broadband for a number of years, Sturgeon County’s solution is quite unique. After extensive consultation with the industry, the County developed a shared risk/reward model where both the County and Canadian Fiber Optics contribute financially to the development and operation of the service and share the revenue. The County also implemented an FTTP (Fiber-To-The-Premises) approach that offers residents and businesses the fastest and most reliable technology available, providing speeds starting at 100Mbps (twice the Canadian standard) and capable of 10Gbps, faster or equal to any service in Canada.

A Rejuvenating Investment in Rural Communities

This bold investment will strike directly at the digital divide and empower the residents of Sturgeon County and its local industry. Canadian Fiber Optics believes in the right to connect, grow, communicate and streamline both lifestyle and business. This partnership will foster crucial opportunity in Sturgeon County and ensures future proof fiber connectivity that will benefit both residents and businesses for generations to come.

To connect your business to fiber optic internet contact Cole Summach: Cole@canadianfiberoptics.ca

To learn more about how we can invest and build fiber optic internet in your community contact Johann Reimer: Johann@canadianfiberoptics.ca

More information on the County’s broadband initiative can be found at sturgeoncounty.ca/internet.